Jeff's Reviews

Thoughts on every movie I've ever seen.

The Last Samurai (2003)

Directed by Edward Zwick

Starring Ken Watanabe, Tom Cruise, William Atherton, Chad Lindberg

Author

A cross between Braveheart, Dances With Wolves, and Zwick’s own Last of the Mohicans. Zwick’s best, and probably Cruise’s best, too. Nice to see him as a weary, older man. I love the fact that he’s a bit understated, only speaking when he has to. It’s a very appealing quality for him (and a testament to Zwick’s crafty non-use of dialogue). He’s entirely believable as a Civil War soldier. I am enjoying watching Cruise become one of the best actors of our generation. What a transition he’s made.

Casting and acting are awesome all-around, action is well-shot and believable, and photography is beautiful.

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