The Last Samurai [2004] | ![The Last Samurai [2004]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511DRHHYDZL._SL160_.jpg)
 enlarge | Director: Edward Zwick
Actors: Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Billy Connolly, William Atherton, Chad Lindberg
Studio: Warner Home Video
Category: Video
List Price: £17.99
Buy New: £2.29
You Save: £15.70 (87%)
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Rating:  94 reviews
Format: Pal
Languages: English (Original Language), French (Original Language), Japanese (Original Language)
Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Media: VHS Tape
Discs: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 154 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.3 x 4.2 x 1.1
EAN: 5014780283831
ASIN: B0000A30NA
Theatrical Release Date: December 5, 2003
Release Date: May 7, 2004
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: Tape still sealed. Storage wear to case only.
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.co.uk Review
The Last Samurai gives epic sweep to an intimate story of cultures at a crossroads as Japan undergoes tumultuous transition to a more Westernised society in 1876-77. In America, tormented Civil War veteran Captain Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise) is coerced by a mercenary officer (Tony Goldwyn) to train the Japanese Emperor's troops in the use of modern weaponry. Opposing this "progress" is a rebellion of samurai warriors, holding fast to their traditions of honour despite strategic disadvantage. As a captive of the samurai leader (Ken Watanabe), Algren learns, appreciates, and adopts the Samurai code, switching sides for a climactic battle that will put everyone's honour to the ultimate test. All of which makes director Edward Zwick's noble epic eminently worthwhile, even if its Hollywood trappings (including an all-too-conventional ending) prevent it from being the masterpiece that Zwick and screenwriter John Logan clearly wanted it to be. Instead, The Last Samurai is an elegant mainstream adventure, impressive in all aspects of its production. It may not engage the emotions as effectively as Logan's script for Gladiator, but like Cruise's character, it finds its own quality of honour. --Jeff Shannon
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| Customer Reviews:
 The best movie I've seen this year! December 10, 2003
Kona (Derbyshire)
52 out of 56 found this review helpful
The Last Samurai is a thrilling epic drama set in 1876 Japan, starring Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe. Cruise plays US army Captain Algren, who has been filled with disgust at the cruelty he and his comrades have inflicted against Indians. He accepts a post in Japan to train their newly formed army in the ways of modern warfare. He is captured by his enemy, Katusmoto (Watanabe) and taken to his village, where he comes to understand and appreciate the Samurai's values.
This is such a beautiful film. It has lots of heroic battle scenes, but they are balanced by quiet vignettes where Algren leans the language and culture, and begins to take part in village life. The traditional Japanese way of life is shown to have many virtues. "No matter what their calling," he says, "everyone spends his day in the pursuit of excellence." The ideals of honor, duty, tradition, and respect fill the story with grace and elegance.
Cruise gives an excellent performance, but I was even more taken with Ken Watanabe, who plays the title role. He combined ultimate power and quiet elegance to create a memorable character. The photography and music make a truly lovely epic. I recommend this film to history and war enthusiasts, as well as those who appreciate the quiet dignity of old Japan. It is a lovely film.
Its been so long since Tora, Tora, Tora! March 7, 2004
33 out of 36 found this review helpful
It seems that Hollywood (being quite obviously American) has kept its distance from high budjet films about Japanese culture over the years. Lets face it they have their reasons and don't forget that the old Japanese culture is quite alien to the average Westerner.
With The Last Samurai, the mainstream film makers have finally found a way of producing a quality film which demonstrates quite accurately the attitudes of the Japanese ruling factions of the time. Quite naturally, Hollywood create films to make money and The Last Samurai is no exception. However, as with other similar semi-historic films (e.g. Gladiator) it has been constructed with a care to detail and has embodied within its foundations the very attributes it wants to portrey, namely honour, compassion and indomitable spirit.
As a student of Japanese and Okinawan martial arts, including sword arts, I was pleased to see the accurate depiction of how a katana (Japanese longsword) is used in battle. I was deeply impressed with the efforts of all the actors to accurately use all the weaponry with such dedication. Cruise especially, worked very hard to learn to use the sword, as well as all the other work he put in.
One scene especially caught my eye, where Cruise is attacked in the street by a group of sword bearing attackers. Having spent several long months converting his fighting skills to that of the Japanese style (quite feasable for the dedicated warrior, even in such a short time) he is able to defeat his attackers. The reality of the use of the sword in the Japanese style, is that every second, one is half an inch from death. This was demonstrated with great film making skill.
This film is unmistakably American, but is made with sensitivity and respect for all concerned. Based loosly on the Satsuma uprising of 1986/7, The Last Samurai uses typical poetic licence in changing the facts, but that doesn't really matter. Whether the protaganists were the Americans, or (in reality) the French, the story is primarily about the strength of character of the Japanese warrior and the code of honour which trancends race and is relevent to true warriors of all races. This is a truly memorable film.
Stylish and gripping movie that should appeal to most people February 16, 2004
Silverfrog (Leeds UK)
27 out of 35 found this review helpful
I went in to see this movie with relatively high expectations and came out of the movie satisfied that all of my expectations were met,.. and more. As described by some of the other reviewers this movie is about Nathan Algreen, a drunken warrior with a lost soul who is captured by the Samurai. Algreen struggles to fight his own demons as he ‘detoxes’ and after his recovery he becomes intrigued with the Samurai. He struggles for their respect and begins to learn about the mysterious Samurai way, their philosophies and of course their martial arts. He is eventually honoured and accepted amongst the Samurai and eventually fights his own military in a climactic struggle to support their ideals and patriotism.The movie unravels the mystery of the Samurai and their ways very well and Cruise gives a very good performance as Algreen. Ken Watanabe is excellent in his role as the Samurai leader showing the intricacies of being a Samurai, a leader, a patriot but also unpopular. He is very graceful but frighteningly brilliant in action as is Cruise. The action sequences were very well done, introducing the action slow motion in a different ways. I just loved Algreen’s initial engagement of the Samurai as it breathtaking, artistic and mysterious all in one. The movie is also added with the romance between Algreen and Taka (Yoyuki). Part of what makes a movie excellent in comparison to just good is the soundtrack. Hans Zimmer did a wonderful job for the soundtrack as it strongly adds to the tension and excitement of the movie. My wife however believes that Zimmer should have used more of the Eastern drumming to enhance the feel of the movie and I agree but I think that it was very good non-the-less. The movie is a good balance between exciting action, style, interesting story and romance together with a good dose of enhancing music. I’m sure with these combinations it should appeal to most people.
The Last Samurai - History CAN be interesting! March 2, 2004
25 out of 31 found this review helpful
Not a movie for everyone, the Last Samurai is a historical story set in the late 1800's in the country of Japan. At this point in history Japan was undergoing a change - there was pressure to modernize and leave the old ways of Samurai honour and instead embrace technology - something Japanese are famous for today.We meet Captain Nathan Algren, a disheartened and alcoholic war hero, haunted by his deeds. He is hired by the Emperial Japanese Army to train their troops to stop the Samurai - Japanese for "Warrior". Not wanting to give too much of the plot away I'll tell you this - Algren sees something in the Samurai way of life that inspires him to do something with his life rather than drink it away, and whilst living with them he learns their ways of honour, respect and, of course, fighting. If you disliked Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible, be prepared for a surprise. No more flashy bullet-dodging, we get to see him take a few blows and even talk the language. If you like Japan and all things Japanese, this movie is for you.
My New Favourite Film February 9, 2004
Stacey Frost (Brum)
20 out of 23 found this review helpful
Wow. This film absolutely blew me away. Surprisingly enough, I am not a great fan of Tom Cruise's work, so I was astounded by his acting in this film. It just goes to show what a brilliant script like this one can do for an actor. Cruise plays Algren, an American who goes from arrogant soldier to honorable samurai during a mission to eradicate the threat posed by said samurai. Whilst with the samurai, Algren learns their way of life.As well as the undertones of honour and duty, this film is bursting with wisdom and beauty. The cinematography is excellent, and some shots in the film (ie the silhouetted Algren against a gorgeous Japanese sunset) are simply breathtaking. The soundtrack provided by musical legend Hans Zimmer is spectacular, a true reflection of both mediation and warrior. The song 'Red Warrior' is just sheer brilliance, combining soulful Japanese flute, with strong emotive strings, as well as the spine tingling battle cries provided by Benjamin Hale. Ken Watanabe also provides a wonderful contrast to Cruise as Katsumoto, the leader of the last samurai tribe. His wisdom and grace are portrayed beautifully, and there is no doubt in my mind that he should win an award for his role. There must be something wrong witht this film, I hear you cry. Well, to put it bluntly, there's not. The battle scenes are simply breathtaking, the acting wonderful, the soundtrack fitting and the story beautiful in a dramatic way. An astounding piece of cinematic genius. A must see for everyone.
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