Realistic, Emotional and action-packed.

Rating: 9/10 (13 January 2005)

My rating: 9/10
The reason I have voted this film to be so high is not because the plot was cohesive, but because it incorporated culture, both Japanese and Americna and gave an insight to viewers what sort of chaos and strife existed. But I'd say the meat of this film has to be the determination of the Samurai who want to keep Japan to the original state and not become an updated civilisation that has up to date technology and such like the Emperors minister, he believe Japan should be civilised and able to compete with world powers - economy wise and militarily wise but the Samurai are determind to prevent this.
It is a very powerful film that will have viewers crying as there are some tragic events in the film, but conversely it will also make the viewers support the Samurai and will want the Samurai to win, I know it did that to me. But the intention of the ending was that the Samurai did win, yes, they were obliterated but they won because the Emperor heard the cry of The Samurai Leader and abolished all things that were not of Japanese origin. If anything, it got stronger as the film progessed. So from that, the film is really about fighting got a worthy cause and even if thew odds are against you, it does not mean you cannot win.