The Last Samurai (2003)
In the face of an enemy, in the heart of one man, lies the soul of a warrior.
Starring: Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, William Atherton, Chad Lindberg, Ray Godshall Sr., Billy Connolly, Tony Goldwyn, Masato Harada, Masashi Odate, John Koyama, Timothy Spall, Schichinosuke Nakamura, Togo Igawa, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shun Sugata, Koyuki
Director: Edward Zwick
Running Time: 154 minutes
US MPAA rating: N/AUK BBFC rating: 15
Action, Adventure, Drama, War
'The Last Samurai' could well be to Japan what Braveheart was to Scotland. Both are big, blustering, battlefield epics, set within genuine historical events, but at the same time contorting that history almost beyond recognition in order to meet the demands of Hollywood. Similarly, just as Braveheart used neither a Scottish star nor director (Mel Gibson did both jobs), 'The Last Samurai' is a starring vehicle for Tom Cruise and directorial project of fellow American Edward Zwick. While both films make for some entertaining viewing, their self-imposed distance from their own origin tends to dilute their potential impact.
Here, we've got the daft premise of Cruise as Captain Nathan Algren, a washed-up and drunken remnant of Custer's cavalry, paid by the Japanese government to help train their army for battle against samurai rebels. For Algren, it seems like a good chance to make some big money quickly - that is until he's captured by the samurai leader Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe), ends up spending the entire winter with the rebels, and discovers them not to be the backward gaggle of savages the government would have us believe. Conflict of interests, here we come.
Despite the problems I had accepting the general storyline, it must be said that this is an extremely well put-together piece of work. The battle scenes - which use real action as opposed to CGI - are stupendous, and despite the lengthy running time the film is quickly-paced and at times genuinely exciting.
Cruise, meanwhile, produces a masterful performance, and it's not difficult to see why his part in this one has earned him more than a few name-checks for the year's big industry gongs. His character grows and develops as the movie progresses, changing from a cynical drunk (albeit a fairly unusual drunk, in that he keeps a journal) to a noble and broad-minded hero figure.
'The Last Samurai' doesn't offer anything particularly thought-provoking or original, but it's classier than most of the over-computerized action movies we have to put up with nowadays, and is guaranteed to hold your interest. And judging by the title, there won't be a sequel - what better reason to head along to your local theatre and catch it?
It's Got: Minor roles for UK stalwarts Timothy Spall and Billy Connolly.
It Needs: For someone to tell the "keeping a journal" idea to some of the drunks round my way. It might make a nice alternative from yelling obscenities at passers-by and relieving themselves in flowerbeds.
Alternatives: Seven Samurai, Braveheart
Summary: The greatest epic of the year so far. Who cares if it's only January?
Review by Gary Panton
Review Date: 1st September 2004
External Links
Official Web Site
The Last Samurai at the IMDB
Comments11 Comments |
| This was the best movie that I personally have ever seen. The action scenes were just fantastic, it had a brilliant storyline, but most of all, the views of the Japanese countryside, and the lifestyle and culture of the Samurai were truly amazing to experience. 10/10, two thumbs up. |
| Comment by:- Reviewer | | 28 May 2004 | ip: logged |
| This film was absolutely fantastic even though the overall storyline was at parts confusing 11/10. The action scenes were amazing |
| Comment by:- Matthew Doherty | www.no-fear-so-bring-it.cjb.ne... | 23 August 2004 | ip: logged |
| yeah it was a dam good movie. So good im doing a speach on it in english |
| Comment by:- Joe bloggs | | 19 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| i liked it so much, I think is better than the lord of rings or the titanic.. |
| Comment by:- ezequiel | | 29 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| This is a very good film and one that is imbued with an underlying spirituality as well. Ken Watanabe is the true star of this film of course and blows Tom Cruise out of the water. It is quite slow in places but the sense of slow-burning tension that underpins it never allows it to drag, even for a moment. This film comes highly receommended though I did think the ending was a tad corny. |
| Comment by:- Mitchell | | 08 October 2004 | ip: logged |
| Tom can pick em, thats for sure. This film is a good vehicle for his corner-of-the-eye assured uterances that come over in good script writing. TLS is a Charlton Heston style epic with hairy balls. Good moral values mixed with thunderous fight scenes and underlying sexual frustration. Always a good mix. High Points: Seeing that bastard Connolly killed, (yea) Tom putting on Samurai armour, riders in the misty woods, cowardly Japs, brave Japs. Low Point: Tom isnt a convincing drunk I'm afraid. He didnt throw up once ! |
| Comment by:- Boanerges | | 18 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| This was an inspiring movie. We as a people need to look to our past to learn from our mistakes. War is not the answer. Honorable people die in battle while the beauracrats sit at home in comfort. Such bastards. |
| Comment by:- Musashi | | 07 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| Brilliant film - so good I am doing my english book review on it! 10/10 |
| Comment by:- James Cotten | | 11 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| fantastic film. It is an epic. The main concept that the movie attempted to depict, which is honor was portrayed through the change of Japan from old to modern, is such a moving and inspiring aspect that it moves me every time i watch this movie. The samurai fought and died to attempt at preserving this crucial element of honor that no one respects these days, as many live meaningless lives not honoring the code....sort of sad... anyway, 10/10 |
| Comment by:- avi | | 20 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| I loved this movie. I am usually not interested in movies in this category but now its one of my favorites. I recommend it to everyone. its filled with so much honor that you feel different after you watch it. i cant explain it |
| Comment by:- Terri | | 24 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| before i saw the movie i didn't expect that much because of the bad reviews... After I saw this movie I felt like putting on samurai armour and fight! ah this is the best movie i have ever seen 11/10 (i don't get where the bad reviews came from ?) |
| Comment by:- ted | | 27 December 2004 | ip: logged |
