A truly fantastic show!

Rating: 10/10 (7 December 2003)

Walking into the movie i was skeptical, Tom Cruise pulling crazy moves with a sword without making a fool out of himself, not possible. I was however completely blown away by this movie. With scenery that compared to Kurosawas action comparing to bravehearts and one of Tom Cruises best performances it is by far one of my favorite movies of all time. Although the Hollywood aspect is still there and very blatant it is overshadowed by the other elements of the movie. The companionship, honor, compassion and beliefs displayed by the characters is very moving. I am 16 and although the opinion of a 16 year old boy may not seem like much to you, let me say this. I have never cried or even teared during a movie nor have i ever felt much of a twinge of sadness but during a number of scenes in this movie, whether from the beauty of some things or the death of others i felt water building in my eyes. If you enjoyed the movie Shichinin no samurai (The Seven Samurai) you will like this movie. Zwick does not let Kurosawa down, using some of his elements and creating some knew ones of his own.

--Spoiler Below--

One of the characters in this movie so strongly reminded me of The Seven Samurai that i had to comment on it. Its like Zwick used an allusion to this legendary movie and it came out at me with startling effects. The quiet old man known affectionately as Bob, although a quiet character throughout the movie, was striking at the end. Throwing himself infront of a bullet, getting shot, and then standing up once again to strike down the one that shot him. Just as the quiet samurai did in The Seven Samurai. Because of this and many other elements of the movie that seem taken directly from greater movies, with (although somewhat historically incorrect) a great plot line i give this movie a 10/10... if you go see this i guarantee you will not leave feeling ripped off.