Overall a "Jolly Good" Film

Rating: Null/10 (14 January 2004)

I just saw the Last of the Samurai's, it was a very good film about Samurai's and their ways during that time, set with the backdrop of Japan modernising to keep up with the rest of the world. Tom Cruise's Character in the film is a US Army Captain named Nathan Algren who has turned to alcohol to seek refuge from horrific experiences whilst fighting in the Indian wars. Coupled with his Disillusionment and his alcoholism he accepts a mission as a representitive of the US Army to goto Japan where he must train Japanese troops using rifles to fight against a renegade group. This group being the Samurai who are old guards of the emperor, they are lead by Katsumoto who is played by the brilliant Ken Watanabe, they rebel against modernisation in order to follow their Samurai Code and preserve their old ways. Captain Algren is captured by Watanabe's samurai's in a ensuing battle and kept alive so Katsumoto can learn about his new enemy. We delve into the culture of the samurai and village life during that period thru Cruise's perspective as he spends time with them. In time developping close relationships within the village, especially with Katsumoto's sister, Taka, Who is skillfully played by a very beautiful Koyuki. Tom must lay his demons to rest and decide where his loyalties lie. During which he discovers himself and the one true enemy. Good acting by all and a brilliant period piece. To sum it up, the film is about old vs new, low tech vs high tech and how in the end we are taught never to forget. 4 outta 5. Tank you viddy Much...