Very very impressive

Rating: 10/10 (10 December 2003)

As a Japanese, I could not help being suspicious about how far Hollywood might mislead the viewers this time. But, thinking of Tom Cruise being an honest person, who respects other cultures, I was hoping for the change, and got what I hoped for.
Though the forest was obviously not Japanese, historically the story is not too convincing, etc., there could be a list of things I could complain; but, after all, the main thing is I could see their honest effort for authenticity down to the details, which I have never (I repeat 'never') seen in any other Western made movies.
Watching the mountains in the rain, I felt I was at home, home which was lost in modernization long time ago. The battle scene was just excellent. Ok, it might not be as good as Kurosawa's or other old masterpieces. But, for me, in a different category, it was better even. I think Ken did a great job, too.
Over all, I am overwhelmed. I do not say it is a perfect masterpiece; but, I loved it anyway.
(By the way, someone said the sword lecture is like the one in the "Star Wars." But, come on, it is obvious which came first, by the hundreds of years difference.)