Rating: 
Summary: The Last Samurai - stunning
Review: This is an absolutely wonderful film - sensitive and beautiful, and one that stays in your mind long after. I was much impressed with Tom Cruise's acting for the first time. Gone was the flashy smile, the top gun, the cocky attitude. Instead, there was depth and credibility and grit. The film's photography takes your breath away - whether the eeriely beautiful landscape scenes or the incredible what-did-I-just-see action/swordplay scenes. The magnitude of the battle scenes makes one wonder how ever were they choreographed and filmed. The battles are brutal yes, but bearable even for those of us who watch through fingers over the eyes. The attraction between Cruise and the Japanese widow was done with more taste than I would have given Hollywood credit for -- all poignancy and delicacy. Indeed, the Japanese actors are uniformly fine - Ken Watanable is wonderful in his understatement, and the children simply delightful. Everything - story, atmosphere, costuming, action - all are marvelous. If it takes a little suspension of disbelief, so what? Go see this fabulous entertainment.
Rating: 
Summary: Shogun meets Dances With Wolves
Review: Gotta give it up to director Edward Zwick. This guy can flat out craft a beautiful film--a movie with a solid story, characters in conflict, and cinematic vistas that take your breath away. His latest epic, THE LAST SAMURAI, is certainly no exception to this filmmaker's impressive repertoire (a little French lingo there).Enter Tom Cruise as a depressed, hard-drinking Army captain haunted by atrocities he's both witnessed and committed to the plains Indians. It's hard to like a character who doesn't like himself, and the brooding captain--a restless soul looking to exorcise his demons--has few, if any, redeeming qualities. Yet the Empire of Japan likes what it sees, as it hires the officer to train a new army to fight the Samurai, the fierce warriors committed to preserve Japan's "old ways." Okay, so the story is predictable: Cruise (who fights gallantly against such superior swordsmen) is taken captive by the Samurai, led by Japan's "Most Wanted," Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe). And Cruise, going cold turkey, comes to appreciate--to love and embrace--the noble Samurai culture, to the point he helps defend it against the Emperor's army he's been hired to train. Sure, everyone in the theater knew the direction the story was headed, but it doesn't take away from the development of trust and brotherhood between the Westerner and his newfound friends. Shogun and Dances with Wolves would be proud. The fighting scenes are exciting (and implausible); the visual aesthetics stunning. While THE LAST SAMURAI may not be Zwick's best effort, it's darn sure worth a trip to the local cinema.
--D. Mikels
Rating:
Summary: A man does what he can until his destiny is revealed
Review: I think it was Hemingway who talked about how you kept shaving the two ends of a story, trying to find the perfect beginning and ending for the tale. That came to mind when watching "The Last Samurai" and thinking about how many of the three ends I would cut away to make the end of the film as fulfilling as the set up. After over two hours of watching East and West collide in the form of Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe), and Nathan Algren (Tom Crusie), to have the ending go Hollywood was just so unsatisfying. This is a tragic story, which necessitates a tragic ending, both by the logic of the tale and the facts of Japanese history. Algren is a Civil War hero who left the military after participating in some of the atrocities committed by the Seventh Cavalry under George Armstrong Custer and has been trying to drink away the nightmares. The news of the Little Big Horn does nothing to improve his mood. When Omura (Masato Harada), a minister for the Emperor Meiji, offers a princely sum for Algren to travel to Japan and train the Emperor's troops in the ways of western warfare, he jumps at the chance. The Emperor wants to make Japan a modern nation, and towards that end has declared an end to the samurai. Algren might have a drinking problem, but he knows how to train troops and how to lead men. He knows his troops are not ready, but he is ordered to march on Katsumoto. The green troops, even with their superior fire power, are no match for the charging samurai. Although he might have a death wish, Algren will not meet death willingly, and while his troops scatter he fights on in a display that impresses Katsumoto. Algren had expressed a need to understand his enemy, and Katsumoto feels the same need and orders the American spared. The samurai retreat in Katsumoto's province for the winter, where Algren heals and engages in a series of "conversations" with Katsumoto. The common denominator between the two men is their inherent sense of honor, which transcends their two cultures. Katsumoto serves his emperor by being in rebellion against him, while Algren has a personal code that keeps him from offering an apology until he can do so in the language the other person can understand. We know that Algren will change sides, so we can enjoy the process by which his allegience shifts. There are obvious parallels to "Shogun," but I have no problem with that. Algren is a superior warrior to Pilot-Major John Blackthorne, which is proven in the first battle, even before he learns how to fight with a sword like a samurai. More importantly, he is able to advise on strategy and tactics for the final encounter with the troops he helped to train. The fight sequences are excellent, emphasizing speed and power more than blood and gore. As always I wish such sequences were not so heavily edited, but that is a standard complaint with virtually all action films today. I have heard complaints that "The Last Samurai" runs too long, but that misses the point that most of the film takes place at the appropriately slower tempo of a Japanese film. Viewers familiar with the films of Akira Kurosawa will recognize and appreciate the rhythm, which fits both the choreography of the battle scenes and the many moments of quiet contemplation by the characters. This is a film where the closing of a screen door can be as eloquent as any speech. Similarly, there is nothing in Cruise's performance that distracts from the power of the story, and Watanabe creates a proud but human leader caught at a historical nexus; it is only the endings of this film that stop "The Last Samurai" from being a truly great epic. Ironically, for a historical drama such as this one, it is the effort to put the film's final battle in Western terms that may well cause the problems at the end ("Western" as in "Western Civilization" and not as in the Wild West). Algren has already made his disdain for Custer and his last stand clear to both us and Katsumoto, and he sees the final battle instead as Thermopylae, where 300 Spartans held over the million troops of the Persian army. Algren admits the Spartans all died, but points out that the Persians were defeated. In that historical analogy director Edward Zwick and his other screenwriters find the impulse to provide a similar happy ending for this tragic tale. They fail to see the obvious conclusion to be drawn from the lessons of their own story.
Rating:
Summary: The Way of the Samurai.........Powerful film.
Review: I would definitely rate this movie five stars. It is about Japan and the West's collision course of competiting interests. If the viewer has any historical familiarity on Japan's early history, post Commodore Matthew C. Perry's Black Ships and "coercive trade policies," and how the West wanted a foothold in Japan, the viewer would greatly enjoy this movie. And for the viewer who does not have background information, the viewer will enjoy the journey. This movie, in large part, explores the philosophy (way of the warrior, Samurai) and how Japan's early Western influences were in strong disagreement with some traditionalist, Samurai. The Samurai is the way of the warrior, a certain philosophy, tradition, beliefs, values, and when certain Japanese businessmen want to transform this traditional fabric, the Samurai oppose this cultural transformation, in battle. Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Koyuki, and a cast of others do a superb artistic performance. This movie held my complete attention. It was great. A movie well made and presented. A movie with the right timing. The actress Koyuki is a very beautiful woman. She perfoms very well, a natural talent. I would love to see her in more films. Many thanks, Mr. Diego R. Rodriguez
Rating:
Summary: This movie ROCKS!
Review: Just to get it out of the way - Tom Cruise does a great job. But this movie is a stellar example of one where the "star" is just one part of a much bigger picture. I would give huge kudos to the producer and director who handled the subject matter with self control and subtlety without flinching from potentially corny subjects like honor and loyalty. The scene where Cruise's female caretaker sends him off to fight was perfectly done.
Rating:
Summary: Where are the American Samurais?
Review: Reading this may ruin your viewing of the movie, Last Samurai, by forwarning you of what it is about. The latest Tom Cruise movie, The Last Samurai is a terrific movie-- portraying the role of big business in pushing for and aiding in the elimination of a native culture that was not supportive of trade and commerce, in this case, in Japan. And of course the US was there to provide and sell weapons and military training to kill the simple, less technological natives.
Cruise plays a tortured yet heroic character, asurvivor of the Civil War and Indian wars who stands up to the commercial, US and japanese forces who are attempting to wipe out the last of the Samurais. He stands up to these powers because it is the right thing, the noble thing to do. Why don't we see American warriors standing up. It is almost impossible for men and women GIs in Iraq to speak out. But where are the veterans who can see that the Iraq quagmire has been a bumbling fraud, built on lies and stupid unpreparedness. Where are the brave men and women who fought in Iraq in 1991 to free Kuwait, who should clearly see what a horrific travesty the Bush administration machinations have been. The movie was one of the best of the year, with Oscar caliber acting, script, set, and costumes, in a season with a plethora of disappointing films. I left with a glow in my heart and feeling both inspired and disgusted-- inspired by the heroic actions Tom Cruise portrays, disgusted by the way the US government has had a history of helping in the wiping out of indigenous noble cultures. I write this as a liberal who publishes a liberal news and opinion website op ed news dot com. I'm curious how conservatives viewed this flick.
Rating:
Summary: Ken Watanabe deserves an Oscar!
Review: I have to admit that I was a bit worried about seeing this film. What, with all the reports of the "White savior" and how the trailer seemed to taunt that idea. I have to admit, my preconceptions were blown out of the water! The Last Samurai reflects several historical perspectives accurately: the American desire for international influence and power, American ignorance that ran rampant throughout the time (directed towards Native Americans and the Japanese), Japan's desire for modernization and the Samurai's struggle to maintain their dying culture in the midst of westernization. In the end, a little bit of the importance for those themes is lost, but we'll cover that in a bit. The story itself revolves around the personal experiences of Nathan Algren, played by Tom Cruise. Algren, after leading a successful (and bigoted) campaign against Native Americans travels to Japan to help quell a "Samurai rebellion" in a conflict between the new and the old. However, captured by his enemies, Algren spends the next several months living with the Samurai, coming to appreciate their culture and atoning for his past mistakes in assisting the Samurai in an attempt to preserve the culture they believe in. I was wholly impressed with Cruise's performance throughout the movie as his character makes a dramatic transformation from a belligerent alcoholic to being appreciate and reflective (Note: Although the scene where Algren is dressed by Naka, obviously lacks any nudity, it's highly sensual!) For what could have easily been a high budget potential summer blockbuster with a shallow performance, Cruise wasted no energy in his character, one of his better performances. Howevever, I have to admit that Cruise's performance was dim compared to Ken Watanabe's performance of Katsumoto, the ACTUAL LAST SAMURAI! Katsumoto's appeal as the intriguing, strong, lighthearted and wise leader of the Samurai, certainly earns him the best supporting actor nomination (if not award), in my opinion! However, the appeal of Katsumoto also helps to highlight one of this movie's two weaknesses. Katsumoto (Watanabe) is so good, that he deserves more screen time than he receives. The same belief is the case with other characters, such as Hiroyuki Sanada as Ujio and Koyuki as Taka. The movie simply centers on Algren's perspective and fails to accomplish any dynamicism by following the storylines of other integral characters whose perspectives and performances certainly command attention. This movie would have been far more moving than it actually is had those avenues been explored. My second beef with the movie deals with the ending, which is somewhat redeeming, but also corrective of it's initial mistake (I'm not going to ruin it for you). In any case, the director could have taken many different paths with the ending and the product only reflects one. Let's just say I hope the DVD corrects both weaknesses with added scenes and alternative endings. In the end, you leave a whole appreciation for Samurai culture and beliefs and with a little bit of relief that the delicate cultural themes throughout the movie could have been handled far less sensitively! The ending is forgivable, but the lack of attention to other characters drops my rating to 4 stars. In its released form, the actual product is very moving, however, its needs a little bit more polishing to make it a masterpiece. This will be a remembered movie, nonetheless. Mr. Watanabe, you may accept your Oscar come springtime!
Rating:
Summary: TRADITION VS NEW AGE
Review: This is the story of a semi-retired U.S,miltary captain. Who is requested with a substancail pay too go Japan and aid in the training of troops too stop a uprising of the last Samurai nation.
Tom Cruise -plays Cap.Algren-who has fallen into a world of regret for his past military transgretions.He is very fond of the bottle.After a promotional preformence for the Smith and weston company Algren is brougth too a meeting with Col.Bagley-and a Japaness ambastor Omura.Omura request his aid in training the emperors army in the ways of modern guns:too surpress a rebel uprising of Samurai's ,lead by Katsumoto.He accepts with a pay 3*'s his captains salery .With Bagley and others in tow. This is also used as a opening for trade between the Smith and Western comapny and Japan.
Cap.algren once in Japan beings too learn the drive behind crushing the Rebelion is Omura-who wants in his veiw not only protect emerpor and people,but also too Moderenize Japans military,and acheve personal economic gain.
At the first operatunty Omura and Bagley ,order Algren too take his unready troops into battle too protect the railroad lines.But instead of fall back as ordered Algren remains in the center of the conflict and is caputered.He is spared because of vision by Katsumoto.
He is placed in the care a woman who's husband he had killed just prior too being caputered.He soon learns from Katsumoto-he is too be held untile winters end. Over the time he spends in the village he begins too respect and learn the ways of the Samurai.He also understands and eventually sides with Katsumoto who also is protecting his people by way of protecting traditions a 1000yrs old.In the end he earns the respect of the village,forgiveness of the man he killed family and is requested too wear his armor into battle.He also takes a sword the village crafts men made for him.
Rating:
Summary: Best Picture of the Year
Review: The best movie I have seen so far this year, it is absolutely wonderful. I recommend it to anyone and everyone, a must if you like good movies.
Rating: 
Summary: Better than I thought it would be.
Review: I expected this movie to be "Dances with Wolves"/"Lawrence of Arabia" goes to Japan. Well, it sort of is but it stands on its own and was much better than I thought it would be. I don't know much about Japanese history, so I'll leave that to other reviewers. Basically, down-on-his-luck and cynical Civil War veteran Algren (Cruise) goes to Japan to modernize the emperor's army, gets captured by samurai who are defending tradition, and comes to join them in their doomed struggle to stem modernization. It has great scenery, fairly restrained performances by Cruise and Ken Watanabe as the leader of the samurai, and some pretty good battle scenes. Don't get me wrong, this movie is Hollywood all the way but it's a smashing yarn reminiscent of those old blockbusters from the fifties and sixties like "Lawrence." It is full of cliches and is often predictable but it still raises enough questions and contradictions to bear discussion over coffee. The samurai has sworn to defend the emperor but is in revolt, Cruise goes over to the samurai and fights the emperor and his American advisors, and falls in love with one of his battlefield victim's widows. Are they honorable? Are they all traitors? To what end does one seek honor? Not the deepest or freshest questions to hit the screen but they are not really answered in the film so discuss amongst yourselves. It is also a bit of a departure that Cruise's character is not an idealist like Lawrence for instance, but becomes one. He does not try to teach the samurai western ways (with the exception of a little Greek battlefield strategy). Strangely enough, this movie reminded me more of the relatively unknown samurai action flick "The Hunted" with Christopher Lambert and also a bit of "Dune" in its action, characters, and plot development. It surely borrows heavily from Kurosawa but imitation is admiration. The casting is great. Cruise is good but Ken Watanabe and his band of samurai are amazingly strong presences and are the epitome of samurai "cool." The ending is a little drawn out and very predictable but it won't ruin the movie. Finally, some reviewers have commented on the annoying voice-overs here and there. Actually, there are voice-overs by Cruise's character (from his diary) and a British translator who apparently documented the story. Both could easily be discarded and the film would be better if they were cut out. Sort of reminds me of the "Bladerunner" situation. Maybe when the director's cut comes out they will trash the voice-overs.
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