Exactly as you'd expect

Rating: 8/10 (20 March 2004)

As wholly predictable a picture as i've seen in recent years, this is nevertheless impressive entertainment; criticized heavily by some for attempting to emulate the 'Dances With Wolves' formula in the Japanese world (as if copying what works in Costner's masterpiece is ill-advised), Edward Zwick's 'Samurai' epic unabashedly sweeps all such cliches along in its earnest and often stirring story.
Late nineteenth century Japan: US military officer Nathan Algren is hired to train a new imperialist army to fight against rebel samurai warriors. Defeated, his brave stand whilst surrounded arouses the curiosity of the rogue samurai leader, who takes his wounded foe back to his village to recover. Thus begins a relationship that will change Algren forever... offering him a chance to face his haunting past...
Tom Cruise delivers a standout performance that recollects moments of his amazing Ron Kovic in 'Born on the Fourth of July'. This dignified actor here showcases an on-screen charisma that few can match in his generation. Ken Watanabe displays searing intensity as the tribal leader who commands the respect of Algren, through both his intelligence and fighting prowess.
The fight scenes are incredibly tense and brutal, and the cinematography by turns painterly and immediate. Pretty much what you'd expect then: but when movies are this enjoyable, that is no bad thing.