The Last Samurai - Legacy of the Samurai's Strength
Nathan Algren: [presents a sword]
This is Katsumoto's sword. He would have wanted you to have it, that the strength of the Samurai be with you always.
Omura:
Enlightened One, we weep for Katsumoto, but...
Algren:
He hoped with his last breath that you would remember the ancestors who held this sword and what they died for.
Omura: [as Emperor Meiji receives the sword]
Your Highness...
Emperor Meiji:
You were with him, at the end?
Algren: [bows]
Hai.
Omura: [in English]
Emperor. This man fought against you!
Algren:
Your Highness, if you believe me to be your enemy, command me and I will gladly take my life.
Meiji: [ponders Algren's words and stands up; looks at sword]
I dreamed of a unified Japan, of a country strong and independent and modern. And now we have railroads and cannon, Western clothing. But we cannot forget who we are, or where we come from. Ambassador Swanbeck, I have concluded that your treaty is NOT in the best interests of my people.
Ambassador Swanbeck:
Sir, if I may...
Meiji:
So sorry, but you may not.
Swanbeck: [angrily storms out of the room. His aide bows to the emperor before leaving]
This is an outrage!
Omura: [in Japanese]
Enlightened One, we must discuss this-
Meiji:
Omura, you have done quite enough.
Omura:
Everything I have done, I have done for my country.
Meiji: [disbelieving Omura; Algren is seen pleased at Omura's downfall.]
Then you will not mind when I seize your family's assets and present them as my gift to the people.
Omura: [furious]
You disgrace me!
Meiji: [holds up Katsumoto's sword in front of Omura; Omura backs down. to Algren]
If your shame is too unbearable, I offer you this sword! Tell me how he died.
Algren:
I will tell you how he lived.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Last Samurai - Unexpected Halt in Military Action
Colonel Bagley:
What on earth?!
Omura:
What is happening?
Colonel Bagley:
The attack has been stopped.
Omura:
Send in rest of the regiment.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Last Samurai - Conflict Between Tradition and Modernity
Katsumoto:
With this sword I guarded the Emperor...
Omura:
We don't need your protection. We are a nation of laws.
Katsumoto:
We are a nation of whores selling ourselves...
Omura:
If we are whores, the samurai made us this way.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Last Samurai - Conflict Over Railroad Control and Native Resistance
Colonel Bagley:
Nathan, Katsumoto's attacked the railroad at the border of this province.
Omura:
We cannot govern a country in which we cannot travel freely. He must be stopped now. My railroad is a priority for this country.
Algren: [about the army]
They're not ready.
Colonel Bagley:
The rebels don't have a single rifle. They're savages with bows and arrows.
Algren:
Whose sole occupation for the last thousand years has been war.
Colonel Bagley:
You have superior firepower and a larger force. I am ordering the regiment to move against the rebel Katsumoto. You will track him down and engage him.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Last Samurai - Perceptions of Leadership and Honor
Omura:
Katsumoto is an extraordinary man, is he not?
Algren:
He's a tribal leader. I've known many of them.
Omura:
But none who are samurai. Their ways have great appeal.
Algren:
I don't see how this concerns me.
Omura:
Ah, but it does. You see, you were right, Captain Algren. Last year, we were not prepared to go to battle. You were right and Colonel Bagley was wrong. But now, we are ready. If Katsumoto is allowed to attract other samurai to his cause, we will have 10 years of rebellion. This is something I will not allow. Either I will stop him at the council today, or you will lead my army against him. And with these new weapons, you will crush him.
Algren:
I appreciate the offer...
Omura:
It is not an offer.
Algren:
Mr. Omura, my contract with you was to train your army.
Omura:
Then we will make a new contract. One that will recognize the extraordinary contribution you have made to the emperor. Do we understand each other?
Algren:
Yes, we understand each other perfectly.
Omura: [Algren bows, turns, and leaves the room. Omura turns to his secretary and speaks in Japanese]
Then I am pleased. Follow him. If he goes anywhere near Katsumoto, kill him.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.