The Sword Is Truly Mightier Than the Pen.

Rating: Null/10 (1 January 2004)

Deliberately paced and opulent production from director Ed Zwick (of "Glory" and "Courage Under Fire" fame) tells the story of a U.S. military adviser (Tom Cruise) in the post-Civil War era who is hired, along with several others, to modernize the Japanise Army in 1876. Cruise has to work with friend Billy Connolly and nemesis Tony Goldwyn in the venture, but the fact that he is being paid handsomely makes it a relatively easy decision to go to the exotic land. However it seems that the only true purpose for Cruise and company to go to Japan is to wipe out the last of the samurai warriors. The Japanese government and people look at the group as savages who must be wiped out because they pose a legitimate threat to everyone else (this is a strange view in the film though). After training a group of farmers and civilians, Cruise and his men are ambushed. The event leaves many of the commoners dead and strangely leaves Cruise a hostage (the only one taken). Samurai leader Ken Wantanabe (in what could possibly be a star-making role) is fascinated by Cruise and his military background. He looks at the enemy as an interesting counter-part rather than a sworn adversary. Tension continues as Cruise is nursed back to health by Koyuki (Wantanabe's sister and the widowed wife of one of the warriors Cruise killed). Soon though Cruise comes to realize just how honorable, respectful and classy the samurai way of life is. Sure it may not be what he is used to, but Cruise had become a war-weary alcoholic due to things he was used to. Youthful puppet emperor Shichinosuke Nakamura is constantly put in bad situations as he is torn by his friendship with Wantanabe and what everyone else in his country wants (the elimination of the samurai life forever). Modern warriors and new battle-styled technologies are bound to clash in possibly the most bloody of ways. "The Last Samurai" is a near excellent movie experience. Admittedly the set-up is difficult and the first act of the movie is honestly pretty bad. However Zwick uses a good tone and interesting characters to keep the audience going and then the movie reaches a near classic level. Cruise is a revelation (as he usually is). He is almost always near the top of his game and this is no exception. Wantanabe though practically steals the show. His character is quietly humorous, intelligent, sophisticated and definitely has an intense depth as well. Zwick, who is arguably the least respected director in Hollywood today, once again proves he can handle intense battle sequences and quiet character moments as well. The heart, soul and intelligence that made "Glory" and "Courage Under Fire" such wonderful productions once again shine through here (though probably not quite as brightly). Perfect cinematography by John Toll and an unforgettable score by Hans Zimmer just accentuates all the good things that are found within. Definitely makes a case for the best film of 2003. 4.5 out of 5 stars.