A Terrific Film!

Rating: 8/10 (31 August 2011)

'The Last Samurai' is A Terrific Film, in all respects. The Writing Material is superior, the Direction is spell-binding, the Cinematography is stunning & the Performances are top-notch. Only thing? The film is too lengthy. Some trimming would have only enhanced it's overall impact.
'The Last Samurai' stars Tom Cruise in the role of American soldier Nathan Algren, whose personal and emotional conflicts bring him into contact with Samurai Warriors in the wake of the Meiji Restoration in the Empire of Japan in 1876 and 1877.
An Emotional & Engaging Epic-Drama, 'The Last Samurai' is a crispy flick, that is worth your time. The film succeeds by holding your attention at most times, and has the potential to strike a fan-base all through it's legacy.
Edward Zwick is in top-form this time around. He directs this story, spell-bindingly. The Screenplay by Zwick, John Logan & Marshall Herskovitz, is superior. Cinematography by John Toll, is Stunning. Editing by Victor Du Bois & Steven Rosenblum, is good. However, the film definitely could've been trimmed, by at least 15-20 minutes. I feel, if slightly shorter in terms of length, it's overall impact, would have only enhanced. Music by Hans Zimmer is impressive.
Performance-Wise: Tom Cruise is fantastic as American soldier Nathan Algren. The talented actor delivers a performance, that is easily amongst his finest to date. Ken Watanabe, in an Oscar-Nominated performance, is bombastic. Koyuki is wonderfully restrained. Shin Koyamada does well. Masato Harada, Billy Connolly & Timothy Spall are passable. Others lend good support.
On the whole, A Film, That Is Worth Your Time!