The Last Samurai

I just watched the film the Last Samurai with Tom Cruise last night, and given my netflix rating for it, I didn't expect to love it. But, love it I did. I should have known, my adoration of all things Japanese (besides seaweed and hello kitty) seems to know few bounds. What amazed me most about the film was the sense of peace it gave me, the way it burrowed under my skin, and, yes, made me cry.


I do not often cry at films, but something about the sense of displacement, and the longing for a home, for a world gone by, really got to me. Now, I am not normally a Cruise fan, but I have to give him credit for a wonderful portrayal of the Captain Nathan Algren was nuanced and well-done. He managed to show much of his character's character without an abundance of lines. I also must give credit to Ken Wantanabe for making Kasumoto a realistic Samurai, with all of the stature, reserve, wisdom and passion that that implies. Finally, I think the greatest credit of the film should go to Koyuki and her portrayal of Taka, with so few lines and less screen time she manages to evoke the quiet passion of a woman in love. The scene where she  prepares Algren for battle is perfection, her longing is plain to see. 


Also, the scenery and costumes of this film are splendid, from the first view of the coast of Japan to the shining floors of the house where Algren stays, to the temple Kasumoto's family built. The contrast of the westernized military-precise clothes to the soft forms of the traditional Japanese garb make an excellent underscore to the mood (and message) of the film. The Samurai armor is also magnificent, from the colors and designs to the creak of the leather during even the most important of scenes. Truly beautiful. 


An amazing film, well acted and well directed. To me, the power of a film lies in how well it resonates with its audience, and this film hit a chord within me. I was left with an understanding of Algren's plight, finding it similar, at times, to my own. Wantanabe's final line, "Perfect... they are all perfect..." [in reference to an earlier line: "The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life."] just got me. It was a good death line, and not overwrought, though I was rather hoping Kasumoto would finish his poem about the tiger. (though I suppose the ending is really up to Algren) As the credits rolled, I was left with an ache in my chest and tears in my eyes.


So, looking for something to make you think and feel? The Last Samurai is well up to the task.