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 - Loyalty and Conflict Among Advisors
{{w|Emperor Meiji}}:
You rise against me, my teacher.
Katsumoto:
No, Highness. I rise against your enemies.
Emperor Meiji:
They are my advisors, like you.
Katsumoto:
They advise in their own interest!
Emperor Meiji:
I need advisors who know the modern world.
Katsumoto:
If I am no use, I will happily end my life.
Emperor Meiji:
No, I need your voice in the Council.
Katsumoto:
It is your voice we need, Highness. You are a living god. Do what you think is right.
Emperor Meiji: [ruefully]
I am a living god - as long as I do what *they* think is right.
Katsumoto: [stunned beyond words, sorrowful]
...What sad words you speak...
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.