just another so-so film for Cruise

Rating: Null/10 (12 December 2004)

While some of the sword fighting scenes were well done, the story still had a lot to be desired. First it is such a cliché to have our war hero, Nathan, a drunk, but really have a good heart. He fought with Custer and has been haunted by the women and children he killed. He gets an offer to go to Japan to train the emperor's soldiers. During battle, he managers to defend himself while surrounded and the Samurai leader, Katsumoto, decides to spare his life. So Nathan is taken to the Samurai village and cared for by the wife of the man he killed. What doesn't make sense is why does he take this "kidnapping" so lightly. He is a very violent man, why doesn't he do something crazy. So, of course, he learns to love the Samurai way and chooses to fight for them. And of course they have to throw a silly love interest in being the woman who nursed him.
As I said the battles are done OK. I'm surprised it didn't get an R rating. There isn't much blood, but there are a number of people shown getting swords put right through them. But, I'm sure there is much more to the history lesson than is shown on screen. I never tells why the Samurai want to fight and don't want to get along with the emporer. I'm sure the movie paints the Samurai as much more likable than they really were.
FINAL VERDICT: It isn't a great epic, so I don't recommend it if you don't like long movies. But, if you really like epics then take the time to watch it because it isn't bad.