It's capturing the dramatic human emotions with the fading of traditions

Rating: Null/10 (24 November 2003)

An enchanting epic of immense proportions! - to stun the audience with cinematic wonder! The scenes flip-flop in our eyes with not only very intense, but phenomenally sensual and breathless moments. The silent passions' between Tom Cruise's Capt. Algren and Koyuki's Taka is the sweetest cinematic moments I've seen this year  for this alone, I'd see this film several times!
Through the narration of Tom Cruise's Captain Algren, a Civil War hero, the audience is given to understand how economic interests had paved the way for the Meiji Emperor's administration to destroy the Samurai cultures. Through his story, the consequences of Japan's forcible modernization, in the 1870s, are devastatingly painful to watch. The Captain's story also offers an insight into Japan's revamping of war tactics with the help of the U.S. Government. This seemingly must be the era when the stocks of Civil War artillery, including the Winchester repeating rifles and the Gatling guns, started to cross over the oceans from America to foreign soils. The audience watches as pragmatism replaces courage, self-interest steals the place of sacrifice and honor becomes an ancient phenomenon. Kudos to Director Zwick - the battle between the Samurais and the Imperial Army is extraordinarily STUNNING! He succeeds in allowing the audience to capture the facial emotions of men in the battlefield without letting the scenes ramble in chaotic mess with the over-kill of CGI special effects.
Cruise brings a mesmerizing exhibit to his Algren character. From the expressions of a man disillusioned by his shamefully cynical with his American Civil War experiences, to the impressions of a men where nothing else matters safe for the alcohol and financial gains, and then gradually succumbing to his spiritual discipline before he flouts against the ideals of imperialism and takes command at the warfront Cruise's performance is astounding. Hey, Cruise will even heave up some unsuspected laughter from the audience with one beautifully crafted scene. Koyuki in her role as Taka brings unforgettable delight and aesthetic beauty to the screen. The onscreen chemistry between them is deliciously portrayed  I'd be surprised if watching the pair together doesn't set every viewer's heart pounding! Cruise offers a credible performance of a man whose facial countenance and features changes with his moods, temperament and sensitivity. I felt I was watching a Shakespearean drama encompassed with the depth and breath of rich elegance and imagery as in Matsuo Basho and Masaoka Shiki's haiku.

Every camera exposure of the scenes in this film, and of characters and their interactions is magnificent treated. The characters may be fictionalized, but the story is quilted with the interesting historical and cultural aspects of that Japanese era. Ken Watanabe offers a striking performance with his tall and stately, yet so graciously portrayed Katsumoto, the Last Samurai.' He looks so immaculate on screen! His character is based on Takamori Saigo, the 19th Century heroic figure known for his patriotism and services. Every member in this film beautifully fits into his/her role. The cinematography is fantastic. The music score and soundtracks are simply astounding streaming in and out of scenes to create a riveting experience for the audience.
This is a film definitely is worth seeing. Oscar nominations? Absolutely! A+