A Masterpiece with Amazing Themes or Honor and Friendship

Rating: 10/10 (20 October 2016)

When I think of movies that critics have undervalued Edward Zwicks The Last Samurai always comes to mind because I absolutely adore this movie and it contains some of the best performances I've ever seen. Tom Cruise is completely Oscar worthy in this movie he perfectly portrays his traumatised war veteran and really makes you care about him every step of the way. Ken Watanabe is every bit Cruises equal he is so sympathetic and interesting to watch and your just begging that he will ultimately succeed in his cause. The great thing about this movie is the fact that it chooses to focus on the friendship between the two main characters instead of the battle scenes. It gives the film a greater meaning and a deeper message so that your not bored in between the action sequences, which by the way are incredible to watch. The entire second act of this movie is my favourite section of the movie because it gives you a chance to really delve into these characters and builds gradually to the final battle. It's heartwarming to see Cruise gradually build a connection with these people. The final battle is incredible it puts you right in there with the characters and puts you on the edge of your seat. The final scene between Algren and Katsumoto is just beautiful, few times have the editing, score, acting and directing all come together so perfectly and leaves my eyes pouring every time I watch this movie.
The Last Samurai could have been a simple war movie but proves itself to be much more than that with amazing performances and great themes that has become one of my all time favourite movies and deserved much more credit than critics gave it.
A+-100%