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The Last Samurai (2003) 7.7
Ratings:
7.7/10 from 209,880 users
Metascore: 55/100
Reviews: 900 user | 184 critic | 44 from Metacritic.com An American military advisor embraces the Samurai culture he was hired to destroy after he is captured in battle. Director:Edward Zwick |
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Ken Watanabe | ... | ||
| Tom Cruise | ... | ||
| William Atherton | ... | ||
| Chad Lindberg | ... | ||
 |
Ray Godshall Sr. | ... | |
| Billy Connolly | ... | ||
| Tony Goldwyn | ... | ||
| Masato Harada | ... | ||
| Masashi Odate | ... | ||
| John Koyama | ... | ||
| Timothy Spall | ... | ||
|
|
Shichinosuke Nakamura | ... | |
| Togo Igawa | ... | ||
|
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Satoshi Nikaido | ... | |
|
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Shintaro Wada | ... | |
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
Storyline
In the 1870s, Captain Nathan Algren, a cynical veteran of the American Civil war who will work for anyone, is hired by Americans who want lucrative contracts with the Emperor of Japan to train the peasant conscripts for the first standing imperial army in modern warfare using firearms. The imperial Omura cabinet's first priority is to repress a rebellion of traditionalist Samurai -hereditary warriors- who remain devoted to the sacred dynasty but reject the Westernizing policy and even refuse firearms. Yet when his ill-prepared superior force sets out too soon, their panic allows the sword-wielding samurai to crush them. Badly wounded Algren's courageous stand makes the samurai leader Katsumoto spare his life; once nursed to health he learns to know and respect the old Japanese way, and participates as advisor in Katsumoto's failed attempt to save the Bushido tradition, but Omura gets repressive laws enacted- he must now choose to honor his loyalty to one of the embittered sides when ... Written by KGF Vissers
Taglines:
In the face of an enemy, in the Heart of One Man, Lies the Soul of a Warrior.Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for strong violence and battle sequences | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Country:
USARelease Date:
5 December 2003 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Samurai See more »Box Office
Budget:
$140,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
$136,898 (Finland) (30 January 2004)Gross:
$111,110,575 (USA) (2 April 2004)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
Edit
Simon Graham: [narrating] They say Japan was made by a sword. They say the old gods dipped a coral blade into the ocean, and when they pulled it out four perfect drops fell back into the sea, and those drops became the islands of Japan. I say, Japan was made by a handful of brave men. Warriors, willing to give their lives for what seems to have become a forgotten word: honor.
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Performed by Tokyo Gakuso
Courtesy of Columbia Music Entertainment, Inc.
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Did You Know?
Trivia
The final battle takes place on May 26. Die-hard fans and extras watch the movie on May 26 every year. See more »Goofs
No one, especially a foreigner, would have been allowed in the Emperor's presence bearing weapons, yet this happens on three occasions. See more »Quotes
[first lines]Simon Graham: [narrating] They say Japan was made by a sword. They say the old gods dipped a coral blade into the ocean, and when they pulled it out four perfect drops fell back into the sea, and those drops became the islands of Japan. I say, Japan was made by a handful of brave men. Warriors, willing to give their lives for what seems to have become a forgotten word: honor.
See more »
Crazy Credits
The opening Warner Bros. logo is light blue on a solid black background. See more »Soundtracks
"Kagura-No-Netori"Performed by Tokyo Gakuso
Courtesy of Columbia Music Entertainment, Inc.
See more »
The Last Samurai is a brilliantly crafted aesthetic pleasure, studded with supernal performances from Ken Watanabe and Tom Cruise. In fact, Tom Cruise unarguably gives his best ever performance, surpassing his portrayal of Jerry Maguire in the eponymous flick. His plaintive portrayal of Nathan Algren, not only evokes pathos but also seeks sympathy of the contemporary viewer, who can vicariously relate to Algren's disconcertion, owing to his inner conflicts of patriotism vis-à-vis humanity.
However, it is Ken Watanabe, who steals the show with his mesmerizing and poignant portrayal of Katsumoto, the leader of the last clan of Samurai. His screen presence and delivery is truly amazing and even outshines that of Tom Cruise, which is a compliment in itself. The scenes between Watanabe and Cruise are pure gold, depicting fluctuating feelings of hostility, compassion and camaraderie.
Watanabe's intense and powerful performance in which he displays a wide range of emotions, is definitely worthy of the coveted statuette, but the academy never fails to disappoint. Watanabe's brilliant portrayal, not only mesmerizes the viewers, but also convinces the critics of his acting abilities. The tacit adoration between Algren and Taka (subtly played by Koyuki), enormously adds to the beauty of the movie. All this coupled with some brilliant cinematography and a mesmerizing score, makes it a treat to watch and a truly surreal experience.
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