Regrettably the ending is disappointing, but a very impressive motion picture none the less *NO SPOILERS*

Rating: 8/10 (17 January 2004)

On first sight of the trailer for The Last Samurai, I immediately became very optimistic about this film and after seeing it was very pleasantly delighted as a majority of the aspects that make a great film were there with a little bit extra.
The film lasts around 2 1/2 hours approx but didn't drag at all like some long, outstretched pictures do. Each scene had significance and was genuinely interesting to watch.
The Last Samurai was a compelling and highly interesting and entertaining film about a final group of Samurai in Japan that the Emperor wishes to rid their 'reign of terror' lifestyle among the people of the country. However this idea of the Samurai being savages is explored when Captain Algren aka Tom Cruise is sent there to 'resolve' the problem inevitably being kidnapped and living amongst them as a 'prisoner'. Honour, tradition, culture, betrayal, rivalry are all aspects that are explored within this epic and are done to great effect.
In terms of characterisation, Algren(Cruise)develops at a pleasing rate as we become more involved with him and learn about his past and changing beliefs, more to the point Cruise puts in a very convincing and solid performance who is haunted by his past adding a diverse darker side to his already mysterious life. In fact, the entire supporting cast do fine jobs of portraying believable and 'real' characters, most notably Cruise's Samurai guard he names "Bob" which brought a touch of light heartedness to the tense situation.
The plot was very interesting and works very well with an interspersion of the typical Japanese life as well as the Samurai way-of-life. There are minimal flashbacks, which allow the story to run in a chronological and comprehendible rate. The only aspect of the plot that let the film down is the ending which whilst is disappointing in comparison to the film as a whole, can be excused for the great acting, direction and superb battle scenes.
The setting, props and entire mise-en-scene was very convincing and had a real look of authenticity to it which made the tale ever more believable as it progressed and due to the fact it was based on real events, was reconstructed rather accurately and is great style exploiting the Samurai way of life to the audience in a fascinating way.
Overall, a great film to watch which doesn't fail to impress, possibly one of Cruise's best performances to date combined with a compelling story, interesting characters and breathtaking battles as well as settings, makes this the best film of the year so far, and will end up as one of the years greatest.