Classic Epic: Mind Over Matter

Rating: 10/10 (29 November 2003)

I Have just returned from a sneak preview of this film. I must at first say to the movie "lover", those of us, who look forward to riding the celuloid magic carpet to where ever it takes us...you won't be disappointed. When you combine the magnificent beauty of John Toll's cinematography, the pure rapture of Hans Zimmer's score and finally the fierce/yet serene/antagonistic/yet understanding relationship between Cruise and Wantanabe...you have the mysteriously paradoxical beauty that is the Far East. We have much to be ashamed for in our forced militaristic intervention into this civilized culture...one that existed for thousands of years before our own. For more insight into how we corrupted the Japanese way of life, please READ the hot best seller by James Bradley...Flyboys. You will better appreciate what American imperialism has done and continues to do. Tom Cruise gives a stellar, underplayed potrayal of the American soldier who has "obeyed orders" one too many times. Through his capture by the "enemy", he is given the chance to learn the purity/ dedication/ power and loyalty of the samurai. Wantanabe also teaches us, in an equally underplayed non-preaching portrayal. The movie does have tones of "Dances With Wolves" and the riveting climatic battle scene, reminescent of "Little Big Man" will have many of you squirming in your seats. But the final homage paid to a great and loyal leader will show that the mind can conquer matter.