Some nations can change their own History, but some men dedicate their life to change the destiny of their people.
Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise) is an American captain recognized for his work against the Indians in the 1870’s. Disillusioned and traumatised by his memories, he tries to forget his despair with alcohol and leads a pathetic and lonely existence. So when he is proposed to help to fight a rebellion in Japan, he accepts without great conviction, more attracted by the greed than the honour of serving the emperor.
In a Japan torn between modern temptation and persistence of traditions, Algren has to train and lead an army of inexperienced soldiers, far from being ready to fight. At the end of a battle, he is captured and will have to stay in his enemies ‘place: the samurais, former emperor allies, totally devoted to serve him. The confusion is total: Who is really the enemy? Who are this people he considered as wild and hostile? And what does its enigmatic and charismatic leader, Katsumoto (the excellent Ken Watanabe) expect from him?
This story is above all the crossroad of two destinies: Captain Algren, disillusioned soldier, losing faith and ideal, meets Katsumoto, brave and proud chief, full of spirituality, who would give his life for the cause he defends. Apparently opposite, they will learn from each other and one kind of brotherhood feeling will make them closer.
Through the painting of this people totally attached to the ancient Japanese tradition, Edward Zwick (director) is praising self-sacrifice, loyalty, faith, effort, discipline and duty. It is a Japan as we want to dream of, valorous and spiritual, fed by centuries of History and tradition. But the reality is different and the young emperor(Shichinosuke Nakamura), naive and hesitant, is a symbol of this recurrent contemporary question: Does modernity race impose to forget our roots and traditions? The point is not to criticize modernism but to show its less obvious aspects. Between internal tensions, and international pressure, the young leader‘s task remains delicate.
Through the painting of this people totally attached to the ancient Japanese tradition, Edward Zwick (director) is praising self-sacrifice, loyalty, faith, effort, discipline and duty. It is a Japan as we want to dream of, valorous and spiritual, fed by centuries of History and tradition. But the reality is different and the young emperor(Shichinosuke Nakamura), naive and hesitant, is a symbol of this recurrent contemporary question: Does modernity race impose to forget our roots and traditions? The point is not to criticize modernism but to show its less obvious aspects. Between internal tensions, and international pressure, the young leader‘s task remains delicate.
More than a war movie, the last samurai is above all a reflexion about destiny, justice and sacrifice. Spectators evolve with Tom Cruise and discover with him the village and its customs. Through some personalities, difficult to define, Zwick exhibits the complexity of this discreet and proud people. From the hostile and dignified widow, passing by the distrustful but curious child, to the silent veteran always present and the aggressive and threatening soldier, every character makes the movie more colourful.
Epic scenes, beautiful landscapes, interesting dialogues, and some feelings exaltation will make you looking for absolute and fair causes to defend. The touching soundtrack will end up turning you into a « lost causes soldier ». But unfortunately, the ancient Japan is quite far, and it is time to come back to our routine. But this bravery “instant” (2h24) deserved a short moment of dreaming! Thank you Mr Marshall Herskovitz (writer and producer) for this reminder of other-times values!
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