Definitely a carbon copy of DWW

Rating: Null/10 (29 January 2004)

Yes it is! There are even references to the war with the American Indians! But that's what was Algren's internal conflict in the movie. The film is very watchable. There are some very funny scenes in it too:
"The President of the United States" or "He smells like the pigs" or Katsumoto presuming that it is only Japan's custom to introduce their names...
The VO's in the beginning of the movie, IMHO had no motivation. Made by brave men? Sure they are brave men but they were just killing each other for their own cause! So what if they "made" Japan? But they did personify "that forgotten word" though. Honor. But again, I'm not entirely sure the VOs were all that necessary.
The VO at the end? I guess it was too ON THE NOSE. Since we woulda figured how Algren finally found peace of mind. I didn't entirely care about the Samurai being exterminated either since the village wasn't entirely in harm's way. So I agree with whoever said this film doesn't have the heart that DWW was. But is definitely more or just as entertaining to see as DWW. It isn't something that will belong to my see and see again list of films though. 7/10