A film everyone should see to gain a better understanding of the modernization of Japan

Rating: 8/10 (27 August 2006)

The Last Samurai" is a wonderful story that illustrates the evolution from traditional ways to a modern society and the adoption of the rifle and cannon as the new weapon to enforce this change. Capt. Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise)was hired by the Japanese government to train their common people and ex-samurai how to fight using these modern weapons. In the beginning of the transition the Japanese Government Army had inadequate training and inexperience on the use of these weapons. They were still mystified by the samurai and as expected, the troops were slaughtered by the great warriors. Algren who was injured in the first encounter with the samurai is recuperating in the village and observes and experiences the Samurai philosophy. His training in the village helps him to understand and adopt to this traditional culture.
The director displayed an important message throughout the film. Emphasis on the effect firearms had in the battlefield and an illustration of the effect modernization would have in the new Japanese society . The Japanese government wanted to modernize their military and progress with the rest of the world. To achieve their goal, they needed to eliminate the rebellious Samurai and their traditional methods of combat with new weapons such as machine guns.
Many methods were used in the film to capture the spirit and feeling of Japan during the Meiji period, like modern photography, people's clothing and hairstyle, modern weapons and technology. The cinema photography contrasts the traditional life style of the samurai in the village where Katsumoto lived while still preserving the beauty of old Japan with the Samurai's armor, way of life, the mountain terrain with the mist among the trees and traditional weaponry. Multiple camera angles were used throughout the film to portray the greatness of the Japanese Samurai in battle.