The Last Samurai (2003)
Where to Watch
- Edward Zwick originally wanted a completely different ending for the film, but test audiences preferred the one we see today.
- The original script for The Last Samurai was written over a decade before production finally began in 2003.
- Many of the practical effects used in the climax were achieved without any CGI.
The Last Samurai is a 2003 American epic historical action drama directed by Edward Zwick. Tom Cruise stars as Captain Nathan Algren, a disillusioned, alcoholic Civil War and Indian Wars veteran who is hired to train the new Imperial Japanese Army in Western warfare during the Meiji Restoration. When Algren is captured by samurai rebels led by Katsumoto, played by Ken Watanabe, he gradually comes to respect and embrace their way of life, finding redemption and purpose in the discipline, honor, and beauty of samurai culture as it faces extinction in the face of modernization.
Ken Watanabe's commanding performance as Katsumoto, dignified and eloquent in both English and Japanese, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and launched his Hollywood career. The battle sequences, choreographed with historical accuracy and emotional weight, were spectacular. Hans Zimmer's score blended Western orchestration with Japanese instruments.
The Last Samurai earned $456 million worldwide on a $140 million budget.
