THE LAST SAMURAI
 |
| For glory and pride. |
Actors: Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Billy Connolly and others
Genre: Action, Drama, History
Duration: 154 minutes
Duration: 154 minutes
Plot: an American military advisor embraces the Samurai culture he was hired to destroy after being captured in battle.
Analysis: The Last Samurai is one of the greatest historical movies of last decade. Director Edward Zwick is an expert on depicting accurately the atmosphere of past times, as he has already proven with multi-awarded movies like Glory and Legends of the Fall. The historical background behind this film is extremely interesting since it is not usual for an american blockbuster to refer with respect and admiration to another's country past. Zwick manages to succesfully ressurect the feeling of living in 19th's century imperial Japan. The pictures of the remoted Samurai's village in the mountains are simply breathtaking and the representation of the Samurai's life seems really persuasive. Performances are equally good with that of Ken Watanabe's as the Samurai leader to reasonably captivate the attention.
The whole movie acts as ladder leading you to the ultimate climax with the final battle scene, which is of epical proportions. The viewer will find himself blown away from the realistic sword fights. In addition to that, the sense of epicness is greatly boosted by Hans Zimmer's fabulous soundtrack which will not only move you but also exhilarate you. To sum up, The Last Samurai is definetely a unique movie which will entertain you while offering you some interesting history lessons about a civilization long forgotten.
The whole movie acts as ladder leading you to the ultimate climax with the final battle scene, which is of epical proportions. The viewer will find himself blown away from the realistic sword fights. In addition to that, the sense of epicness is greatly boosted by Hans Zimmer's fabulous soundtrack which will not only move you but also exhilarate you. To sum up, The Last Samurai is definetely a unique movie which will entertain you while offering you some interesting history lessons about a civilization long forgotten.
Things to notice:
- Ken Watanabe's marvelous performance,
- the epical fight scenes and
- Hans Zimmer's wonderful and dynamic soundtrack.
Oscar awards (2004):
- four (4) oscar nominations for:
a) Best Actor in a Supporting Role,
b) Best Costume Desing,
c) Best Sound Mixing and
d) Best Art Direction - Set Decoration.
Should be watched tonight if: you want to see Tom Cruise with a beard!
Trailer
