Callum Ward

One of the best films to be made in the past decade, The Last Samurai is a masterpiece films to day do not match. The main reason the film is so good is the story, which may seam simple to most film fans and one that has been told many times before. A american captain(Captain Algen) played by Tom Cruise is tasked to train the newly made Japanese army formed from conscripts and ex samurai in the ways of the modern weapons and formations. Then in the first battle of the new army, they are against Samurai leader Katsumoto who has lead a rebellion against the new Japanese government Captain Algen is captured and held prisoner by Katsumoto who wants to learn more about Algen and his military past and knowledge. Algen soon learns samurai ways of life and soon loves those in the samurai village. The film explores the Meiji era of Japan, where Japan abandons the samurai ruling class system for the modern government rule and the western influences of America and Europe through trading and clothing. The film flows through Meiji era with grace and poetic scores by Hans Zimmer who excels as his music enhances each sequence from start to the very emotional ending. The casting is spot on as Tom Cruise is excellent as Captain Algen who plays him with emotion and heart. The star of the film is Ken Watanabe who plays Samurai leader Katsumoto, he breaths life to a heroic character of the past, he brings charm and intelligence to a role that would have been under shadowed by Cruise by any other actor. The film is a excellent film for Japanese film fans those to like history and film fans in general. Yes its a war historical film but its the drama and the historical background that makes this film so great. The Meiji era comes alive and grips you till the end, making you wanting to watch more and relive all again.