In 1876, Captain Nathan Algren (TOM CRUISE) can't adapt himself to the world has changed since the Civil War. One day, he gets the job to lead the imperial force for Meiji Emperor (SHICHINOSUKE NAKAMURA) in Japan. Nathan meets to a samurai group, Katsumoto (KEN WATANABE), Ujio (HIROYUKI SANADA) and their followers, and then Nathan feels friendship to them learning sword technique......

Whenever seeing Hollywood films, they have betrayed my expectation. "Why does the Japanese use Chinese furniture?" "All Japanese mafia are ninja??" Plenty of strange expressions always make me laugh and disappoint. As the result of that, most Japanese people must think, "American people never understand Japan". Mostly it is true, but, "The Last Samurai" is much better.

Actually, some parts are not faithful to historical facts; the Japanese has used guns since 1543, and I don't know where that ninja group came form, and the armors Katsumoto and others wear are too classic (about 400 years before!). I understand the reason hearing that the costume designer is the same of "The Lord of the Rings", though.

Anyway, it is wonderful except these. First, there's nothing wrong with their clothes. Kimono Emperor and his followers at the Imperial Palace wear is different from that of Katsumoto and his followers. In the last parts, there is something between Nathan and Katsumoto's sister, Taka (KOYUKI). Even Taka is never 'geisha girl'. Amazing!!!

That is since real Japanese actors play the important role. Ken Watanabe and Hiroyuki Sanada are very popular in Japan and have ever played a lot of movies and TV programs of samurai. Although Shichinosuke Nakamura is a kabuki actor and Koyuki is from model, they are perfect for the character. Good casting! Maybe the Japanese actors are more attractive than Tom Cruise. Especially, Nobutada (SHIN KOYAMADA) is the best! As he has just come over in this film, I didn't know him. But, he will break after that.

The strong visuals by excellent editing and effects, and sounds make the film grade-up more and more. The sword fight is just "must see". Tom Cruise is pretty good in spites of no experience before that. The scene of last battle was shoot in New Zealand as same as "The Lord of the Rings". I heard most of extra is Japanese students who stay in New Zealand for working holiday. By the way, that mountain just like Mt. Fuji is Mt. Egmont in New Zealand.

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