In this epic action-adventure set in 1870’s Japan, Captain Nathan Algren is hired by the Emperor to train the country's army. But as the Emperor attempts to eradicate the Imperial Samurai warriors, Algren is swayed when he learns about their traditions and code of honour.

YOUR COMMENTS
Anyone expected another laughable supposedly 'historical' film from Hollywood - the likes Pearl Harbour or Braveheart - will be very pleasantly surprised. Captain Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise) is a veteran of the Indian Campaigns, haunted by his past slaughter of Native Americans. He is recruited to train an army to fight the 1877 samurai rebellion in Japan. However, when he is captured by the samurai leader Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe), he finds his sympathies lie more with them and begins a journey of redemption that culminates with his taking part in their last stand against a Japanese battalion. Cruise and Watanabe are both excellent and worthy of recognition, and the film is brave enough to take swipes at the western society's willingness to support oppressive regimes where it is profitable to do so. This is the first of a rash of 'arms - and - armour' films that will include Troy and Achilles. The others will have a lot to live up to.
Review by: SkinCare World, 12/01/2004 17:00