The Last Samurai (2003)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film: 154 Minutes 

Rated: R     

Genre: Action, Drama, War

Director: Edward Zwick

Starring: Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Billy Connolly, Tony Goldwyn, Masato Harada, Koyuki Kato, Timothy Spall, Shin Koyamada

IMDB Rank: 7.7/10

Part 1 Time:  88 Minutes 

Part 2 Time:  66 Minutes

Where does the first part end? While in Tokyo, Nobutada (Shin Koyamada) is shamed by the Japanese Imperial Guards who cut off his top knot and take his swords. Algern (Tom Crusie) comes to Nobutada’s aid.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “I’ll take you home.” Algern states. Nobutada responds “Jolly good.”

First line of dialogue on the second part: “We must resist the Western Powers by becoming powerful ourselves.” Omura (Masato Harada) address the Japanese council.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, the Japanese armies are now well trained in using 19th century warfare weapons (rifles, cannons, and the gatling gun) and are prepared to use these weapons against the samurai. The war between the samurai and the Japanese army draws closer. How will the samurai fair in the up and coming rebellion?

Which part is better? Part one focuses on the beginning stages of the Meiji Restoration, where Japan is beginning to adopt more modern practices in terms of warfare, culture, and governance. Through the restoration we are introduced to the ways of the Samurai who want to continue traditional ways. In part two, we see the events that ultimately lead the two forces fight in open battle. Due to the conflicts presented part two is significantly better.

Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor (Nominated-Ken Watanabe), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Nominated), Best Sound Mixing (Nominated)