Surprised beyond all expectations

Rating: Null/10 (8 June 2004)

As I rule, I approach films with Tom Cruise in them with a sense of skepticism - and I hardly ever see them in theaters. I saw "The Last Samurai" this past weekend and saw a film that truly gave me a new respect for Cruise (although I feel that he had little to do with the film's overall brilliance, he played his role excellently). I was moved in a way that I have not experienced in a movie for some time, truly feeling a sense of emotion for the characters as the film's climax and final scenes played out.
The ending, while somewhat a bit outlandish, was fitting and provided a "happy" ending after the dust of chaos had lifted. Ken Watanabe was TRULY excellent and well-deserving of his Oscar Nomination in his role of the samurai who, like Cruise's character, is fighting a war on the outside as well as one on the inside. Although I couldn't help but feel as if I'd seen the film before ("Dances With Wolves" crossed my mind once or twice), I must confess that this film, after only one viewing, is now one of my favorite films. I highly recommend it for anyone who can look past the violence of the battle scenes (although they are, in my opinion, done with the right level of blood to give you a sense of combat) and who want a film that gives us a story about a beautiful culture and incredible people. * * * * stars