35mmReviews

Synopsis: Captain Nathan Algren is a man adrift. The battles he once fought now seem distant and futile. Once he risked his life for honor and country, but, in the years since the Civil War, the world has changed. Pragmatism has replaced courage, self-interest has taken the place of sacrifice and honor is nowhere to be found--especially out West where his role in the Indian Campaigns ended in disillusionment and sorrow. Somewhere on the unforgiving plains near the banks of the Washita River, Algren lost his soul. A universe away, another soldier sees his way of life about to disintegrate. He is Katsumoto, the last leader of an ancient line of warriors, the venerated Samurai, who dedicated their lives to serving emperor and country. Just as the modern way encroached upon the American West, cornering and condemning the Native American, it also engulfed traditional Japan. The telegraph lines and railroads that brought progress now threaten those values and codes by which the Samurai have lived and died for centuries. But Katsumoto will not go without a fight. The paths of these two warriors converge when the young Emperor of Japan, wooed by American interests who covet the growing Japanese market, hires Algren to train Japan's first modern, conscript army. But as the Emperor's advisors attempt to eradicate the Samurai in preparation for a more Westernized and trade-friendly government, Algren finds himself unexpectedly impressed and influenced by his encounters with the Samurai. Their powerful convictions remind him of the man he once was. Thrust now into harsh and unfamiliar territory, with his life and perhaps more important, his soul, in the balance, the troubled American soldier finds himself at the center of a violent and epic struggle between two eras and two worlds, with only his sense of honor to guide him.

Starring: Tom Cruise, Timothy Spall, Billy Connolly, Tony Goldwyn, Ken Watanabe
Directed by: Edward Zwick
U.S. Rating: R

I've said it before in this blog. so far, this movie is one of the three best movies with Tom Cruise (the other two are Collateral and War of the Worlds). This is just my personal opinion, but he played such a great role in this movie. Many crossed and mixed reviews and critics have been given to this movie. Some positives, some negatives... but the truth is that I totally enjoyed the story, the customs, the countrysides, the fights and combat scenes and final message expressed on this movie. I personally recommend this movie.

What did I like from this movie?

1. The fights and combat scenes as well as the learning process of this ancient culture and become a samurai at the end of the movie

What did I dislike from this movie?

1. The final battle seemed to be a copy of the epic battle between the Scots and English in Braveheart

I would rate this movie with a 5/5

What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie?