The Last Samurai
Set in Japan during the 1870s, The Last Samurai tells the story of Capt. Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise), a respected American military officer hired by the Emperor of Japan to train the country's first army in the art of modern warfare. As the Emperor attempts to eradicate the ancient Imperial Samurai warriors in preparation for more Westernized and trade-friendly government policies, Algren finds himself unexpectedly impressed and influenced by his encounters with the Samurai, which places him at the center of a struggle between two eras and two worlds, with only his own sense of honor to guide him.
Member Reviews
Great film - simpleme
This film was just incredible. The emotions and power that are portrayed evoke strong reactions, to be sure. The acting, I found, was quite good, and I thought it to be very believable.
Sure there were some inconsistencies, but that's how it goes. The story itself was amazing and inspiring, proof that no matter how far down you are in your life, it is always possible to break free and improve your situation and overall mental stability.Wonderful movie! - apecop
This movie made me cry a lot but i am a sucker when it comes to deep spiritual journeys... it is pretty gruesome during the fight scenes but what comes out of this movie is a tremendous sense of loyalty and friendship. When you judge someone and realise that this is probably the best friend you would ever have in your life, and realise it too late; it is just sad ...but the movie makes you reflect on this aspect of human nature and of course it is very well filmed and well acted and the story is wonderful.
I love those movies that can transport you through the time and able to make you feel like you are living through the characters the emotions and challenges that they have to face.absolutely wonderful!A beautiful, spiritual journey - Lone_Wolf
The Last Samurai turns out to be more of a spiritual journey for Algren, the main character in the film. Instead of him being a heroic do-no-evil hero, he is actually a drunk with no reason to live. When he is captured by the samurai and taken to their village, he begins a journey of self realization and redemption. He begins to find inner peace, he discovers purpose. The audience very closely identifies with Algren’s journey because the spirituality and sense of harmony he seeks is something that everyone can relate to. I think that is why I can watch The Last Samurai so many times; I feel like I know what he is looking for, and I see it in the samurai way of life.
There is defiantly a very spiritual aspect to the film, and it’s the strongest, best developed part – the heart and core – of The Last Samurai. I also really loved the character of Katsumoto, both because of the amazing performance from Ken Watanabe, and because I really liked how Katsumoto and Algren mirrored each other. It’s buried deep in the subtext, but if you look closely there is a very close relationship between the two characters – an ‘understanding’ – which was very well developed.
Despite the blunder of an ending, The Last Samurai is still a movie I’ve come to very much appreciate and enjoy seeing even after its release all the way back in 2003. It has a heart to it - a spirituality - that most Hollywood fare completely lacks. There are flaws and problems, and you can tell that it didn’t entirely escape the clutches of Hollywood producers, but even so the core of the film remains intact. Algren’s journey is beautiful and spiritual - one that you find yourself relating to. And on top of that are some excellent sword battles, stunning photography, and one of the best film scores in recent memory. I guess the best way to sum The Last Samurai up is to say it’s a bit like the other person in a relationship; despite all their warts and flaws, you still love them.
Member Reviews
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Great film - simpleme
This film was just incredible. The emotions and power that are portrayed evoke strong reactions, to be sure. The acting, I found, was quite good, and I thought it to be very believable.
Sure there were some inconsistencies, but that's how it goes. The story ...Wonderful movie! - apecop
This movie made me cry a lot but i am a sucker when it comes to deep spiritual journeys... it is pretty gruesome during the fight scenes but what comes out of this movie is a tremendous sense of loyalty and friendship. When you judge someone and realise that ...A beautiful, spiritual journey - Lone_Wolf
The Last Samurai turns out to be more of a spiritual journey for Algren, the main character in the film. Instead of him being a heroic do-no-evil hero, he is actually a drunk with no reason to live. When he is captured by the samurai and taken to their village, ...