Very Strong Film

Rating: 6/10 (8 January 2004)

This film is great, the story is strongly motivated and it stays in line with samurai films; as well as some of its predecessors (Shogun, etc.). I wasn't overwhelmed by the film however. As much as I like Tom Cruise and would like to see him win an Oscar, I don't think this is the film. I felt a little restless at times and I think there have been better films and better performances this year.