The Last Samurai

The final movie from my movie marathon (besides finally watching 24: Redemption, which I will simply say was okay, but did not make me want to watch the next season of 24; good thing I'd already started or they wouldn't have hooked me!), was The Last Samurai.

The Last Samurai is the story of Nathan Algren, a U.S. soldier in the 1800s who is recruited to train the Japanese in the art of modern warfare. Nathan is captured by the samurai and grows to love their traditions and the culture they protect. He then fights alongside them to protect their way of life.

What to say about this movie? It was an entertaining flick, but ultimately not very memorable. Tom Cruise as Nathan is not bad, though he is probably the main reason the film is not overly memorable, as his performance is nothing spectacular. Ken Watanabe is better as Katsumoto. You feel for him and his struggle between his allegiance to the emperor and the old ways.

The sweeping views of Japanese countryside may just be the highlight of the movie however. Breathtaking country - I was left wanting to visit.

My final verdict: if you have the opportunity to view the film, it is worth a go. There is no need to go out of your way to see the movie though, as it will be forgotten soon after you have watched it.