Edward Zwick

The Last Samurai

7.8

5.5

An American military advisor embraces the Samurai culture he was hired to destroy after he is captured in battle.

Director: Edward Zwick
Main Cast: Ken Watanabe, Tom Cruise
Soundtrack: Hans Zimmer
Cinematography: John Toll
Screenplay: John Logan, Edward Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz

Cinema Premiere: January 9, 2004

Production year	2003
Aspect Ratio	2.35:1

Reviews by critics from other countries

Foreign Reviews

7 foreign reviews of The Last Samurai (2003)

1. Moviezine

5 / 5

Translated from swedish: "The Last Samurai" is a profound and truly magnificent film. Oscar-winning cinematographer John Toll presents us with a clear and breathtakingly beautiful portrayal of late 19th century Japan and its peaceful landscapes. There are no words for what Tom Cruise accomplishes with his almost superhuman acting performance in this film.
- Mikael Glas
Swedish: moviezine.se »
2. Russin

4 / 5

Translated from swedish: Men of honor respect one another, even when they may stand on opposing sides - this is one of the lessons in a film where you can primarily be captivated by the frenzy of battle scenes, counterbalanced by the quiet moments where Algren and Katsumoto marvel at the beauty of nature's wonders. It's perhaps about seeking that elusive state of peace - through conflict. A contradictory message that may be more appealing than ever in these times of confusion.
- Johan Lindahl
Swedish: russin.nu »
3. Svenska Dagbladet

4 / 6

Translated from swedish: All expectations are fulfilled
Swedish: svd.se »
4. Aftonbladet

3 / 5

Translated from swedish: "The Last Samurai" tells a familiar story, but in a new setting and with new clothes. But they sure are nice clothes.
- Jens Peterson
Swedish: aftonbladet.se »
5. Game Reactor

6 / 10

Translated from swedish: "The Last Samurai" is ultimately a clearly passable and production-wise spectacular, visually stunning film that unfortunately suffers from overly polished storytelling, cold drama, and boring acting from Cruise. There's tons and tons of untapped potential here.
- Petter Hegevall
Swedish: gamereactor.se »
6. Expressen

4 / 10

Translated from swedish: "The Last Samurai" has been heavily criticized for its historical portrayal. And that criticism is probably justified - the story is completely wrong - an American in the complicated Japanese 1800s is, for instance, a typical Hollywood fabrication.
- Bernt Eklund
Swedish: expressen.se »
7. Nöjesguiden

2 / 6

Translated from swedish: This really is a mess. Not least because "The Last Samurai" presents itself as ideological, but lacks analysis. That the samurai's role in Japanese militarism's history is a contested point, Zwick doesn't want to acknowledge, but wants us to pick sides the same way an enthusiastic fitness buff who just discovered tai chi would. Then some might be satisfied with what's offered in the form of grandiose "Braveheart" scenes in forests and fields. And I'll give it that - there's actually quite a bit of that. But for me, the thought of Tom Cruise in a prestige western with lances and frenzied horsemen needs to be balanced by something more substantial.
Swedish: ng.se »