The sound of one hand clapping.

Rating: Null/10 (21 July 2004)

Tom Cruise gives viewers a glimpse into the fascinating past, of Feudal Japan. Although not historically correct, it was aesthetically pleasing, and the story line was well conceived. Although the character of the American could never have actually been a Samurai, as it was a birthright. The movie did however keep true to the theory of Bushido, the Samurai Code. The Buddhist elements were correct, and the interaction between the Samurai, and the Commoners was as it should have been.
Where we see Katsumoto aid the defeated General Hasegawa in the act of Sepuku, was in fact a great honour for a Samurai, a charge not taken lightly. As Captain Algren is leaving the battlefield, and Katsumoto does his duty, we see Katsumoto bow after the strike, to honour his friend. All through the movie we are reminded that although considered outlaws by the Government the Samurai and the Government officials are in fact connected by ancestry, and friendship as evidenced by showing that the Emperor, and Katsumoto are student and teacher; and that the Emperor does not really wish Katsumoto's death. That was the point that Captain Algren realizes, when he is returned to Tokyo, and that knowledge is why he helps the Samurai. This is also why the Emperor does not ask Captain Algren to commit Sepuku at the end of the film, even when Captain Algren offers, the spirit of Bushido lived on, and that was honouring the past for the Emperor.
The words honour, duty, shame, and justice were served fairly, in spirit, and action of Bushido in this film, words that mean so much in our World today, but some taken more lightly than others.
A great movie, all should enjoy it.