The Last Samurai: An Experience in Transformation Posted by: Vicki Lance

Tom Cruise’s performance as Nathan Algren in The Last Samurai is one of his strongest in several years.  Not since Born on the Fourth of July has he come across so convincingly as a miserably distraught and disillusioned survivor of the mistakes of society and government.  As an ex-cavalry captain-turned-alcoholic he sells himself to the highest bidder and relives his nightmarish memories of Custer’s Last Stand.  When he is offered a job as a trainer in the newly formed Japanese militia he grabs the job and ends up a stranger in a strange land.  It is at this juncture that Katsumoto, played by Ken Watanabe, completely takes over the movie.  Both actors are superb throughout, but Watanabe’s performance is extraordinarily memorable.

The turn of events that brings Algren to the mountain village where Katsumoto and his tribe live is a battle between the newly recruited forces of the young Emperor, who Algren is employed by, and the band of Samurai warriors that are in constant rebellion.  Algren is kidnapped by the band and taken to the village where his wounds heal under the care of the widowed sister of Katsumoto.  Algren embraces her family, including two young sons, and, although he is responsible for the death of their father, her mother teaches them the honor and respect that all young Samurai warriors must maintain at all times, no matter the circumstances.  As his body heals, so does his soul, and the relationship that develops between him and this family, as well as his new teacher, Katsumoto, strengthens as he cures himself of his addiction to alcoholism.  The scene in Algren goes through delirium tremens during his withdrawal is portrayed by Cruise to be believable and realistic.

Algren completely embraces the Samurai lifestyle, learns the martial arts and becomes an accomplished warrior, at which point they return to the court of the Emperor.  Katsumoto exemplifies the epitome of honor and respect in his love for his Emperor and willingness to die for him, regardless of their struggle for freedom.  The contrast between the two individuals results in a surprise epiphany at the end.  The overwhelmingly emotional bonding between the two men comes to a crucial climax during the battle scene when Katsumoto asks Algren to assist him in an honorable death.

Although the film was produced and stars Tom Cruise, he is very generous in turning over the starring role to Ken Watanabe.  Watanabe transfixes the viewer and embodies the true spirit of the Samurai.  Cruise merely follows his lead, and the result is a positive reflection on him as a true professional.  All of the supporting characters are outstanding, and the fact that they speak Japanese with subtitles does not detract from their performances at all.

The cinematography is glorious, showing the viewer Japan in shades of gray and green.  There are many scenes filmed in the rain, effectively done during a fight scene in which Cruise ends up face down in the mud.  His humiliation in front of the villagers becomes part of his training as a true Samurai warrior.

The musical score is glorious, but somber, and kept this viewer in her seat until the end of the credits, just to hear the complete score.

The realism of the costumes is perfect, as are the sets, varying from the Imperial Palace to the modest huts in the village.

There is the expected amount of violence, including two beheadings, not for the squeamish.

The Last Samurai is a history lesson, as well, in the struggle for Japan to come into the modern world, and the corrupting influences that try to influence that struggle.  It is a beautifully produced film that illustrates that struggle, with incredible performances by Cruise and Watanabe.  Although the ending is somewhat predictable, it is the ending that all viewers hope to see, and does not disappoint.