"A man does what he can until his destiny is revealed."
Those are tall words coming from actor Tom Cruise, who revealed his destiny years ago when he became the biggest movie star on Earth. An image like that can go a long way when it comes to promoting a sprawling period masterpiece like "The Last Samurai," but it can also threaten to overshadow his actual performance. If that's not enough, the trailers for this nearly-$100 million Oscar-wannabe were less than impressive, making it look like a far-east retread of Kevin Costner's epic "Dances With Wolves."
Well, there's nothing like having a movie exceed your expectations in just about every way, for not only does Cruise transcend his superstar status with a commanding performance, but "The Last Samurai" is also a breathtaking triumph for director Edward Zwick. Electrifying, mesmerizing and overwhelmingly powerful, the film will surely dominate next year's Academy Awards with nominations in a slew of categories ' including a 4th Oscar nod for Tommy-boy himself.
The year is 1876, and Captain Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise) is a Civil War hero whose soul has been beaten and battered by his experiences. The nation he once risked his life for has changed, leaving him to wallow in the dust as a man without a country. That changes when he is reluctantly hired to train the Japanese emperor's new army to fight against the Samurai, who are struggling to hold onto their way of life. During their first battle, Algren is beaten and taken captive by the Samurai leader (Ken Watanabe), who teaches him his code of conduct in an effort to save his soul.
With a body of work that includes 1989's "Glory," 1994's "Legends of the Fall" and 1996's "Courage Under Fire," director Edward Zwick, who won an Oscar for producing 1998's "Shakespeare in Love," is no stranger to films that deal with the long-lasting emotional consequences of war. "The Last Samurai" takes that theme to the next level, as it effortlessly traverses Algren's spiritual transformation from a war-torn has-been to a rejuvenated leader. Algren's captivity scenes can be slow-moving at times, but they are more than offset by the beautiful scenery, exciting sword fights and breathtaking battle scenes (complete with a climax that's straight out of "Braveheart").
Comparisons are bound to be made to "Dances With Wolves," but "The Last Samurai" can also be described as Tom Cruise's "Gladiator." Co-writer John Logan, who won an Oscar for "Gladiator," infuses the movie with sparse amounts of humor and romance just where they are needed the most. His dialogue is also poetic, as when Algren's inexperienced army prepares to fight the Samurai for the first time, he arrogantly comments, "I don't give a damn about the Samurai, I just want to know my enemy."
Tom Cruise once again proves that he is one of the greatest actors of our time with a physically grueling and emotionally devastating performance that easily stands alongside his best work in "Born on the Fourth of July," "Magnolia," "Rain Man" and "Jerry Maguire." There's no doubt that he did most of his own stunts (as he often does), but even on an emotional level, he rises to the challenge with a moving and powerful hero's journey that will stay with you for days.
As far as supporting performances are concerned, it's safe to say that everyone will be talking about Ken Watanabe's incredible turn as Katsumoto, the Samurai leader who refuses to surrender to the encroaching industrialization and imperialism. Watanabe is strong, sympathetic and charismatic, and he and Cruise compliment each other with equally engaging effectiveness. Tony Goldwyn also gives a strong performance, making the best out of a brief role as Cruise's former commander.
If there is a flaw to be found with "The Last Samurai," it's that we've seen it all before. You can't help but think of other movies while you're watching certain scenes, and that may hurt its chances on Oscar night (especially since the aforementioned "Dances With Wolves," "Braveheart" and "Gladiator" all won Academy Awards for Best Picture). Having said that, "The Last Samurai" is still a fantastic film in its own right, and it will surely stand the test of Tom.
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