An excellent film ...

Rating: 9/10 (16 July 2005)

An excellent fusion of Japanese and American film making with amazing photography and strong characterisation. The journey and the way it is followed by the director is rich and interesting, don't expect this to be a light-hearted film, many serious issues are covered throughout. Tom Cruise offers an atypical performance, breaking away from his usual mould of acting. Before watching this film I had never known much about Japan's rich history, now I want to learn more! One of the best things about this film is how impeccably you are made to believe that it is set in the 19th Century.
If you can get your hands on a DVD of this, the commentary is also very interesting, it is amazing that this film was shot in both Japan and New Zealand.
Films like this also further stead me in awe of the amazing culture of the far east (past and present).
All in all a great film!