2008 Woodie Awards
Movie Review
The Last Samurai
Natalie Shirkey
Issue date: 12/10/03 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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This film is well crafted and extremely believable; the sword fighting scenes and talented acting are just two things sure to grab your attention.
It stars Tom Cruise, who portrays a war hero named Nathan Algren, whose hope in America is lost due to his past experiences with the war.
He embarks on a trip to Japan as a mercenary sent to train a newly formed imperial army. His first trial is to train this nearly un-trainable army. Once he trains the army, he has to fight with them against a warrior tribe known as the Samurais. The Samurais fight on horseback and use only swords and armor to fight back. This presents an action battle in which Algren nearly loses his life. However, he is rescued and held prisoner under the Samurai's tribe. The Japanese Samurais take their values and culture very serious.
Algren soon finds solace in a place that he once despised. He trains under the head Samurai, named Katsumoto, who is played by talented Japanese actor Ken Watanabe, and soon learns the discipline of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice, which are among a few of the traits that these noble people hold in high regard. Algren trains with the Samurai out of appreciation for his discipline and admiration for his culture, and in turn, learns lessons for himself.
He soon grows to love the Samurai's family and takes a liking to a young girl named Taka, played by Koyuki, who is one of Japan's most popular actresses. This was a beautiful movie; go experience it for yourself.
It stars Tom Cruise, who portrays a war hero named Nathan Algren, whose hope in America is lost due to his past experiences with the war.
He embarks on a trip to Japan as a mercenary sent to train a newly formed imperial army. His first trial is to train this nearly un-trainable army. Once he trains the army, he has to fight with them against a warrior tribe known as the Samurais. The Samurais fight on horseback and use only swords and armor to fight back. This presents an action battle in which Algren nearly loses his life. However, he is rescued and held prisoner under the Samurai's tribe. The Japanese Samurais take their values and culture very serious.
Algren soon finds solace in a place that he once despised. He trains under the head Samurai, named Katsumoto, who is played by talented Japanese actor Ken Watanabe, and soon learns the discipline of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice, which are among a few of the traits that these noble people hold in high regard. Algren trains with the Samurai out of appreciation for his discipline and admiration for his culture, and in turn, learns lessons for himself.
He soon grows to love the Samurai's family and takes a liking to a young girl named Taka, played by Koyuki, who is one of Japan's most popular actresses. This was a beautiful movie; go experience it for yourself.