The Last Samurai

[KBeee]

I saw the Last Samurai in Leicester Sq. yesterday. Thought it was really disappointing. Nicely filmed, but total tosh. Unless you're a die-hard Tom Cruise fan I'd wait for it to come out on DVD.

[Trash Man]

This film looked complete rubbish to me when I saw the first trailer. I will admit that I do not know what the film is about really but the advert makes you think it's something along the lines of the following.

He's in the American Army, he gets lost/taken captive, then instead of killing him these monk dudes train him up in a a couple of hours, what has taken them their entire lifetime to learn. He then goes on to betray in country and kill all the other yanks.

Is that about it?

[Skii]

This film looked complete rubbish to me when I saw the first trailer. I will admit that I do not know what the film is about really but the advert makes you think it's something along the lines of the following.

He's in the American Army, he gets lost/taken captive, then instead of killing him these monk dudes train him up in a a couple of hours, what has taken them their entire lifetime to learn. He then goes on to betray in country and kill all the other yanks.

Is that about it?

So basically Dances with Wolves but with sharper swords ?

[BoB_DoG]

i reckon its just another tom cruise excuse to be taller than all the other people in the film.

Looks like crap to me, but my mate saw it yesterday and really enjoyed it. Dunno if I trust his taste at all tho

[jcoquillon]

I am planning to see this early next week, It sounds to me to be a combination of dances with wolves and the book "Shogun" which is a truely brilliant if rather long read. Will go in with an open mind and decide for myself then

[Howard]

I'm going to see it tomorrow, so I'll post up my opinion later on in the evening

[KBeee]

This film looked complete rubbish to me when I saw the first trailer. I will admit that I do not know what the film is about really but the advert makes you think it's something along the lines of the following.

He's in the American Army, he gets lost/taken captive, then instead of killing him these monk dudes train him up in a a couple of hours, what has taken them their entire lifetime to learn. He then goes on to betray in country and kill all the other yanks.

Is that about it?

Almost... only Americans involved is Tom and some other guy who is also training the Modern Japanese Army. The Other American is a Baddy (no remorse for killing peaceful injuns in the Indian Wars).
Tom is captured after killing the Old-Fashioned Samurai leaders 2nd in command. He spend a winter as their captive, and (of course) becomes a Master Swordsman and learns Japanese. Also the #2 Old-Fashioned Samurai's (that he killed) widow and kids fall in love with him.
The Old Fashioned Samurai village is attacked, and the men fight bravely but hopelessly against the Nasty Modern Japanese Army, and Our Tom - the only survivor - Shows the young effete Japanese Emperor the Error of his Ways, by presenting the Old Fashioned Samurai's dead leaders sword to him. Whereupon the Effete and Misguided Emperor tears up the Treaty with the US.
But I didn't understand that - at the start of the film the Treaty was to buy modern weapons from the US, which the Japanese Army had already got for their attack on the Old-Fashioned (but Honourable) Samurais. Maybe the Treaty was for a McDonalds franchise instead....

[MuTTy_Hc]

I saw the Last Samurai in Leicester Sq. yesterday. Thought it was really disappointing. Nicely filmed, but total tosh. Unless you're a die-hard Tom Cruise fan I'd wait for it to come out on DVD.

the film is very arty, hence only appeals to a small audiance. IMO its a great film and captures the true essence of ancient japan and honour, hence why Cruises character changes thruout.

Cruise was superb in the film, after about 6 years of crap he comes up with a good performance and not a money filled fest.

the treaty was in process at the beginning, the final treaty was to make japan continue to gain weapons.

[Bindibadgi]

the film is very arty, hence only appeals to a small audiance. IMO its a great film and captures the true essence of ancient japan and honour, hence why Cruises character changes thruout.

Cruise was superb in the film, after about 6 years of crap he comes up with a good performance and not a money filled fest.

the treaty was in process at the beginning, the final treaty was to make japan continue to gain weapons.

Absolutely. Fantastic Movie! I will for sure buy the DVD. Mind you, i love japanese culture so it appeals. It helps if you understand about the whole Honour and Disipline thing though, which i doubt much the west will.

It makes it sound like its based on a true story but i doubt it is.

I must admit i got kinda frustrated cause i was gunning for the 500 samurai to take on some Gurellia tactics and strike the army in the valley during the night almost like the ninjas.

EDIT: They had already signed a diplomatic treaty, but were wanting exclusive rights to provide them with modern weaponary.

[MuTTy_Hc]

I must admit i got kinda frustrated cause i was gunning for the 500 samurai to take on some Gurellia tactics and strike the army in the valley during the night almost like the ninjas.

.

Samurai wouldn't do that, as it isn't honourable - is it?

[Bindibadgi]

Samurai wouldn't do that, as it isn't honourable - is it?

True.

But i prefer winning.

[Areku]

I found the movie to be really good IMO. I must admit it is one of Tom's "better" movies.

[KBeee]

Absolutely. Fantastic Movie! I will for sure buy the DVD. Mind you, i love japanese culture so it appeals. It helps if you understand about the whole Honour and Disipline thing though, which i doubt much the west will.

It makes it sound like its based on a true story but i doubt it is.

I must admit i got kinda frustrated cause i was gunning for the 500 samurai to take on some Gurellia tactics and strike the army in the valley during the night almost like the ninjas.

EDIT: They had already signed a diplomatic treaty, but were wanting exclusive rights to provide them with modern weaponary.

The part of Katsumoto was very loosely based on Saigo Takamon (The Great), who studied abroad, and was supposed to speak good English.
But the movie is fictional and an idealised idea of what 19th century samurai were like.

[unrealrocks]

I've just seen it and thought it was pritty good, the Choreography was a little rough in places but overall reminded me of a plot close to the Matrix!

[Howard]

Saw it just now. Very good film. Will buy the DVD too.

And for once there wasn't a love story behind it all!

[Twigman]

I thought it was very good.
Best Film I have seen this year!