Review of The Last Samurai (2003) by Steve C — 21 Feb 2018

Easily one of the greatest films Tom Cruise has ever starred in and it loses none of it's impact no matter how many times I watch it. Sure it's derivative of Dances with Wolves to a degree but when nearly every aspect of the film both in front and behind the camera is so on point, it's hard to fault it too much. Edward Zwick might be in a rut as of now but between Glory, Legends of the Fall, Blood Diamond and this, he's definitely got his fair share of classics under his belt. Beautiful location filming in Japan and New Zealand as well as incredibly shot and choreographed fight and battle sequences are the appeal at first glance but the performances, especially from Cruise and Watanabe, are the reason the film stays with you long after the movie has ended.

5/5.