I can't believe I loved this film

Rating: 9/10 (4 June 2004)

Let me start by saying, it's nothing personal, but for the record, I can't stand Tom Cruise. I don't know what it is, but he just bugs me.
This is not a perfect movie, but it was thoroughly enjoyable. The plot is excellent, direction was very good, writing was decent acting was hit and miss, I think based on the writing.
Writing: The westerners (and western leaning Japanese) are demonized as one dimensional greed driven honourless (for lack of a better word) jerks. I think this is intentional - the typical viewer has to be told from the outset who the bad guys are, but it weakens the overall quality of the movie. Some of us can think for ourselves...! Tom Cruise as Nathan Algren starts as a drunk military hero with a conscience - nothing too deep here, but as he accepts and assimilates the way of the Samurai, he develops into a deeper, more interesting character. There are (very) few other deep characters, but the ones that are explored are written well. The plot is good and the atmosphere is historically based.
Direction: In one word, great. 'nuff said.
Acting: Surprisingly good and bad. Tom Cruise was at his best, I found myself forgetting that the actor was the normally annoying Cruise. Ken Watanabe as Katsumoto was excellent. Many other performances were forgettable or regrettable. I found the supporting western actors (With the exception of Billy Connolly) weaker than the Japanese cast, but that could just be the writing...
Writing 6/10 Direction 9/10 Acting 7/10 Plot 8/10 Overall 7.5/10