The Last Samurai (2003)


 Director: Edward Zwick

Writers: John Logan (story), John Logan (screenplay)

Stars: Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe and Billy Connolly

My Review:
            This film is one of my favorite films which starred Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe. The Last Samurai is one of the few American films that portray the beauty of the Japanese culture. The plot of the film happens in 1870’s when the long American civil war had just got over. Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise) is an American civil war veteran who is hired by some Americans who wish to sell gun powders to the Japanese Emperor. But this westernization of the Imperial army has been condemned by the Samurai Warriors who are devoted to the sacred dynasty. Nathan Algren is hired to train the first set of combat soldiers in firearms and lead them in the attack against the Samurai Warriors. Samurai Warriors are led by Samurai Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe), a legend who is feared by everyone in Japan. Algren admires the Samurai tradition and their skills in fighting. The film narrates a story similar to that of 300 but in a different style.
            The performance of Ken Watanabe as Katsumoto was outstanding and it fetched him an Oscar Nomination. Tom Cruise also delivered a good performance as a lonely American in the midst of a number of Japanese. The drama in the film was beautifully portrayed by Edward Zwick. The background score composed by the legendary Hans Zimmer, added flavor to the film. The sounds and the scenarios were really awesome. The way the story was narrated and the climax sequences were the best. To sum it up, a good film from the bag of Edward Zwick with Ken Watanabe gaining prominence in the Hollywood.

My Rating: 7.9/10

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