The Last Samurai [WS] [DVD] [2003]

I do not normally care for Tom Cruise movies, but this one is outstanding. It is a wonderful story based on Japan's attempt to modernize in the late 1870s. One cultural mainstay has been the Samurai, their honor code, their wisdom, and the respect they commanded. The advisors to the Emperor convince him all the old ways, especially the Samurai, need to be eliminated. Tom Cruise, a war hero who once fought with Custer, is brought to Japan to teach the Japanese Army the western warfare of guns, cannons, and strategy. In a conflict with a powerful Samurai (Ken Watanbe), Tom Cruise is captured and taken back to the isolated village of the Samurai as a prisoner. It is a rare glimpse into the former Japanese culture, the ways of the Samurai, and how Tom Cruise falls in love with these people and their simple and graceful ways. Ultimately, there is a battle between the new Japanese Army and the last Samurai, with Tom Cruise fighting on the side of the Samurai. You will be mesmerized by the story, the scenery, and the battle scenes. It is now one of my favorite movies and I watch it when I want my spirits lifted. Of course, Blu-Ray makes it all the more beautiful.

It's 1876. Captain Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise) has been sent to Japan in order to help the Imperial Japanese Army become more 'modern' and less 'traditional' and ultimately prepare them to fight the legendary Samurai. Events occur that cause Tom Cruise to be a captive of the deadly but extremely polite Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe) who is the leader of the Japanese Samurai. At this point, the viewer begins to learn why the Samurai are fighting to preserve their way of life against Western influences and Cruise's character becomes emotionally bound to them and he integrates himself into their society after working hard to earn their trust. However, the film is not solely about the struggle for the Samurai to keep their way of life, another subplot includes the low key and shy love relationship between Algren and Taka, a quiet widow (played with subtlety by Koyuki). Though it isn't a big part in the film, it highlights the emotional aspect of the film and shows that this is not a film about swords.

As one of the most moving movies I've seen in quite some time, The Last Samurai was one I was DYING to own on Bluray- DVD just wouldn't do! At first, I could only ever find it on HD-DVD (R.I.P.), which was driving me nuts! Much to my relief, Warner Bros. FINALLY decided to release it on Bluray (now let's get busy with Batman Begins!!)! My girlfriend got this for me for Christmas and then made me wait almost a month before we got to watch it but the wait was worth it! I had already seen it in theaters so I knew the story, but getting to see it again and take in all of its beautiful scenery in high-def was like a whole new experience. As one who doesn't normally care much for Tom Cruise, I remember thinking that was going to be the downfall of the movie. If nothing else, I can say this- The Last Samurai made me like Tom Cruise again! His performance was nothing short of top-knotch from beginning to end! From his introduction as a druken Civil War veteran to his rise as a noble Samurai warrior, Cruise shows a level of passion that fits the role like none other! The Last Samurai is a movie I cannot say enough good things about and one that I believe everyone should have in their collection!

The last samurai is one of my favorite movies. Im pretty sure many would agree with me there. The performances in this film are spectacular and it has a very entertaining story. Unfortunately, this blu-ray does not do the film justice. It's just a good blu-ray when it really could have been great. The way this movie was shot was just beautiful and the blu ray does not take advantage of it very well. I felt like this was just a slight improvement over the dvd release. The audio fares a little better but still misses opportunities especially during the battle sequences. For example, when cannons fire it isn't powerful at all. Fortunately, there are a ton of really good extras on the disc. They are interesting to watch if you want to know more about how the movie was made. If you are looking to get the last samurai this is definitely the version to get. It just doesn't fully take advantage of the power of blu-ray.

A great action drama film! Set in Japan during the 1870s, The Last Samurai tells the story of Capt. Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise), a respected American military officer hired by the Emperor of Japan to train the country's first army in the art of modern warfare. As the Emperor attempts to eradicate the ancient Imperial Samurai warriors in preparation for more Westernized and trade-friendly government policies, Algren finds himself unexpectedly impressed and influenced by his encounters with the Samurai, which places him at the center of a struggle between two eras and two worlds, with only his own sense of honor to guide him.

This story is one of my all-time favorites. I am a fan of Japanese History/Culture when it comes to the Samurai. This movie gives a look at the lives of Samurai warriors at their prime and has given me a high respect for their ways. The story, acting, and plot of the movie are all top notch as Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe portray their roles with a great respect to the way of the samurai. I would highly recommend that anyone who hasn't seen this movie to pick up a copy and be prepared to be amazed. (especially on Blu-Ray disc)

Love the film and I'll say that while it isn't quite a Braveheart or Gladiator (the reissue) Blu Ray release, it certainly does come close. It's an early Encode for the format so there really isn't much to be said other than hopefully one day this movie may get a 4k restoration 1080p release or hop on over to the UHD format, which as of now is still in its infancy. But this is the Last Samurai on Blu Ray. As of right now it's the only way to watch the movie unless it gets a rerelease in theaters.

Story revolves around an American military captain, who is tasked with training a modern Japanese army in order to replace the traditional samurai warriors. The captain is captured by the samurai and eventually comes to learn about their culture and way of life, ultimately joining the samurai cause. Though it can be a little slow at times, the film makes up for this with its visual beauty and the final confrontation that occurs at the end of the film.