The Last Samurai (2003)

The land of the Rising Sun... Many great men praised it. It is full of hidden mysteries that still are not comprehended by the minds of mankind. The beauty to Japan and its distinguishing traditions come after watching the film directed by Edward Zwick The Last Samurai. This is an epic drama movie based on a story by John Logan. The film is an interpretation of the events that happened in Japan in the nineteenth century, particularly the turning point for Japan to introduce all possible upgrades suggested by the West, popular trends of Europe and America, both of the household and of the war tactic, that usually run counter to old Japanese traditions.

The veteran of the Civil War and the hero of forced relocation of Indians, Olgren Nathan (Tom Cruise) tries to drown his memories of punitive expeditions in the countless bottles of alcohol, incidentally advertising champagne for a miserable salary per week. Once in his gloomy life it appears a chance to improve his financial state, an old friend of him before known as Sergeant Zebulon Gant (Billy Connolly) offers him an opportunity to earn good money at what they are the best - in the war. By the invitation of Japanese businessman Omura (Masato Harada), they and their former friend Colonel Bagley (Tony Goldwyn) go to the other part of the world to train a newly created imperial army.

Unexpectedly, they find themselves embroiled in a civil war between conservative samurai radicals and progressive Japanese capitalists. And they have to take yesterday's peasants into the battle with soldiers, who dedicated their whole life to fights and wars. In the first fight Olgren was taken as a prisoner to a mountainous village with the way of life still the same as it was thousands of years ago. There he began to learn the Japanese traditions, culture and even the "Way of the Warrior" - the unwritten code of the Samurai behavior. This was just the beginning of the radical changes that were stirring far deep in Olgren's soul.

The main hero of the film is Ken Watanabe, who plays Katsumoto - the last samurai. The actor skillfully combines his heroic military honor, father's love, samurai's calmness and true Japanese politeness and refinement. That is why Watanabe was nominated for Oscar in the category of the best actor. You will find him to be on screen for almost the entire film where his play eclipses the character of Tom Cruise. In keeping with the acting aspect, it should be mentioned that this is one of the longest works in the career of Tom Cruise, to which he had been prepared for about two years by learning the Japanese language, traditions and mastering the samurai's sword. The movie lasts for two hours and a half, one the one hand it's seems to long but on the other it allows to enjoy what is happening on the screen and allows the rest of the actors depict their peculiar characters in the best way possible.

The Last Samurai movie is a vivid example of how neatly the historical drama should be screened. This film won't leave you indifferent! If you enjoy high-quality, large-scale films, this one is for you. While watching you will get a lot of positive emotions and mixed impressions, so find some time to enjoy this film.