Stunning storyline, dialogue, acting and special effects

Rating: 9/10 (10 February 2004)

I am not a Tom Cruise fan, or rather, I WAS not. He surprised me with his intensity and acting skills in this movie. He was absolutely believable in this role as Captain Algran.
Ken Wattanabe was also brilliant. He was amuzing and very convinsing and definitely deserves an award for best supporting actor.
The scenery (set?) was beautiful and original and the story oozes messages of forgiveness and new beginnings. Christians complain that the Eastern culture (and especially the custom of suicide when defeated) is glorified in this movie. I took something different from this movie: it appeared to me that suicide was sensiless and that nobody benefited from it. I enjoyed the discipline and devotion that was evident throughout the movie.
All-in-all, definitely one of the top movies I've seen!