The Last Samurai DVD Review

"THE LAST SAMURAI" reviews

DVD

THE LAST SAMURAI

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2005-10-26 11:16:32

Provider

MRIB

DVD Review

Opening in 1846, this period epic stars Tom Cruise as Nathan Algren, a US Civil War hero who, since peace interrupted his career, has spent his time hawking the wares of a rifle company who pay him just enough to keep him drunk. But when Nathan is offered the chance to train the new troops being assembled by the Emperor of Japan to fight the 'savage' Samurai's, the chance seems too good to refuse. Too good that is until Nathan is captured by his enemy and starts to get to know his foe.

Directed by Ed Zwick (Glory), this is less a movie about battles and more about the philosophy of war and the effect sweeping modernisation can have on a deeply traditional and proud people. Cruise is in top form as Algren but it's his Japanese co-star Ken Watanabe who really deserves the kudos for his thoughtful and tempered performance as a loyal and disciplined warrior.

Beautifully shot and smartly written, this is an engaging drama which certainly doesn't feel the two and a half hours it runs.

Copyright © MRIB 2005.