How do you make a samurai movie and not give the audience some naked geisha titties? I mean come on, what else are movies for? If I am going to pay $9 I expect to see more than just Cruise looking wistful.
I didn't have too many problems with the ending. Ebert wrote in his review:
"The Last Samurai" has greatness in it, but sidesteps the ending that would have given it real impact. If there's going to be an alternative ending on the DVD, I know what it would have to show -- and so, I suspect, does Edward Zwick.
Great film, saw it 4 times in theaters and thought it was sensational and epic like that year's LOTR Return of the King. Reminded me of A Man Called Horse meets Shogun Assassin.
2. Cut it with all the exposition from Peter Pedigrew, give us at least some stuff to figure out for ourselves!
3. Cut it with all the slow motion, its too repetitive.
4. Do it from the Samurai Point of view, it's about time we actually got a proper asian perspective rather than just putting an american in there so we can relate to it more :L
5. No Stupid Love Story!
6. Make the Samurai More human, they weren't all gods
@Archedgar u have no common sense. wtf is the movie about? learning about another fuckin lifestyle. now tell me how tha fuck is a asian suppose to fit the role?
@Archedgar who says you have to be asian to be a samurai? samurai are warriors who fight for the emperor. at least its not like the mexican starring brad pitt, or prince of persia starring jake gyllenhall, or any cast member in the last airbender really. the premise is not bad, i have not seen the movie, but the premise about former enemies becoming allies and our protagonist becoming more aware of his former enemies culture and views on life and war sounds like a good premise to me
Wasn't a bad movie, I liked it but not as much as these guys. Wasn't mind blowing nor did it demonstrate anything new, but it was enjoyable for a watch.
I forgot this film entirely about 10 minutes after seeing it. Watching the clips now, they bring nothing to mind whatsoever. This is possibly unique in my film-going experience. Maybe it was something I ate...
@egretdingo I know that this is just stupid nit-picking, but no Samurai is not plural. Plural words don't exist in Japanese the way they exist in English. Not a big deal...but I'm just saying...
@LiesAPlane In fact it's clear throughout the film that if Tom Cruis' character is considered a Samurai by anyone in the film it's on a good faith basis. The title refers to Katsumoto's men. And let's face it Samurai were far less romantic than portrayed. They were more like a mix between pirates and knights put together. A license to steal - from the poor and helpless and a great sense of entitlement.
This movie took liberties with history that I found disturbing (the romanticization of the Samurai, who were in reality more of a right-wing status-quo militarist caste vehemently opposed to any sort of modernization), and it was an unoriginal and flatly told story (Dances with Samurai) on its own merits. What makes it work at all lies in the performances of the cast.
No, what makes it work is that it's a well told story all the way around. It's a fantasy adventure film, the way the 'Pirates' movies are an adventure film, and not the positive reinforcement of raping and pillaging - get it? You shouldn't be disturbed that a movie represents Samurai romantically. Maybe you should be more disturbed that there aren't too many films interested in portraying the truth and reality of it - target the industry instead of this individual film.
@TheAle89515 What are you smoking bro. The Samurai were actually trying to take advantage of modernization so they could remain in power. By saying they were against modernization makes the movie correct idiot.
@commandershadebetter The movie was correct in portraying some of the samurai as being vehemently opposed to modernization.
It was NOT correct in portraying those samurai as the heroes, and the modernizers as moustache twirling villains. Japan's modernizers were visionary leaders, not self-interested tycoons, and they saved Japan from being annexed by Western powers, the fate of basically every other country in the eastern hemisphere.
@TheAle89515 That is true. Japan would of ended up as a colony if they didn't modernize and wouldn't of became the great power it is today. But I think the movie's lesson is that Japan can't forget their roots though. I mean lets face it, the Japan had to adopt western culture to become what it is today. Who knows maybe they could of industrialized one day if Europe hadn't started exploring the world.
@commandershadebetter I highly agree with what you're saying, my friend. It's like the emperor Meiji said near the end of the movie, we cannot forget who we are or where we come from (very inspiring words.)
Lately though; even though the saying is from a movie, I've wondered if the Japanese people of today still remember their traditions. I keep reading reports about how Japan's people are forgetting the "old ways," as it's called.
They do remember, and I think it's really branded into their souls. Sure, they have adopted western technology and styles, but they also make them their own. If anything, Japan is one of the most adaptable countries on the planet, but can make what they assimilate seem like it was theirs to begin with. They are a very focused and disciplined people. If they brought the samurai back, I don't think anybody would notice that they were even gone for over a century.
@Elfrunner Your comment is awesomely reassuring. It's great that the Japanese are so adaptable.
I was just worried that when the day came that I would visit Japan; that maybe one of their cultural sites like the Asakusa Temple or the Samurai monuments would be mowed down to build something stupid in its place like a Wal-Mart, a movie theater or another part of a freeway.
But I'm glad you assured me that the Japanese still hold true to their ancestry
You'd never see them build a Wal-Mart or fast food restaurant over an ancestral monument. The Japanese hold the spirits of the ancestors in high regard to their daily life. You might see something like that in America only because America is a young country with no values, but not in Japan.
@Elfrunner Oh...thank you so, so, so much for your reassuring words. It's pleasing to know that unlike some parts of the world; where some of us in the younger generation don't wish to care about their heritage, the Japanese still respect their history and bloodlines.
FYI; I'm not speaking sarcastically, I mean every word of my comment. Furthermore, I love being an American and I love my country but it sickens me to hear that some Native Americans are building casinos on sacred land
Yes, you got to hand it to the Japanese for being so resilient. And no worries. I wasn't mistaking anything for sarcasm. ;) About the Native Americans, though, they really don't have a choice these days. They're virtually ignored in the country and don't have many options to choose from, so it's either casinos or homelessness, and way too many Natives are homeless in America.
@Elfrunner Oh dude, I had no idea that was the case for the Native Americans. I thought some of them were building casinos because they forgot about their heritage
I don't know whether it's because I'm familiar with the history- or whether it's because it's Tom Cruise (Still think he's awesome)- but considering the time period and the cultural difference- it seemed impossibly unlikely given the realism of the atmosphere (maybe a ghost or some other supernatural element would have allowed me to suspend my disbelief)
I for one found this movie to be quite entertaining and fantastic overall. I understand its not historically accurate, but then again I dont belive they were trying to be. Tom Cruise imo delivered one of the best performances of his career in this movie and Ken Watanabe really was able to support him in a professional way that really helped to sell this movies story. Once again the imagery was absolutley astonishing. Definately one of the best movies I have ever seen.
Funny how all the self proclaimed "experts" of Samurai history and Japanese culture are a bunch of white Westerners lol...if you want historical accuracy, pick up a book. It's a freaken MOVIE for Christs sake. Fuck you guys, I have Japanese heritage and I for one, really enjoyed this movie. I'm not gonna knock it because it didnt mirror actual historical events lol. You guys are freaken sad...
@TheBlayzinAsian420 i liked this film like 5 years ago but now i don't really like it, i found it to be incredibly patronising to japanese culture, also tom cruises performance is incredibly melodramatic and its full of corny cliche action scenes (the ninja fight) im not the only person to dislike this film, it recieved mediocre reviews in Japan like most western films about Japan. for a similar movie see Ran by Akira Kurosawa, that film is phenomenal.
@oldsnake8592 After watching this movie a bunch of times, I must admit that I agree with your comment 100%. It's interesting that u don't notice the flaws until uve seen it 4 or 5 times. Not saying I disliked it, but there were some things they could have improved upon for sure. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the film you mentioned thx
I agree with you, the film is obviously hollywood, with the ending and the battle scenes etc. I did find it a good movie though, just I prefured Seven Samurai by a mile.
Though at the end I did almost shed a tear when they all charged at the guns despite the knowledge that they would die :)
@xaxie1 the thing is i loved the film like 6-7 years ago, but now that i've become more mature on how i view films, i've noticed that i only liked films based on there looks back then, even to this day the film looks amazing the final battle specifically, but looking into it, ive noticed allot of its flaws, and the more i view it the more i tend to dislike this picture, especially after i've recently finished watching all of Akira Kurosaws work.
One of the most overrated movies of all time. All it does is take the clichéd "white man wants to kill (insert other race here) but then befriends one of them and learns their way of life" script and give it to Tom Cruise. We've seen this type of movie done before and done better. It was an ok film, but not worthy of all the praise it got. If you want good acting there are better films for that, if you want good war scenes you can find them somewhere else etc.
@theSuperMetroid Overrated indeed. Not to mention the insultingly inaccurate portrayal of Japanese culture. How could they make a movie about the honor of the last samurais while screwing up the whole honor ideology?
@HalfLifeHalfDead Well Avatar made 2.7 billion dollars and I don't think there was any superb storytelling or plot. It is appreciated for the SFX. Money is a factor but should not determine the value of a movie. Also, if this was overrated it would be unanimously considered a movie that no other film can touch.
@mankbeast1 The last Samurai is an 8 year old movie, add in the inflation. And if every movie which didn't make a billion should be considered underrated... Well, mate, do you really actually believe what you are saying or do you argue for the sake of arguing?
This movie always me think of 'The Twilight Samurai'; both about the end of the age of the samurai, made a year apart, both with Hiroyuki Sanada, both set in about the same time period and Twilight Samurai being the VASTLY superior film.
This movie is tired and cliche. Far too many movies about foreigners who finally understand the foreign land in the end. Not to mention the whole samurai having some sort of disdain for guns and modern ways is a farce. *sigh* The whole concept of all samurai faithfully practicing bushido is bullshido.
@Maeryck Anyone who can read knows the samurai who fought in the Satsuma Rebellion had guns, and we know that artillery existed in the Boshin War and was even important to the Tokugawa shogunate. This is a movie, however, and a period piece at that, not an historical account. If you want that, watch a documentary. As for foreigners coming to understand and fight for another land, enter Eugène Collache.
@TampaRed Good grief go back and re-read my comment. I stated that "Samurai having some sort of disdain for guns and modern ways is a farce' Anyone with half a brain would infer from that that I know samurai used guns. In fact they have been using guns since the mid 16th century BEFORE the Tokugawa Shogunate came into being. You talk about 'anyone who can read' yet you yourself have demonstrated a clear lack on reading comprehension.
the Last Samurai was one of my favorite films, I have soft spot for it because it was the first film that made me cry...what? THEY WERE MANLY TEARS OK?
I agree with Roeper. I just couldn't buy Tom Cruise. I don't know if this is a flaw of Crusie or the induction of media. I didn't believe him like I did Kevin Costner in "Dances WIth Wolves" or Russel Crow in "Gladiator". I think Cruise's problem isn't his problem. It's the fact that he's such a huge star, at this point in the past, that we see only Tom Cruise. I do admire his choice to make the film, though. It was a good one.
@wasteland70 Russell Crow in 'Gladiator' was awful. Seriously, Shatner levels of hammy over acting. The movie was so poorly written and executed I think he was doing what he could with the material but made me laugh out loud several times when I watched it. I love Russell Crow (A Beautiful Mind was a concrete example of his brilliance as an actor) but the levels of praise people give this kind of cliche Hollywood pap is stunning.
@NocturneKing - not all that interesting, just a stated opinion. I really don't think receiving an award is proof of anything in any field, let alone one in which Ordinary People beats out Raging Bull as best picture.
does anyone else think eberts voice ages like 30 years between this and superman returns?
thechallenger9000 4 weeks ago
Not original but well-executed film. Borrows from Dances with Wolves but it delivers where Avatar failed.
jp3813 1 month ago 4
How do you make a samurai movie and not give the audience some naked geisha titties? I mean come on, what else are movies for? If I am going to pay $9 I expect to see more than just Cruise looking wistful.
robotpanda77 1 month ago
I didn't have too many problems with the ending. Ebert wrote in his review:
"The Last Samurai" has greatness in it, but sidesteps the ending that would have given it real impact. If there's going to be an alternative ending on the DVD, I know what it would have to show -- and so, I suspect, does Edward Zwick.
What ending is he referring to?
kc414 2 months ago
Great film, saw it 4 times in theaters and thought it was sensational and epic like that year's LOTR Return of the King. Reminded me of A Man Called Horse meets Shogun Assassin.
Johnlindsey289 2 months ago
In all honesty, I would be interested in seeing a remake of this movie without Tom Cruise
at all. Instead, just a serious film about the fall of the samurai. Still a great movie, though.
SpazInBlack 2 months ago
@SpazInBlack
I agree, and make the following changes
1. Don't use Ed Zwick
2. Cut it with all the exposition from Peter Pedigrew, give us at least some stuff to figure out for ourselves!
3. Cut it with all the slow motion, its too repetitive.
4. Do it from the Samurai Point of view, it's about time we actually got a proper asian perspective rather than just putting an american in there so we can relate to it more :L
5. No Stupid Love Story!
6. Make the Samurai More human, they weren't all gods
xaxie1 2 months ago
@10drops42 Its visually a beautiful movie. Its the premise that sucks
000theUnforgiven000 2 months ago
Terrific Movie Indeed.
Megapolable 3 months ago
Worst Samurai film ever, completely hollywood! I hate it !
xaxie1 3 months ago
This move would of been so much cooler if Jean Reno was the last Samurai.
Herv3 4 months ago
9/10
qwuezalothus 4 months ago
It's a shit film. I mean it's ok. But standard. It's a blockbuster. Drama by numbers. These guys don't know much considering they're on TV and stuff.
sparkyinbath 4 months ago
@Cruzman3609 It's a terrible movie, fanboy.
Quit your crying.
Archedgar 7 months ago
@Archedgar u have no common sense. wtf is the movie about? learning about another fuckin lifestyle. now tell me how tha fuck is a asian suppose to fit the role?
ThaSubzstance 6 months ago
The premise for the movie is terrible.
The Last Samurai starring a caucasian man? sigh...
Archedgar 8 months ago
@Archedgar who says you have to be asian to be a samurai? samurai are warriors who fight for the emperor. at least its not like the mexican starring brad pitt, or prince of persia starring jake gyllenhall, or any cast member in the last airbender really. the premise is not bad, i have not seen the movie, but the premise about former enemies becoming allies and our protagonist becoming more aware of his former enemies culture and views on life and war sounds like a good premise to me
masterbassist93 6 months ago
@masterbassist93 That's not what Samurai are.
You have not seen the movie? sounds like a pretty huge fail on your part. Talk not about things you know not.
Archedgar 6 months ago
The only good thing about this movie is Tom Cruise getting soundly beaten up by the star of a much, much better movie (Sanada Hiroyuki).
textthing 9 months ago
Wasn't a bad movie, I liked it but not as much as these guys. Wasn't mind blowing nor did it demonstrate anything new, but it was enjoyable for a watch.
Davetacular45 10 months ago
ken watanabe is the only thing that saved this movie for me.
Kyoko019 10 months ago
It bored me, I blame Cruise.
Sleepingsparklegirl 10 months ago
I forgot this film entirely about 10 minutes after seeing it. Watching the clips now, they bring nothing to mind whatsoever. This is possibly unique in my film-going experience. Maybe it was something I ate...
veinknamjenbi 10 months ago
ok to watch if your bored.. see it once
lehighmark 11 months ago
They don't mention the dichotomy between Indians and Japanese this film tried to make. Probably it's biggest fault but I still liked it overall.
rss313 1 year ago
Coming soon to theaters: "The Last Nigga on Earth"....starring Tom Hanks.
LiesAPlane 1 year ago 36
@LiesAPlane Samurai is plural.
egretdingo 9 months ago 17
@egretdingo I know that this is just stupid nit-picking, but no Samurai is not plural. Plural words don't exist in Japanese the way they exist in English. Not a big deal...but I'm just saying...
InBakerwetrust 6 months ago
@InBakerwetrust The title does not refer to one person, is what I was trying to say. Thank you for your clarification though. The more I know.
egretdingo 6 months ago
@LiesAPlane In fact it's clear throughout the film that if Tom Cruis' character is considered a Samurai by anyone in the film it's on a good faith basis. The title refers to Katsumoto's men. And let's face it Samurai were far less romantic than portrayed. They were more like a mix between pirates and knights put together. A license to steal - from the poor and helpless and a great sense of entitlement.
futurestoryteller 6 months ago
@LiesAPlane All-American Cowboy starring Jackie Chan
samrayiii 2 months ago
This movie took liberties with history that I found disturbing (the romanticization of the Samurai, who were in reality more of a right-wing status-quo militarist caste vehemently opposed to any sort of modernization), and it was an unoriginal and flatly told story (Dances with Samurai) on its own merits. What makes it work at all lies in the performances of the cast.
TheAle89515 1 year ago
@TheAle89515
No, what makes it work is that it's a well told story all the way around. It's a fantasy adventure film, the way the 'Pirates' movies are an adventure film, and not the positive reinforcement of raping and pillaging - get it? You shouldn't be disturbed that a movie represents Samurai romantically. Maybe you should be more disturbed that there aren't too many films interested in portraying the truth and reality of it - target the industry instead of this individual film.
futurestoryteller 1 year ago
@TheAle89515 What are you smoking bro. The Samurai were actually trying to take advantage of modernization so they could remain in power. By saying they were against modernization makes the movie correct idiot.
commandershadebetter 5 months ago
@commandershadebetter The movie was correct in portraying some of the samurai as being vehemently opposed to modernization.
It was NOT correct in portraying those samurai as the heroes, and the modernizers as moustache twirling villains. Japan's modernizers were visionary leaders, not self-interested tycoons, and they saved Japan from being annexed by Western powers, the fate of basically every other country in the eastern hemisphere.
TheAle89515 5 months ago
@TheAle89515 That is true. Japan would of ended up as a colony if they didn't modernize and wouldn't of became the great power it is today. But I think the movie's lesson is that Japan can't forget their roots though. I mean lets face it, the Japan had to adopt western culture to become what it is today. Who knows maybe they could of industrialized one day if Europe hadn't started exploring the world.
commandershadebetter 5 months ago
@commandershadebetter
Good thing is they have kept their roots so well, they use great culture presented in a modern day lifestyle :)
xaxie1 2 months ago
@commandershadebetter I highly agree with what you're saying, my friend. It's like the emperor Meiji said near the end of the movie, we cannot forget who we are or where we come from (very inspiring words.)
Lately though; even though the saying is from a movie, I've wondered if the Japanese people of today still remember their traditions. I keep reading reports about how Japan's people are forgetting the "old ways," as it's called.
It's sad really
sadlobster1 2 weeks ago
@sadlobster1
They do remember, and I think it's really branded into their souls. Sure, they have adopted western technology and styles, but they also make them their own. If anything, Japan is one of the most adaptable countries on the planet, but can make what they assimilate seem like it was theirs to begin with. They are a very focused and disciplined people. If they brought the samurai back, I don't think anybody would notice that they were even gone for over a century.
Elfrunner 1 week ago
@Elfrunner Your comment is awesomely reassuring. It's great that the Japanese are so adaptable.
I was just worried that when the day came that I would visit Japan; that maybe one of their cultural sites like the Asakusa Temple or the Samurai monuments would be mowed down to build something stupid in its place like a Wal-Mart, a movie theater or another part of a freeway.
But I'm glad you assured me that the Japanese still hold true to their ancestry
sadlobster1 1 week ago
@sadlobster1
You'd never see them build a Wal-Mart or fast food restaurant over an ancestral monument. The Japanese hold the spirits of the ancestors in high regard to their daily life. You might see something like that in America only because America is a young country with no values, but not in Japan.
Elfrunner 1 week ago
@Elfrunner Oh...thank you so, so, so much for your reassuring words. It's pleasing to know that unlike some parts of the world; where some of us in the younger generation don't wish to care about their heritage, the Japanese still respect their history and bloodlines.
FYI; I'm not speaking sarcastically, I mean every word of my comment. Furthermore, I love being an American and I love my country but it sickens me to hear that some Native Americans are building casinos on sacred land
sadlobster1 1 week ago
@sadlobster1
Yes, you got to hand it to the Japanese for being so resilient. And no worries. I wasn't mistaking anything for sarcasm. ;) About the Native Americans, though, they really don't have a choice these days. They're virtually ignored in the country and don't have many options to choose from, so it's either casinos or homelessness, and way too many Natives are homeless in America.
Elfrunner 1 week ago
@Elfrunner Oh dude, I had no idea that was the case for the Native Americans. I thought some of them were building casinos because they forgot about their heritage
sadlobster1 1 week ago
I don't know whether it's because I'm familiar with the history- or whether it's because it's Tom Cruise (Still think he's awesome)- but considering the time period and the cultural difference- it seemed impossibly unlikely given the realism of the atmosphere (maybe a ghost or some other supernatural element would have allowed me to suspend my disbelief)
sypin 1 year ago
gay movie
Razersun 1 year ago
I only had a few problem with some acting,but in rest awesome movie.
sergiu1231 1 year ago
I for one found this movie to be quite entertaining and fantastic overall. I understand its not historically accurate, but then again I dont belive they were trying to be. Tom Cruise imo delivered one of the best performances of his career in this movie and Ken Watanabe really was able to support him in a professional way that really helped to sell this movies story. Once again the imagery was absolutley astonishing. Definately one of the best movies I have ever seen.
Coldshadow25 1 year ago 2
Funny how all the self proclaimed "experts" of Samurai history and Japanese culture are a bunch of white Westerners lol...if you want historical accuracy, pick up a book. It's a freaken MOVIE for Christs sake. Fuck you guys, I have Japanese heritage and I for one, really enjoyed this movie. I'm not gonna knock it because it didnt mirror actual historical events lol. You guys are freaken sad...
TheBlayzinAsian420 1 year ago
@TheBlayzinAsian420 i liked this film like 5 years ago but now i don't really like it, i found it to be incredibly patronising to japanese culture, also tom cruises performance is incredibly melodramatic and its full of corny cliche action scenes (the ninja fight) im not the only person to dislike this film, it recieved mediocre reviews in Japan like most western films about Japan. for a similar movie see Ran by Akira Kurosawa, that film is phenomenal.
oldsnake8592 1 year ago
@oldsnake8592 After watching this movie a bunch of times, I must admit that I agree with your comment 100%. It's interesting that u don't notice the flaws until uve seen it 4 or 5 times. Not saying I disliked it, but there were some things they could have improved upon for sure. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the film you mentioned thx
TheBlayzinAsian420 1 year ago
@oldsnake8592
I agree with you, the film is obviously hollywood, with the ending and the battle scenes etc. I did find it a good movie though, just I prefured Seven Samurai by a mile.
Though at the end I did almost shed a tear when they all charged at the guns despite the knowledge that they would die :)
xaxie1 1 year ago
@xaxie1 the thing is i loved the film like 6-7 years ago, but now that i've become more mature on how i view films, i've noticed that i only liked films based on there looks back then, even to this day the film looks amazing the final battle specifically, but looking into it, ive noticed allot of its flaws, and the more i view it the more i tend to dislike this picture, especially after i've recently finished watching all of Akira Kurosaws work.
oldsnake8592 1 year ago
One of the most overrated movies of all time. All it does is take the clichéd "white man wants to kill (insert other race here) but then befriends one of them and learns their way of life" script and give it to Tom Cruise. We've seen this type of movie done before and done better. It was an ok film, but not worthy of all the praise it got. If you want good acting there are better films for that, if you want good war scenes you can find them somewhere else etc.
theSuperMetroid 1 year ago
@theSuperMetroid Overrated indeed. Not to mention the insultingly inaccurate portrayal of Japanese culture. How could they make a movie about the honor of the last samurais while screwing up the whole honor ideology?
AnkokuEvangeline 1 year ago
@theSuperMetroid Overrated? I think you are sorely mistaken. This movie is severely underrated.
mankbeast1 1 year ago
@mankbeast1 I fail to see how a movie that made half a billion and has been nominated for 4 Oscars can be underrated.
HalfLifeHalfDead 1 year ago
@HalfLifeHalfDead Well Avatar made 2.7 billion dollars and I don't think there was any superb storytelling or plot. It is appreciated for the SFX. Money is a factor but should not determine the value of a movie. Also, if this was overrated it would be unanimously considered a movie that no other film can touch.
mankbeast1 1 year ago
@mankbeast1 The last Samurai is an 8 year old movie, add in the inflation. And if every movie which didn't make a billion should be considered underrated... Well, mate, do you really actually believe what you are saying or do you argue for the sake of arguing?
HalfLifeHalfDead 1 year ago
@HalfLifeHalfDead Well since i see this is not going anywhere, I will leave it as it is.
mankbeast1 1 year ago
@mankbeast1 Keep in mind I didn't say it was overrated. But it's just as silly to call it underrated.
HalfLifeHalfDead 1 year ago
@HalfLifeHalfDead well said!
sypin 1 year ago
@mankbeast1
Yup.. its just ppl don't go out as much to movies, and when they do, its something for them to do outside of the ordinary.
at1212b 1 year ago
What? This film is fun but totally formulaic.
sparkyinbath 1 year ago
This movie always me think of 'The Twilight Samurai'; both about the end of the age of the samurai, made a year apart, both with Hiroyuki Sanada, both set in about the same time period and Twilight Samurai being the VASTLY superior film.
CrashLanden 1 year ago
This movie is tired and cliche. Far too many movies about foreigners who finally understand the foreign land in the end. Not to mention the whole samurai having some sort of disdain for guns and modern ways is a farce. *sigh* The whole concept of all samurai faithfully practicing bushido is bullshido.
Maeryck 1 year ago
@Maeryck Anyone who can read knows the samurai who fought in the Satsuma Rebellion had guns, and we know that artillery existed in the Boshin War and was even important to the Tokugawa shogunate. This is a movie, however, and a period piece at that, not an historical account. If you want that, watch a documentary. As for foreigners coming to understand and fight for another land, enter Eugène Collache.
TampaRed 1 year ago
@TampaRed Good grief go back and re-read my comment. I stated that "Samurai having some sort of disdain for guns and modern ways is a farce' Anyone with half a brain would infer from that that I know samurai used guns. In fact they have been using guns since the mid 16th century BEFORE the Tokugawa Shogunate came into being. You talk about 'anyone who can read' yet you yourself have demonstrated a clear lack on reading comprehension.
Maeryck 9 months ago
This movie is mediocre.
NocturneKing 1 year ago
The Last Samurai is a rip off of Dances with Wolves except in Japan. So that just shows how unoriginal Avatar's story really is!
spicychicken93 1 year ago
The Last Sammurai is a total rip off of Shogun.
Asskicker32294 1 year ago
the Last Samurai was one of my favorite films, I have soft spot for it because it was the first film that made me cry...what? THEY WERE MANLY TEARS OK?
segaking4 1 year ago
I agree with Roeper. I just couldn't buy Tom Cruise. I don't know if this is a flaw of Crusie or the induction of media. I didn't believe him like I did Kevin Costner in "Dances WIth Wolves" or Russel Crow in "Gladiator". I think Cruise's problem isn't his problem. It's the fact that he's such a huge star, at this point in the past, that we see only Tom Cruise. I do admire his choice to make the film, though. It was a good one.
wasteland70 1 year ago 2
@wasteland70 Russell Crow in 'Gladiator' was awful. Seriously, Shatner levels of hammy over acting. The movie was so poorly written and executed I think he was doing what he could with the material but made me laugh out loud several times when I watched it. I love Russell Crow (A Beautiful Mind was a concrete example of his brilliance as an actor) but the levels of praise people give this kind of cliche Hollywood pap is stunning.
OLTJOE 1 year ago
@OLTJOE Interesting how you state that Russell Crowe was awful in Gladiator when he won an Academy Award for it.
NocturneKing 1 year ago
@NocturneKing - not all that interesting, just a stated opinion. I really don't think receiving an award is proof of anything in any field, let alone one in which Ordinary People beats out Raging Bull as best picture.
OLTJOE 1 year ago
@wasteland70 Good point, but I suppose we can't really blame him for that.
KilldozerRocks 1 year ago
the only problem I have with this flick is that at the end it is just too cruise...
but 3/4 of this film are great beyond the scale
KahlerHahn 1 year ago
great film, warranted a best picture nom
Comictalent 1 year ago
Not nominated for cinematography!!?
reece32100 2 years ago
Comments at 3:!0 are my thoughts exactly.
lg123xyz 2 years ago