Great film!

Rating: Null/10 (30 January 2007)

The Last Samurai is how a Hollywood film should be made. It respects other cultures and shows grace and humility (Tom Cruise is not 'the man' throughout the film)
It begs of 'Legends of the Fall' and utilizes correct history while not diminishing the entertainment value. Here is a masterpiece at work. The Japanese are also portrayed with dignity and not some horrible 'tourists with cameras slung around their necks. If Holliywood knew how this former ridicule truly hurt my Japanese friends, they would have have taken a second look before slandering a wonderful culture.
So many have romanticized this era, despite the pall of death obviously borne by people of other countries. This realistic presentation by default wears a mask of sadness, occasionally and realistically grins (or at least grimaces) when appropriate, and the 'hero' is never certain to win the prettiest girl -- but we're all glad for his choice and her acceptance -- they very much deserve each other.