The best of the best for 2003

Rating: 10/10 (30 November 2003)

Having piled maximum superlatives on `Master and Commander', now wish I had not done so. Hindsight is a beautiful view when comparing two films side by side. After viewing the Russell Crowe effort, I anointed `Master and Commander' the best film of the year. I did however leave myself some wiggle room by mentioning two other films in the distant landscape. Those films are `Cold Mountain' the Jude Law and Nicole Kidman Civil War epic to be released on Christmas day. The other title is the `Last Samurai' the Tom Cruise epic about honor, duty, and commitment. We decided to see the public Sneak Preview and forgo the usual Tuesday night Cinema Society premiere viewing.
This film is so rich, so moving, and so meaningful, it is an instant classic. The fine cinematic giant `Braveheart' comes to mind as a comparable title. These two films depict the battle against tyranny and the honor of ones' history. The obvious comparison of story line might appear to be with 'Dances with Wolves' as it also had an American Solider turn against his own country. This film had a bit different twist than the Cosner effort.
Voice over work done by Cruise and others give you historical reference with the time and timeline. There is quite a bit of underlining meaning here to tug at your heart. I especially liked the use of humor in his film to humanize Cruise and make us laugh at the struggle.
I could never have imagined Tom Cruise having the screen presence to own a role such as this one. I found him a modern man and not transitional like Crowe or Gibson. After a short battle with my own perspective, Cruise melts those miscast fears aside. His ability to sell this character, a man whom had been so conflicted about his life, so disappointed in his path, creating a man who discovered what the human spirit is about and how honor and family in this far away culture had become something to fight and possibly die for. The transformation of his Captain Algren's spirit takes some time but is well done. We are spoon fed this new culture not forced fed. The background and splendor of Japan add to your viewing pleasure and enhanced by the wonderful score created by Hans Zimmer whose credits include `Black Hawk Down' and 'Crimson Tide'. The fight scenes have a magical feel of realism and enhanced by the choreographed musical connection. John Toll does a masterful job with the cinematography; his ability to exact perfect lens placement and not rushing us through the fight scenes is remarkable. John Toll's past accomplishments include `Legends of the fall' and `Vanilla Sky'. This film will certainly garner an Art Direction Oscar nomination.
The finest acting job and a certain supporting Oscar nominee is Ken Watanabe. His past credits are nothing of notable stature but his character is so powerful, so prefect, you truly believe he is the warrior who exhibits honor and the respect of the culture.
Another finely placed actor is Billy Connolly who I remember for his unforgettable role in `Boondock Saints', he plays the likeable and affable sidekick to Cruise.
Each of the acting players is well cast. Director Zwick steals a page out of the Spielberg playbook by utilizing children as the heart and soul of the conflict. Their smiles, laugher and facial expressions humanize what could be seen as an epic war movie. None of the actors was more effective in their role than the young Japanese woman who helps Captain Algren's heal from his battle wounds.
Edward Zwick utilizes his incredible vision here like other great films which we have seen from his past films such as `Glory', `Shakespeare in Love', and `Traffic' to lead this cast and crew to excellence in every scene. The 'Last Samurai' was written by John Logan who penned the Oscar winner `Gladiator'.
The `Last Samurai' is the best story of the year and is done with all the richness of other classic epics from year's past. I feverishly kept writing down notes like human spirit, honor, family, love, respect, spirit and commitment. It also has the underlining love story that glues the honor and sprit together. I regret giving `Master and Commander' ten of ten at this point. In hindsight `Last Samurai' is a bigger more full film, one with more action, more heart, and more emotional connection.
This film is the best of the best for 2003.