Strikingly similar to other epic films

Rating: Null/10 (27 December 2003)

While overall, this movie is a solid piece of work, and includes a very talented Japanese cast, I have to say that it bears more than just a passing resemblance to other epic movies such as Dances With Wolves, and Braveheart.
Although it isn't one of his best movies by far, Tom Cruise does a solid job of playing his character. More importantly, he makes us care about the film, whereas without his character, we would not.
Overall, I give this film 3 out of 5, good plot, good acting, but not a very original concept at all.