The First Globalization (dvd)

Rating: 10/10 (16 October 2011)

In other words, as a book I recently read, it's "McWorld vs Jihad", Modernisation vs Tradition. It's evident in this movie but if this debate is really acute today for America and Europe, this movie helped me to understand that this question was started already a century ago in the countries that have been colonized. Here, it's Japan and the choice is interesting because there, traditions mean honor.
From a different point of view, you can see an American idol (Cruise) turning his back at America and giving his soul to fundamentalist warriors. For a movie post 9/11, it's a courageous choice: Some said it was a hidden plea for his church of Scientology but I don't feel a religious message here: on the contrary, this suffering soul have found inner peace with enemies that welcomes him and it's the power of love and not faith that saves him. Another proof of courage comes from the director who doesn't hesitate to depict US Army as racist and savage killing innocent people. But if the side that has technology always have power, it doesn't mean also victory.
Despite of this gloomy and violent world, the movie is also a wonderful moment of peace, wisdom and love. A lot of this tenderness comes from the Japanese cast that are much more moving as new faces that a lot of Hollywood stars (fortunately none in this movie). I was totally touched by their non-verbal communication: it's all in glances and they say much more than with words.
Last but not least, the score of Zimmer is a masterpiece: it sounds very Japanese, pure and simple and totally emotional as this movie.