The Last Samurai (2003) Synopsis & Summary
Synopsis
Edward Zwick returned to the director's chair for the first time since 1998's The Siege with this sweeping period drama set in 19th-century Japan. After centuries of relying on hired samurai for national defense, the Japanese monarchy has decided to do away with the warriors in favor of a more contemporary military. Tom Cruise stars as Nathan Algren, a veteran of the U.S. Civil War who is hired by the Emperor Meiji to train an army capable of wiping out the samurai. But when Algren is captured by the samurai and taught about their history and way of life, he finds himself conflicted over who he should be fighting alongside. Billy Connelly, Tony Goldwyn, and Ken Watanabe co-star. - Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
Movie Info
Starring:
Theatrical Release Date:
12/05/2003
DVD Release Date:
05/04/2004
Rating:
R
MPAA Reasons:
for strong violence and battle sequences.
Run Time:
154 min.
Distributor(s):
Warner Bros.
Production Co.:
A Radar Pictures, Bedford Falls Productions, Cruise-Wagner Productions, Radar Pictures
Director(s):
Themes:
Americans Abroad, Journey of Self-Discovery, Ninjas, Switching Sides
Tone:
Lavish, Rousing, Stirring
Keywords:
Civil-War [US], Japan, battle [war], capture, military, samurai, train [teach], veteran [military], warrior
Country of Origin:
USA (12-05-2003)
Language:
English,Japanese
Status:
DVD
