The Last Samurai

Review by: lancelot

(lancelot@tcats.com)

WOW!!!! Get ready to be amazed as Tom Cruise showcases his most consummate performance in this extraordinary film that is situated in late 1800's Japan where love, honor, tradition, and loyalty were the essence of its culture. A stellar cast, flawless cinematography, a compelling screenplay, fantastic battle and intricately orchestrated fight scenes, authentic costumes, and impeccable direction will make The Last Samurai one of the best-produced historical action/adventure dramas to date! If only this film were available at theaters that utilize IMAX-DMR's innovative technology. Here we have another blockbuster that just craves to be seen on their fabulous screens"¦ one day soon I hope!!

The Last Samurai takes place during a pivotal period in Japanese history, as you will discover their culture is being induced to embrace late 19th century Western civilization's business markets and technology. Cruise (Captain Nathan Algren) leads an assorted cast of brilliant actors familiar and unknown in this truly engaging adventure. Captain Algren was responsible for assisting in the commandeering of American forces to suppress the Indian's rebellion against American troops and is beset with guilt and remorse for his involvement in the massacre of innocent lives.

Ken Watanabe (Katsumoto) is the head Samurai warrior who has pledged his life to serving Japan's young and inexperienced Emperor (Shichinosuke Nakamura) while leading the last prevailing Samurai army on a crusade against the newly assembled Japanese army that is trained and commanded by Captain Algren, his right- hand man, Sgt. Zebulon Gant (played credibly by Billy Connolly: Timeline, White Oleander and formerly of the two hit TV series' Head Of The Class and Billy), and his former superior officer during the American Indian wars, Colonel Bagley (sinisterly played by Tony Goldwyn: Ghost, Joshua, Abandon, and The 6th Day).

Algren and Gant are requested and ultimately hired by, Omura (Japan's ambassador to Western Civilization and an advocate of the extinction of the Samurai warriors) to assist in the disciplining and seasoning of its new, modernized army to defend itself against the rebellious and relentless strikes by the Samurai warriors. Omura is a malicious, conniving businessman who longs to adopt the ways of the West in order to abolish Japan's traditional ones is terrifically portrayed by Masato Harada.

Samurai offers plenty of irony to consider, as you will find a twist in the good versus evil theme. By the end of the film, you will also find that there is a very thin line of separation in the similarities and differences in both Captain Algren and Katsumoto who are, due to the declaration of war, essentially enemies. They both have similar codes of honor, respect, principles, and loyalty. In addition, they each share a profound conflict as they each search to find their respective destinies in life. I found that the significance of these two characters as the story unfolds was demonstrated

extremely well.

The storyline for Samurai is rich with ideals that are both soul-searching and educational. This film truly left me in awe as it dedicated itself to accurately depict the Japanese culture and the world's state of affairs during that era. You will also marvel as to how the film's entire cast delivers a performance that is appropriately disciplined. There were occasions in which I was touched by their devotion to detail and subtlety.

Moreover, the essence of Bushido (the quintessential code in which Samurai pledged their lives to: strength, compassion, courage, fortitude, loyalty, and honor), Kendo (Japanese swordsmanship), Japanese martial arts (there were even Ninjas in this film wreaking havoc!), and extraordinary horse riding were also key aspects of the film that were carefully explored and displayed during principal facets of The Last Samurai. Samurai has heroes to applaud for and villains to jeer at throughout the film. However, don't be surprised if you find yourself changing your viewpoint(s) as to who should be commended and who should be condemned.

Samurai seems to embody all of the right elements from accomplished films such as Excalibur, Glory, Dancing With Wolves (thanks T.O.!), Gladiator, as well as a touch of Seven Samurai (from the legendary Japanese director, Akira Kurosawa). This film explodes with spirited performances by actors such as Timothy Spall (who played the Brit, Simon Graham, provides excellent and well-timed wit in his role as Captain Algren's Japanese interpreter), Hiroyuki Sanada (the captain of Katsumoto's fearless Samurai army who demonstrates a tenacious ability to strike fear in all in his path yet is devout in his allegiance to his lord and the Samurai code), and Koyuki (who plays Katsumoto's widowed sister).

Huge credits (and I do mean Oscar worthy ones!!!) goes out to the following: Ed Zwick (Director), John Toll (Director Of Photography), Steven Rosenblum and Victor DuBois (Editors), Zwick, John Logan, and Marshall Herskovitz (Screenplay), Hans Zimmer (Music), Lilly Kilveit (Production Designer), and Ngila Dickson (Costume Designer). Some of these names may sound familiar but, either way; they'll be right up there when the nominees for their respective categories are read!

I have been blessed to have actually visited Tokyo as well as a rural part of Japan for a couple of weeks and it was one of the most fascinating experiences in my life. After watching this film, The Last Samurai had me looking for ways in which to block out time so that I can go back overseas"¦!!!

Overall Grade: A+

Set in Japan during the 1870s, The Last Samurai tells the story of Capt. Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise), an American military officer hired by the Emperor of Japan to train the country’s first army in the art of modern warfare. As the government attempts to eradicate the ancient Samurai warrior class in preparation for more Westernized and trade-friendly policies, Algren finds himself unexpectedly

affected 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.

This film is not yet rated.

Beginning Principal Photography:

TOKYO, JAPAN, October 8, 2002 "”Warner Bros. Pictures will begin principal photography on The Last Samurai, starring Tom Cruise, on October 10, 2002 in Japan; filming will continue in New Zealand and the United States. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures; the Studio will distribute the movie worldwide.
The film is directed by Edward Zwick, written by John Logan and Edward Zwick & Marshall Herskovitz, and produced by Scott Kroopf, Tom Engelman, Edward Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz, Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner. The executive producers are Ted Field, Rick Solomon, Charles Mulvehill and Vincent Ward.

After examining the ravages of 19th century America in his Academy Award winning Civil War drama Glory, director Edward Zwick explores the birth of modern Japan in The Last Samurai, a sweeping epic set in Japan during the 1870s. Tom Cruise stars as Capt. Nathan Algren, 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.

Timothy Spall is Simon Graham, Algren's British interpreter; Billy Connolly stars as Sergeant Zebulah Gant, a close friend of Algren's; and Tony Goldwyn plays Colonel Benjamin Bagley, a Civil War veteran seeking his fortune in Japan. Ken Watanabe portrays Katsumoto, a Samurai leader; and Hiroyuki Sanada plays the Samurai Ujio, who is angered at the arrival of Westerners in Japan.

Additional supporting roles are played by Shun Sugata as Nakao, a martial arts master; Shin Koyamada as Yoritomo, a young Samurai; Seizo Fukumoto as the Silent Samurai; Shichinosuke Nakamura as the Emperor; Koyuki as Taka; Masato Harada as Ohmura, a man from the plutocracy; and in juvenile roles, Sosuke Ikematsu and Aoi Minato.

The renowned production team includes director of photography John Toll, ASC (Vanilla Sky, Academy Award winner for his cinematography in Legends of the Fall); editor Steven Rosenblum (Glory, Legends of the Fall, Courage Under Fire, The Siege); and production designer Lilly Kilvert (Legends of the Fall, The Siege).