Predictable

Rating: Null/10 (21 June 2004)

"Last Samurai" is a serviceable historical epic that goes through the motions with no real surprises and no genuine emotional impact. Comparisons to "Dances With Wolves" are inevitable, but one could also compare this to "Lawrence of Arabia" and come up way short. Cut-out plot: disillusioned soldier gets paid to fight insurrection, gets captured by rebels, becomes absorbed into their culture, then fights off former employer in final battle sequence. At least the inevitable romance was downplayed. Cruise does his best with a thinly drawn character and often corny dialogue, but the role could have used a more "weathered" actor (like maybe Russell Crowe). Some gorgeous landscapes and a well-choreographed battle sequence makes this worth a rental, just keep your finger on the fast-forward button.