Well Done but Full of Clichés.

Rating: 6/10 (4 February 2016)

The Last Samurai (2003): Dir: Edward Zwick / Cast: Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Billy Connolly, Tony Goldwyn, Timothy Spall: Epic action film that educates viewers on the meaning of samurai. It means to serve and Tom Cruise is sighted as the last server. He is assigned to train soldiers in a war against samurai warriors but they are not ready. Waging into war he watches his troops get demolished until he sinks into exhaustion. Strangely he is treated with respect and wanders freely about a village with an overseer. Although he challenges the leader he comes to realize that the so-called enemies are actually peaceful. Fine setup falls into clichés before its predicted battle where Cruise really becomes the last Samurai. Director Edward Zwick presents great sword play action but the screenplay is weak and seems to xerox the same clichés that are common with these films. Cruise is strong but Ken Watanabe delivers the strongest performance as the samurai leader. Where the film goes off track is when it sidelines its themes for a mindless climax that serves mainly as an action set piece. Also with Billy Connolly and Tony Goldwyn in flat roles that amount to nothing. Technically well made film that dapples between theme and message although the lifestyle of the Samurai at least render a point of view. Despite action clichés the film gives insight upon those who oppress us. Score: 6 / 10