The Last Samurai

It may be somewhat naive at times, but I still like how this movie portrays different ways of thinking. What is beautiful about it is that it is all about how these approaches may be different, but when it comes to fighting for the right thing, it is not about the differences, but about what unites people. I must say that I am liking the Japanese approach more and more. (2015-04-02)

The great Japanese cast and samurai lifestyle definitely led me to award the full number of stars. In most movies Tom Cruise's personality would eclipse all supporting actors. But he failed to do so here, since the quality of the Japanese actors is still a bit above him. Content-wise, I find everything I’m looking for here...honor, peace, war, love, friendship. And even though it's a war movie, I also find lots of balance here. And you don’t see that often. A beautiful experience. 5 stars. (2011-09-12)

The Last Samurai is a film for everyone. The critic suddenly reveals that he understands better than others the principles of Eastern philosophy and the essence of the samurai (see the reviews on some of the renowned servers), the unpretentious viewer is delighted by the pretty face of Cruise, as well as excellent and precisely executed examples of fencing (ermm... Fencing, in fact!). For a discerning spectator, there is a pleasure in its own foresight, for everything that happens in The Last Samurai is perceptible to the last detail. A textbook major Hollywood film in all the glamour and misery. If you accept Zwick's game and abstract from the demanding evaluation of popcorn attempts at a deeper philosophy, the classic "initiation" plot remains, in which the hero finds honor through humiliation. There are also some excellent battle scenes, led by the final battle, which will humble the mega-battles from The Return of the King in a cool way. The great Ken Watanabe remains as samurai leader Katsumoto, as well as Tom Cruise, who, if he were to stop doing the pretty poses, would be a real adornment... It simply remains a pleasant spectacle, which is all that can be expected from The Last Samurai. Edward Zwick cut out a spectacle, which I had a lot of fun with and which made me very happy. Sometimes it's nice to watch the story and know what's going to happen in the next few seconds. And to only care about how it happens. And to not take it so seriously... ___ footnote: After four views, my light intellectual perspective turned to love. Yes, this film is the work of a great romantic and idealist, but it continues to affect me, because in all romanticism there is really an effort for feeling and a huge will to tell the story as impressively as possible. When I put films like Braveheart, Gladiator, Troy, etc., next to each other, Captain Algren's story is the most personal and closest to my heart. I'm increasing the rating to full. (2004-02-19)

From poetic shots of the beautiful landscape of New Zealand to the thrilling final 20 minutes, everything is just as it should be in a Hollywood blockbuster. What's more, even though it is an American film, it doesn't look as American as it might seem at first glance, and Edward Zwick's tribute to the art of the Samurai is admirable. Tom Cruise is stunning, his portrayal of Nathan Algren is truly amazing. The director paid attention to every camera shot. The Last Samurai can be watched multiple times and it will still entertain you. (2004-02-20)

Over two hours of shots of Tom Cruise who is meant to be Nathaniel Algren, but remains simply Cruise for the entire movie. It’s kitsch, void of a screenplay and respect for other cultures, full of clichés... And very good. Monumental battles, Zimmer’s thunderous soundtrack and visual spectacle on top of everything. Dumb and naive gilding. But it must be said that this is extremely entertaining dumb and naive gilding. ♫ OST score: 4/5 (2008-01-17)