The Last Samurai
The Last Samurai
Now I haven't blogged in many many days. But this I will definitely write about. This is the newest movie Tom Cruise is starring in. I'm not really a big Cruise fan, but this movie is THIS GOOD. I really don't think I'm exaggerating when I say this, but I think it tops my favorite movie of all time: BRAVEHEART. GASP! Let's break it down.... the cinematography was on the mark. The shadows, the sunsets, and skylines prove to be beatiful and well placed in the film. Close ups were used when they emphasized a battle that was hand to hand, or sword to sword, or sword to bayonette. And the weaponry used displays the rapidly changing times of the East. Western influence pervades every street corner of Tokyo and Yokohama. The Japanese are becoming sponges of a new attractive way of living.
Given that with change there is extreme conflict, this films depicts the conflicts of the devotion of the Samurai's service to their Emperor, and the Emperor's obligations to uphold his country's honor and traditions. The West plays exactly what they have been doing for the past centuries. The way of progress and capitalistic advancement is placed at the doorstep of the Japanese. The movie captures this element and makes it prominent throughout the scenes where emotion is evoked.
With that said, the emotions in this film do not inspire a cheesy or queasy feeling about what is said. And no the movie does not contain a stereotypical love story. You become attached to the characters and begin to look past Tom Cruise as the actor, and see the character he is portraying. One mark that I am giving major props to Mr. Cruise on his work.
The fact that Cruise did not use a stunt man amazes me. This cast has dedicated itself to ensuring the authenticity and ferocity of the battle scenes. Clanging of the swords echoes in your ears with every battlecry. You begin to feel your heart pounding in that people will die in this film. Characters that you have attached yourself to. Yes this film does that.
And at the end of the movie, you'll be gasping as I did. Wondering what the heck you just saw. A great film. That is all I can say.
