Quite Impressive.

Rating: 8/10 (29 May 2008)

Wow, this movie almost made it to my all time favorite movie. It is much more awesome than I could ever hope for. But whatever it is, this got to be one of the best western movies that projected the Asian culture in the more or less the collect way.
I understand the fact that it rather tells the story of the movie from the white guy point of view because it is Hollywood movie, but it didn’t quite bother me. After all it was Tom Cruise, the guy never fail in any of his movie (maybe MI: 2 but that it), and in this also he was awesome.
I like the fact that the movie seem to put in quite great research on historical fact than some lazy ass screenwriter that would stuffed in anything he thought of Asian culture would be like. The story did came out great to the certain point, though flaws but it still great with lots of emotional scenes and great fight (also some unnecessary and cheesy scenes).
For me if this movie got a more profile director (though Edward Zwick does qualify for high profile director) I believe other can and will craft out the movie more beautifully. There are quite great room for improvement cause it feel too commercialize.
Otherwise I truly recommended this film; I was having a good time watching it. The best thing is the film doesn’t feel to try too hard to look good. And it is very much re-watchable; with also great score and lighting and setting location. Great costume too.
Recommendation: Worth HD-DVD.
Reason to Watch: Great Story.
Reason Not To: A Bit Too Commercial.
Rating: 8/10 (Grade: A-)