An oriental version of Gladiator, but better....

Rating: 9/10 (30 March 2004)

Don't get me wrong, Galdiator is a great film. But this is better. The themes of honour, loyalty, redemption and responsibility are put forward with a force and certainty that I haven't seen for a long time in a film.
The action pieces are well arranged and Cruise is convincing as a Samurai, albeit an American one. The rest of the cast are all excellent
But where this movie scores points (and for me elevated itself above the typical Hollywood nonsense we are used to) is in its subtlety. Two scenes stand out where, under a less caring scriptwriter or director, this film would have been a disappointment.
The first is when Cruise's character is learning to swordfight. With Stat Hollywood Director (SHD) in control, you just know that there would come a point in the training where the student defeats the master, to looks of shock and surprise from all onlookers. Here, however, we are treated not to the besting of the master, but Cruise managing a draw against his teacher, to looks of shock and surprise from all onlookers. It might sound a trivial thing, but it made the movie that little bit more believable and enjoyable.
The second scene involved the love interest between Algren (Cruise) and Taka. With jolly old SHD in charge, I would have expected the obligatory sex scene, followed by wailing and gnashing of teeth the following morning when he goes off to battle. Here however we are treated instead to a gentle admission (unspoken mostly) of their love for one another, with nothing more sexual than a simple kiss. Less subtle than the first example, perhaps, but no less telling.
All in all this is a great film and, like Gladiator, one that I am sure will stand the test of time and be enjoyed again and again.