Review of The Last Samurai (2003) by Lorenzo R — 18 Jun 2015

Upon watching this film, I realized it has a certain glory to it. One which even though this may be heralded as a "White Man Savior Story," It does so with respect to the cultures it wishes to portray. While it may have some elements of stereotype and general assumptions about Japan and feudal lifestyles, it does want to strive to do the Japanese cultures and traditions justice.

Some Movies in Hollywood give no second thoughts to the ideas in film they are trying to portray. This film after seeing Dances with Wolves, Pocahontas, and Avatar, really strives and sets itself apart. Those movies with the exception of Dances with Wolves, really miss the mark. This movie marks Cruise's character as more of a messanger at the end, in which stands in place of Wantanabe's after his noble death.

The film also constantly reminds the viewer of Japan's proud heritage, and love of their culture, though strange to American audiences. So while westernization was inevitable, it also has a cultural impact which strived for in the film. Now an educated viewer, probably would never know exactly what feudal life was like in Japan, nor will they ever experience. This will always be romantic, because of that.

Anyone who dislikes it, I contend they see it, view it also from the perspective of production value. The shots, beautiful, the dramatics were what I would think to be accurate in a period drama, as well as a different cultural respect for Japanese lifestyle.