Corporate Line: Set in the late 1870s, this epic film depicts the beginnings of the modernization of Japan, as the island nation evolved past a feudal society, as symbolized by the eradication of the samurai way of life. We see all this happen from the point of view of an alcoholic Civil War veteran turned Winchester guns spokesman, Captain Woodrow Algren (Cruise), who arrives in Japan to train the troops of the emperor, Meiji, as part of a break away from the long-held tradition of relying on employed samurai warriors to protect territories, as the emperor’s new army prepares to wipe out the remaining samurai warriors. When Algren is injured in combat and captured by the samurai, he learns about their warrior honor code from their leader, Katsumoto, which forces him to decide which side of the conflict he actually wants to be on.
The Good: Tom Cruise is in the role of a lifetime; even those who have distaste for Cruise can’t help but be impressed by role as Captain Algren. Cruise spent two years practicing for the roll and it paid off. The fighting scenes look authentic and gripping. There hasn’t been a movie with such drama bookmarked with this much action in a long time. The filmmakers also did a great job of comparing the Samurai warriors to that of the American Indians. It is a startling new way to look at just what we had done a century ago.
Ken Watanabe, who plays Katsumoto, almost pulls the rug right out from under the star Tom Cruise. Watanabe’s roll as Katsumoto is powerful. Katsumoto is the wise leader of the samurai and this is where the casting of Watanabe pays off. He couldn’t have been more stoic in this role with a passion that you don’t always find these days. I pray we see more of Watanabe.
If you loved Braveheart you’ll enjoy this even more. Braveheart has its great points but it also has its lulls. The Last Samurai has no lulls, no bathroom breaks, and no reason not be absolutely blown away. The fights were stunning. The samurais in the film are wonderful. The scenes are well scripted and make you yearn for more.
The Bad: It could have been longer. Yes, I said I wish it were longer.
Frankly: The Last Samurai gets my vote for film of the year.
+ Charlie Craine
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