Excellent.

Rating: Null/10 (15 February 2004)

An American soldier is left behind in battle and captured by the enemy Japanese to be studied. instead of loathing the Japanese, the American finds himself captivated by their way of life. As The Americans march closer to the Japanese, the American must decide on who he must fight with.
Cruise gives a great performance as the American. Kent Watanabe is also very good as Katsumoto: the last samurai. It takes a little while to get started but when it does it turns out to be a very intelligent and moving film. It has a somewhat awful ending though that leaves an unsatisfying feeling. Utterly the best part of the movie is when the big battle occurs.
One final strong complaint, The movie echos "Dances With Wolves" way too much. Otherwise very good. ***/****