A flawed performance

Rating: 7/10 (14 May 2004)

The Last Samurai was a decent enough movie, but I don't think it lived up to the term "epic." It had everything it needed; a time in history with endless possibilities, star power, gorgeous scenery, action filled battle scenes with exceptional stunt work, and even some romance. But somehow the movie just fell short of being powerful enough to stir up any emotional response from me. And I think I know why.
I have always found the history of Japanese culture to be extremely fascinating. The traditions, the religion, the framework of their social structure. It's so different from any other society that it stands out with a unique richness and beauty. If all the elements of this society were woven together, the tapestry created would be full of vivid color and breathtaking images. It would be "epic." The problem with the film is that one key element that was flawed.
The story itself is simple enough. An American soldier is hired to train a new army for Japan. During a battle he is captured by the enemy. During his stay he learns the way of the samurai, and eventually embraces it. All the elements are there. The problem was Tom Cruise. His portrayal was so flat that I didn't care about his character or what happened to him. I couldn't grasp the passion of the samurai, or at least the passion Cruise felt for the samurai, because it wasn't expressed. So the film fell short. It was good, but it wasn't epic.
My rank: 7 out of 10