This was the winner of a patreon poll! Thank you Patreon for choosing this, it was such a *fantastic movie*!!!! What other Tom Cruise movies would you suggest I watch? If you enjoyed this reaction, don't forget to subscribe and if you want to see my full length reactions, you can sign up to my patreon (www.patreon.com/Verowak). I also stream on Twitch (www.twitch.tv/verowak) and I love getting to know everyone.
The Mission Impossible series has been very very good, as you can see Cruise's near-insane dedication to the films. Also, Edge of Tomorrow (with Emily Blunt) is a very underrated Sci-Fi film. And Jerry Maguire is a multi-Academy Award nominated Cruise RomCom.
The Mission Impossible movies are worth it. But keep in mind that they don't really hit their stride until the third movie. That's when the series feels far more grounded, with a more consistent tone, and Cruise plays his character in a much more accessible way. I'd also suggest a reaction to the 1989 movie "Born on the Fourth of July." It's a drama based on the true-life story of Vietnam War veteran Ron Kovic, specifically his post-war experiences. It was directed by Oliver Stone and was nominated for multiple Oscars. For whatever reason, no other reactors have touched it. You could maybe start a trend. Also, since you've seen War of the Worlds, you should check out the other collaboration that Cruise did with Spielberg, 2002's "Minority Report." Based on a Philip K. Dick sci-fi story, it's definitely the more thought-provoking of their two collabs. It's not perfect, but it has a lot of great scenes and intriguing central premise. "Collateral" directed by Michael Mann has got another great Cruise performance--playing against type. He's paired up with Jamie Foxx, and I feel like not very many reactors have done this one either. Regarding your question about Cruise and accents: He actually did an Irish accent for the 1992 movie "Far and Away" co-starring Nicole Kidman and directed by Ron Howard. This movie is a bit uneven (mostly in the script), but it has a lot of admirable aspects to it--including a tremendously cinematic end sequence made without any CGI. (If you're not in the mood for light romance, this probably wouldn't make for a good reaction, unless you'd like to focus solely on the beautiful scenery and John Williams' score.)
Just to add on the historical side :) There was actually a french officer who fought in kind of a civil war situation in Japan. You can google Jules Brunet and find out about him. Tom Cruise character is loosely inspired by him. In real life, Jules was also a military instructor, but he returned to Europe after the war. He was still considered as a hero in Japan and later in life even got some pretty high honours from the japanese government. However, Jules fought what was called the Boshin War. So, The Last Samurai ends up being a bit of a mix from 2 separate events (not far away from each other in the real timeline). Katsumoto and the last samurai rebellion should be the Satsuma rebellion, which happened around 1877. Tom Cruise character is closer to Jules Brunet who fought the Boshin War (1868 - 1869). Mostly these wars / rebellions were fought over local hierarchy and class privilege. It was all about who had control over government, who had influence over the country. And more or less the imperials were the ones modernising and bringing the country forward. The shogun supporters and the more conservative samurai were the ones wishing to keep some of the old status quo. This translates that often the defeated were still considered honourable. And the winning side might even respect and recognize their heroic deeds. Its not like Imperial Japan wanted to erase the old samurai culture. They wanted to keep a lot of the core values. Just, they wanted them to fall in line, take a less prominent status and obey the emperor. Above all, imperial Japan did not want some autonomous military state inside the state. Which makes sense if they were on a path to completely reform the country.
Yes, Cpt. Algren waving the spear with the white tiger banner was a sign. Katsumoto had a vision of a white tiger fighting samurai in the beginning, that's why he spared Algren.
It wasn't treason. Nathan was hired as a mercenary by the Imperial Japanese government so its not treasonous to any Americans because he wasn't working on behalf of America, he was working independently specifically for Omura. The Imperial Japanese government ultimately answers to the Emperor however, who saw through Omura's treachery in the end and so of course Nathan was spared by the Emperor.
People have a big misconception of history.The Japanese hired American military soldiers to train them back then and foreign governments hire American military to train their soilders even to this day.
Its not like they worked on behalf of the Government. Its during a time where people weren't held accountable by their gov overseas as private military members
I think the Emperor Meiji spared him because deep down, Meiji respected Katsumoto. Since much of the story revolves around Omura getting wealthy and gaining influence over Meiji, the fact that an outsider would side with Katsumoto and was present when he died, likely weighed heavily on Meiji at the loss of one of his trusted and valued teachers/advisors. To put it into perspective, Algren returned with Katsumoto's ancestral katana, to present it to Meiji himself.
Despite the million historical innacuracies, this film is an absolute love letter to Japan, which is why this film is more popular abroad than it is in the U.S.
The actor in the blue armor was Hiroyuki Sanada. BTW, if you haven't noticed already, Tom Cruise dedicates more time to his movies than most, if not all, actors in the business.
The wooden sword used in practice is called Bokken. Don't let the appearance fool you, it can break bones and crack skulls. Musashi the greatest Japanese swordsman preferred a Bokken. He defeated his arch rival Sasaki Kojiro using a Bokken.😮
I once traveled to the land of the raising sun, and in my travels, I visited the Imperial Palace in Kyoto whereby I had the good fortune of meeting a monk. I asked him what is the most enlightened question that he could ask me. He replied....."Ask Verowak what brand of lemonade does she drink?" I smiled in reply to his wisdom, I will find out, I then bowed, and walked away with my head down.
Katsumoto: "A perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one. And it would not be a wasted life" And Katsumoto at the end: "Perfect, they are all perfect." "Dances with Wolves" has a very similar theme. And is just as beautiful of a movie.
@@VerowakReacts Yes, Cruise is the focus of the poster as you would expect. Jamie Foxx is also in the film but he didn't make it onto the poster. It's a good film to check out if you want to see Cruise in a much different role than he's normally in.
It was well received in Japan drawing in a staggering $8.4 million in its opening weekend marking Warner Bros.', sixth-biggest all-time opening in the market.
Enjoyed the react - this is one of my favorite movies. The Captain was out of the army US Army and hired as a mercenary. I think if he had not won over the Emperor at the end, he would have been killed. Keep’em coming!
That definitely makes sense yeah, since at the end everyone showed respect and the emperor definitely had a change of heart regarding to the US agreement
This movie was Ken Watanabe's Hollywood debut. Up until now as far as I'm aware, he had only ever acted in Japanese cinema. But when the initial casting suggestions for Last Samurai included a predominantly Korean cast, because many of them had military training and would be easier to train for the military side of the film, there was apparently a lot of pushback from other people involved, including Tom Cruise, to instead hire a cast of entirely Japanese actors and have them mostly speak in Japanese. So Hollywood went to Japan and shopped around and picked up names like Ken Watanabe and Hiroyuki Sanada. Ken Watanabe was nominated for awards from his performance in Last Samurai, but both men have gone on to have very successful Hollywood careers. Hiroyuki Sanada has been in things like Westworld, Avengers: Endgame, and the new Mortal Kombat movie. Most recently he's been in another historical work involving samurai called Shogun, and in John Wick 4.
It is Ken Watanabe from Inception, yes. Japan did seek military expertise from abroad as shown in the movie but they went to Europe. Before WW1 America wasn’t too well respected as a military power. The general committed seppuku,, ritual suicide. It evolved from just gutting yourself to just cutting yourself and then merciful decapitation. Algren cost the Americans an arms trade with the Japanese, which would would have made them very not okay with him. Militarily the Americans didn’t care what happened. Historical context: Japan was almost completely isolated from the outside world by order of the Shogun for about two or three centuries. Japan was a military dictatorship run by a Shogun (military leader). It was almost completely cut off from the outside world. The still had an Emperor but his role was more ceremonial. In the 1860s Admiral Perry (an American) sailed into Tokyo harbor and demanded open trade or he would open fire and the Japanese had no choice. Japan quickly decided if you can’t beat them join them and made their country modern very swiftly. As this happened The power started to transition from the Shogun to the Emperor. This period is called the Meiji restoration, named after the Emperor of the same name. The fact that the samurai were so isolationist only hastened their demise. This is what the movie is about. Another historical inaccuracy is by the time of the movie, Meiji probably had little love for the samurai or the Shogun. Interestingly, the Japanese were incredibly successful in their reformation going from an Iron Age kingdom to defeating Russia in a naval battle in less than 50 years. .
I feel like Japan's history would be so interesting to read and learn about. I love that they went from an Iron Age kingdom to defeating Russia in a naval battle. It's just mind blowing the technological advancement made
10:34 Mountains are great. Where I live you can see mountain ranges in the distance and we live in the shadow of an active volcano, but it hasn't erupted in 100s of years. Its amazing getting to look out and see these things every day, its like living in a painting.
Ken Watanabe (Katsumoto) absolutely stole this movie away from Tom Cruise. Not that Cruise was bad in any way. He was actually pretty damn good in it. Watanabe just OWNED the screen throughout the movie.
The new laws at that time, Samurai was not allowed to carry sword in the city. That is why they need the emperor allow them to go to Tokyo. Samurai without sword is a disgrace.
Tom does a couple lines with a Russian accent in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. For another Tom movie I suggest Minority Report a sci-fi movie where pre-meditated crimes are solved (hopefully) before they happen.
Remember, in those days, the horse was the military vehicle. Just as we target tanks, trucks, & ships today, they targeted horses. I’m not saying it’s good, I’m just saying it’s consistent war strategy, as one who has been in war.
Come to West Virginia. It looks very similar to this, in fact I've heard Japanese people, here, say that Japan and WV are very similar in appearance. I won't lie, it's a poor state, with a majority of conservatives, but we are currently experiencing an economic upturn. Also, despite not being a true southern state, we do still embrace a southern mindset, including the hospitality. We'd be glad to have you, or I would anyway.
Katsumoto was allowed to speak as he was Samurai. Japan has not changed, everyone in the Japanese parliament today is from Samurai. The Samurai didn't die, they just became politicians
One of my late Mrs' favorites. From my mother's side, I'm descended from samurai, and a grand uncle possessed a "hand-me-down" sword (very impressive to view).
@@VerowakReacts A definite rarity to be found from among someone's private collection in the Western Hemisphere. I don't for certain what became of it (or even regarding my Grand-Uncle also), but I trust that it the item object would've been inherited by a relative or donated to a museum instead of as opposed to being traded-off desperately for something insignificant such a measly stick of gum. ;-)
So glad you enjoyed the movie! And a shoutout to the two Patreon members who changed their votes from Braveheart / The Patriot to push this one to the top! I specifically own a limited edition Model '73 Winchester 'Trapper' (16" barrel) because of this movie. I just don't have the John Wayne 'large loop' charging handle.
He just surrendered at the end most likely. He was pretty much alone or very few of them were left. They had no chance to win against the modern army. Very few fights are kill every last one of em. As far as him showing up at the council, Im not 100% sure I would have expected him to be at the hospital a long time.
Just my opinion - He wasn't on the "American Side", he was just hired to train the Japanese army. The Americans tried to negotiate a treaty to sell guns and other weapons to Japan and Omura tried to make money off of it. Algren reminded the Emperor of how Japan came to be. I don't think it's treasonous as he only fought against one American contractor. But it's just a movie and all opinion =)
I was watching clips and stumbled on to your video. I felt your vibe, sometimes we can be critical when watching movies. I'm glad and happy to see you enjoy the art of film. Sub and liked!
In response to your opening comments: - I'm sure you've been told to watch Saving Private Ryan your whole life. So I'll say it here again: You have to see Saving Private Ryan. It's my favorite movie, anyway. - Black Hawk Down is good action-wise and captures the 90s American zeitgeist of "we shouldn't intervene in pointless conflicts" after what happened in Bosnia and Somalia. - Full Metal Jacket is another great movie (well, two movies stuck together - you'll know what I mean when you see it) about the Vietnam War. Thanks for the great reaction! Looking forward to more =)
@@VerowakReacts when you do it, if you are happy driving and just staying at places where you end up then try to spend at least a month to travel around.
Btw, i thought i was pretty good guessing/predicting how the movie will go but damn, you called pretty much the key elements right from the get-go lol, good job. I got emotional during many scenes but you kept your cool in this movie, colored me impressed
You said: "it's a 300 thing where they all die...?" -- Algren was specifically talking about the Battle of Thermopylae when planning strategy with Katsumoto, which is what 300 depicts :-) Edit: adding another note. I think in the case of Algren being okay by the Americans by the end, I think the US Military was there only in an advisory capacity really, and he was a retired contractor at best. They weren't supposed to actually fight but did anyway. So he's not taking up arms against his people. (I could probably word this better but I'm working while watching haha)
This is madness! While watching the ending was a bit confusing for me, but it eventually made sense after I edited it. Sometimes I feel like I miss obvious things in movies, but pick up on subtle things
They couldn't film it in Japan. The areas around Tokyo are so built up and even the "country" wouldn't allow for the open vistas that filming in NZ did. The mountains, valleys, greenery, etc are very similar to Japan. During the battle in the forest, though, the fern trees gave it away for me that it was NZ.
In regards to the "Why do they always go for the horse?" comment. A soldier on horseback was far more powerful and deadly than a soldier on foot. In today's terms, it would be somewhat like a driveby shooter. The soldier could kill the rider, but the horse itself as a 800lb+ animal with a mind of it's own could still be a threat just like a vehicle can still run into you if you killed the driver. It makes the most tactical sense to take out the advantage of the enemy soldier (horse) and put him on more equal ground tactically plus having a good chance of killin the rider without havin to fight him.
"Is that a sign" seeing the tiger flag. Thats why you should follow a movie from the moment it starts. You didnt catch the vision Katsumoto had for the first minute of the movie?
You may enjoy movies a little more if you don’t look up the details of the movie before hand. You seemed to know the entire story before even watching the movie. Just a thought 😁👍
I think the way of life shown in Katsumoto's son's village is so much more fulfilling than the Western's way of life. I'm obviously not an expert, but from what I've seen and learned, it seems like a happier way of living
I have not. I saw the poster for the movie which is Tom Cruise as a samurai, which means he had to have a reason for becoming a samurai. It's also not the first time this story has been made
You need to react to Memoirs of a Geisha, Ken Watanabe is one of the main characters in it and it's an amazing movie, great cinematography, similar to Last Samurai but different story. Not too many reactors have watched Memoirs of a Geisha i've noticed
In the beginning of this film, when that arrogant bastard of an officer laughed at the fact that the "barbarians" still wear armor -- I thought of modern Infantry with their kevlar vests. I'd like to see that arrogant bastard explain how silly & backward this is to a soldier armed with a machine gun, grenades, knife...
That whole scene where Tom Cruise orders the conscript to shoot him was basically "borrowed" from another far superior movie Glory starring Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington. It's the true story of one of first Black regiments the 54th Massachusetts to fight in the Civil War
I have watched many strong men cry to this movie, most women don't have the same emotional connections. I think the women reacting to this movie a simply heartless. capable of hurting there partners. this female is one of them. heartless
Just my opinion, but reactors ruin the videos by trying to predict everything instead of just watching and reacting. In this case you do that right at the beginning. Sucks. Once again, just an opinion.
I've had lots of people ask me to predict what the movie is about at the beginning. And when I watch a movie, I automatically ask questions or assume what will happen and sometimes it's accurate, sometimes it's not.
@@VerowakReacts For the most part it is but Nathan was an officer and would have received training with a cavalry sabre. Sabre is primarily a single handed fighting style which is why he fights Higen like he does.
@@VerowakReacts Speaking from experience as a novice practitioner of a European style weapons-based martial art, there is surprisingly a lot of overlap between weapons fighting styles from different countries and cultures-even if they've never interacted at all in any capacity. I suppose one could chalk that up to body mechanics combined with the construction and purpose of a weapon developing a 'right' method the longer a way of fighting is refined and eventually becomes an actual martial art. All that is to say is that Nathan wasn't exactly learning an entirely new way of fighting, but finding what's common between American cavalry saber fencing and Japanese Kenjutsu and then incorporating the two
Top gun and mission impossible are on my list. I also don't know what the difference between the two are... I sort of thought they were part of the same franchise 😂
@@VerowakReacts what?!? No!!! 😂 You gotta watch the original Top Gun from the 80s. Then Top Gun Maverick. Mission Impossible is a whole other thing. Gosh you cracked me up 🤣
![30 ชั่วโมงคนเดียว บนรถไฟชั้น 3 โซเวียต [Around The World Ep. 2]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MlE9boAVqDA/mqdefault.jpg)
This was the winner of a patreon poll! Thank you Patreon for choosing this, it was such a *fantastic movie*!!!! What other Tom Cruise movies would you suggest I watch?
If you enjoyed this reaction, don't forget to subscribe and if you want to see my full length reactions, you can sign up to my patreon (www.patreon.com/Verowak).
I also stream on Twitch (www.twitch.tv/verowak) and I love getting to know everyone.
The Mission Impossible series has been very very good, as you can see Cruise's near-insane dedication to the films. Also, Edge of Tomorrow (with Emily Blunt) is a very underrated Sci-Fi film. And Jerry Maguire is a multi-Academy Award nominated Cruise RomCom.
@@bmw128racer I definitely need to watch more Tom Cruise, and I will!
The Mission Impossible movies are worth it. But keep in mind that they don't really hit their stride until the third movie. That's when the series feels far more grounded, with a more consistent tone, and Cruise plays his character in a much more accessible way.
I'd also suggest a reaction to the 1989 movie "Born on the Fourth of July." It's a drama based on the true-life story of Vietnam War veteran Ron Kovic, specifically his post-war experiences. It was directed by Oliver Stone and was nominated for multiple Oscars. For whatever reason, no other reactors have touched it. You could maybe start a trend.
Also, since you've seen War of the Worlds, you should check out the other collaboration that Cruise did with Spielberg, 2002's "Minority Report." Based on a Philip K. Dick sci-fi story, it's definitely the more thought-provoking of their two collabs. It's not perfect, but it has a lot of great scenes and intriguing central premise.
"Collateral" directed by Michael Mann has got another great Cruise performance--playing against type. He's paired up with Jamie Foxx, and I feel like not very many reactors have done this one either.
Regarding your question about Cruise and accents: He actually did an Irish accent for the 1992 movie "Far and Away" co-starring Nicole Kidman and directed by Ron Howard. This movie is a bit uneven (mostly in the script), but it has a lot of admirable aspects to it--including a tremendously cinematic end sequence made without any CGI. (If you're not in the mood for light romance, this probably wouldn't make for a good reaction, unless you'd like to focus solely on the beautiful scenery and John Williams' score.)
@@WastedPo It seems I have a lot of Tom Cruise movies to watch now! Thank you, the ones you mentioned seem up my alley
You Respond to Every Woke SJW 10:20 Virtue-Signaling Piece of Minutiae that gets put out there.
Just to add on the historical side :)
There was actually a french officer who fought in kind of a civil war situation in Japan. You can google Jules Brunet and find out about him. Tom Cruise character is loosely inspired by him. In real life, Jules was also a military instructor, but he returned to Europe after the war. He was still considered as a hero in Japan and later in life even got some pretty high honours from the japanese government.
However, Jules fought what was called the Boshin War.
So, The Last Samurai ends up being a bit of a mix from 2 separate events (not far away from each other in the real timeline). Katsumoto and the last samurai rebellion should be the Satsuma rebellion, which happened around 1877.
Tom Cruise character is closer to Jules Brunet who fought the Boshin War (1868 - 1869).
Mostly these wars / rebellions were fought over local hierarchy and class privilege. It was all about who had control over government, who had influence over the country. And more or less the imperials were the ones modernising and bringing the country forward. The shogun supporters and the more conservative samurai were the ones wishing to keep some of the old status quo.
This translates that often the defeated were still considered honourable. And the winning side might even respect and recognize their heroic deeds. Its not like Imperial Japan wanted to erase the old samurai culture. They wanted to keep a lot of the core values. Just, they wanted them to fall in line, take a less prominent status and obey the emperor. Above all, imperial Japan did not want some autonomous military state inside the state. Which makes sense if they were on a path to completely reform the country.
That's super interesting and I had no idea! Thank you for the history lesson 😍
Yes, Cpt. Algren waving the spear with the white tiger banner was a sign. Katsumoto had a vision of a white tiger fighting samurai in the beginning, that's why he spared Algren.
I realized that after I finished watching the movie. Some things I pick up randomly after the fact 😬
I find it unbelivable that people dont manage to catch that by themselves.
It wasn't treason. Nathan was hired as a mercenary by the Imperial Japanese government so its not treasonous to any Americans because he wasn't working on behalf of America, he was working independently specifically for Omura. The Imperial Japanese government ultimately answers to the Emperor however, who saw through Omura's treachery in the end and so of course Nathan was spared by the Emperor.
People have a big misconception of history.The Japanese hired American military soldiers to train them back then and foreign governments hire American military to train their soilders even to this day.
Its not like they worked on behalf of the Government. Its during a time where people weren't held accountable by their gov overseas as private military members
@@thedragonlee76 In the movie yes. In actual history it was the Portuguese.
I think the Emperor Meiji spared him because deep down, Meiji respected Katsumoto. Since much of the story revolves around Omura getting wealthy and gaining influence over Meiji, the fact that an outsider would side with Katsumoto and was present when he died, likely weighed heavily on Meiji at the loss of one of his trusted and valued teachers/advisors. To put it into perspective, Algren returned with Katsumoto's ancestral katana, to present it to Meiji himself.
This isn’t a true story
This movie is based on a historical true events but the film maker made some creative freedom like the American Captain was really French.
Despite the million historical innacuracies, this film is an absolute love letter to Japan, which is why this film is more popular abroad than it is in the U.S.
It seems like a good love letter. It's really just overall a great movie
The actor in the blue armor was Hiroyuki Sanada. BTW, if you haven't noticed already, Tom Cruise dedicates more time to his movies than most, if not all, actors in the business.
I really appreciate how much time he puts into the roles! I wish more actors did this
This movie is based on a true story 'Satsuma Rebellion' and the character of Katsumoto is based on Saigō Takamori (The last samurai)
The wooden sword used in practice is called Bokken. Don't let the appearance fool you, it can break bones and crack skulls. Musashi the greatest Japanese swordsman preferred a Bokken. He defeated his arch rival Sasaki Kojiro using a Bokken.😮
the art of the archery from horseback is amazing, there are still tournaments to this day
I once traveled to the land of the raising sun, and in my travels, I visited the Imperial Palace in Kyoto whereby I had the good fortune of meeting a monk. I asked him what is the most enlightened question that he could ask me. He replied....."Ask Verowak what brand of lemonade does she drink?" I smiled in reply to his wisdom, I will find out, I then bowed, and walked away with my head down.
Rising*
My take at the end is, he was originally a war captive, but was spared cause of the emperors discretion.
That makes sense! Due to the respect everyone showed Katsumoto and him at the end
Katsumoto: "A perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one. And it would not be a wasted life"
And Katsumoto at the end: "Perfect, they are all perfect."
"Dances with Wolves" has a very similar theme. And is just as beautiful of a movie.
Just love it when they give you a complete backstory of the movie 1/4 the way in but have never seen it. 🤦♂
I know😂 I was like "no way you havent seen it". Also the way she was commenting through the movie with irony all the way.
This is one of Cruise's best movies. Along with Collateral. Thanks for the reaction ❤
Collateral is excellent! Easily one of my favorite thrillers.
I don't think I've heard of Collateral. Maybe I saw the poster many years ago. I'm guessing Tom Cruise is the main focus of the poster 😂
@@VerowakReacts Yes, Cruise is the focus of the poster as you would expect. Jamie Foxx is also in the film but he didn't make it onto the poster.
It's a good film to check out if you want to see Cruise in a much different role than he's normally in.
@@VerowakReacts For once he plays the villain 😱
@@Shinnizle WHAT?! I was NOT expecting that. I guess it probably would have been best to not know that 🤣
It’s such a great Samurai movie. Even as a Western take on it. You should also watch The 13th Warrior. I feel that movie doesn’t get enough love.
The Viking prayer in that movie. Gives me goosebumps everytime I hear it.
It was well received in Japan drawing in a staggering $8.4 million in its opening weekend marking Warner Bros.', sixth-biggest all-time opening in the market.
I've never heard of The 13th Warrior, thanks!
Bob is the embodiment of the saying:
"Beware the Old Man, in a profession where most die young"
When the Emperor offered Omura the sword, and Omura backpedalled, it did my heart SO much good.
Enjoyed the react - this is one of my favorite movies. The Captain was out of the army US Army and hired as a mercenary. I think if he had not won over the Emperor at the end, he would have been killed. Keep’em coming!
That definitely makes sense yeah, since at the end everyone showed respect and the emperor definitely had a change of heart regarding to the US agreement
Tom Cruise did in fact do an Irish accent in Far and Away.
If I recall correctly, he used some sort of accent in "Legend", as well.
This movie was Ken Watanabe's Hollywood debut.
Up until now as far as I'm aware, he had only ever acted in Japanese cinema.
But when the initial casting suggestions for Last Samurai included a predominantly Korean cast, because many of them had military training and would be easier to train for the military side of the film, there was apparently a lot of pushback from other people involved, including Tom Cruise, to instead hire a cast of entirely Japanese actors and have them mostly speak in Japanese.
So Hollywood went to Japan and shopped around and picked up names like Ken Watanabe and Hiroyuki Sanada. Ken Watanabe was nominated for awards from his performance in Last Samurai, but both men have gone on to have very successful Hollywood careers. Hiroyuki Sanada has been in things like Westworld, Avengers: Endgame, and the new Mortal Kombat movie. Most recently he's been in another historical work involving samurai called Shogun, and in John Wick 4.
It is Ken Watanabe from Inception, yes.
Japan did seek military expertise from abroad as shown in the movie but they went to Europe. Before WW1 America wasn’t too well respected as a military power.
The general committed seppuku,, ritual suicide. It evolved from just gutting yourself to just cutting yourself and then merciful decapitation.
Algren cost the Americans an arms trade with the Japanese, which would would have made them very not okay with him. Militarily the Americans didn’t care what happened.
Historical context: Japan was almost completely isolated from the outside world by order of the Shogun for about two or three centuries.
Japan was a military dictatorship run by a Shogun (military leader). It was almost completely cut off from the outside world. The still had an Emperor but his role was more ceremonial.
In the 1860s Admiral Perry (an American) sailed into Tokyo harbor and demanded open trade or he would open fire and the Japanese had no choice.
Japan quickly decided if you can’t beat them join them and made their country modern very swiftly.
As this happened The power started to transition from the Shogun to the Emperor. This period is called the Meiji restoration, named after the Emperor of the same name.
The fact that the samurai were so isolationist only hastened their demise. This is what the movie is about. Another historical inaccuracy is by the time of the movie, Meiji probably had little love for the samurai or the Shogun.
Interestingly, the Japanese were incredibly successful in their reformation going from an Iron Age kingdom to defeating Russia in a naval battle in less than 50 years.
.
I feel like Japan's history would be so interesting to read and learn about. I love that they went from an Iron Age kingdom to defeating Russia in a naval battle. It's just mind blowing the technological advancement made
10:34 Mountains are great. Where I live you can see mountain ranges in the distance and we live in the shadow of an active volcano, but it hasn't erupted in 100s of years. Its amazing getting to look out and see these things every day, its like living in a painting.
Oh wow! That must be so amazing. I would love to go on top of a mountain and see an incoming rain/thunderstorm
Ken Watanabe (Katsumoto) absolutely stole this movie away from Tom Cruise. Not that Cruise was bad in any way. He was actually pretty damn good in it. Watanabe just OWNED the screen throughout the movie.
Most of the times, it felt like Tom Cruise wasn't really important in the scenes lol Ken Watanabe really was the MVP in this, he was amazing
The new laws at that time, Samurai was not allowed to carry sword in the city. That is why they need the emperor allow them to go to Tokyo. Samurai without sword is a disgrace.
Tom does a couple lines with a Russian accent in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.
For another Tom movie I suggest Minority Report a sci-fi movie where pre-meditated crimes are solved (hopefully) before they happen.
It seems Tom Cruise has lots of movies that I should watch!!
He does a poor irish accent in Far and Away (with then wife Nicole Kidman)
Very accurate that they sit down first before closing the door. This was the original way.
Remember, in those days, the horse was the military vehicle.
Just as we target tanks, trucks, & ships today, they targeted horses.
I’m not saying it’s good, I’m just saying it’s consistent war strategy, as one who has been in war.
The "Last" Samurai would be a good hint that they will all die at the end. Great reaction
Come to West Virginia. It looks very similar to this, in fact I've heard Japanese people, here, say that Japan and WV are very similar in appearance. I won't lie, it's a poor state, with a majority of conservatives, but we are currently experiencing an economic upturn. Also, despite not being a true southern state, we do still embrace a southern mindset, including the hospitality. We'd be glad to have you, or I would anyway.
Katsumoto was allowed to speak as he was Samurai. Japan has not changed, everyone in the Japanese parliament today is from Samurai. The Samurai didn't die, they just became politicians
One of my late Mrs' favorites. From my mother's side, I'm descended from samurai, and a grand uncle possessed a "hand-me-down" sword (very impressive to view).
I can just imagine how impressive the sword is. It's great having weapons or heirlooms that are passed down in the family
@@VerowakReacts A definite rarity to be found from among someone's private collection in the Western Hemisphere. I don't for certain what became of it (or even regarding my Grand-Uncle also), but I trust that it the item object would've been inherited by a relative or donated to a museum instead of as opposed to being traded-off desperately for something insignificant such a measly stick of gum. ;-)
when you see gatling and howytzer shoot is what happened to red indians at the end but without return
So glad you enjoyed the movie! And a shoutout to the two Patreon members who changed their votes from Braveheart / The Patriot to push this one to the top!
I specifically own a limited edition Model '73 Winchester 'Trapper' (16" barrel) because of this movie. I just don't have the John Wayne 'large loop' charging handle.
Oh that's pretty amazing that you own a limited edition gun because of this movie!!
He just surrendered at the end most likely. He was pretty much alone or very few of them were left. They had no chance to win against the modern army. Very few fights are kill every last one of em. As far as him showing up at the council, Im not 100% sure I would have expected him to be at the hospital a long time.
It is not America vs Japan. It is the Emperor modernization Japan and upset Samurai. Samurai rebelled against the modernization.
Yeah, Tom Cruise does do a movie using an foreign accent. Check out Far and Away.
19:40 Nathan was capable with a sabre, even if it wasn't his primary weapon. So it wasn't quite as embarrassing as it seems
It wasnt treason because he wasnt in the army any more. Although they probably would have arrested him.
Just my opinion - He wasn't on the "American Side", he was just hired to train the Japanese army. The Americans tried to negotiate a treaty to sell guns and other weapons to Japan and Omura tried to make money off of it. Algren reminded the Emperor of how Japan came to be. I don't think it's treasonous as he only fought against one American contractor. But it's just a movie and all opinion =)
Oh he definitely wasn't on the american side but he was part of the americans hired to help so to differentiate I just said the american side
Awesome reaction, personally I'm not a Tom Cruise fan LOL but this is one of his better movies for sure as is Top Gun Maverick!
I agree completely. I like most of his stuff, but I'm not a huge fan but I do think that his performance in Maverick was one of his best.
"Blazing Saddles"(1974)Mel Brooks
"Caddyshack"(1980)
"Uncle Buck"(1989)John Candy
"The Happytime Murders"(2018)Melissa McCarthy(SNL)
I was watching clips and stumbled on to your video. I felt your vibe, sometimes we can be critical when watching movies. I'm glad and happy to see you enjoy the art of film. Sub and liked!
This is such an underrated film! Love watching it, great watch along too, enjoyed seeing your reactions!
In response to your opening comments:
- I'm sure you've been told to watch Saving Private Ryan your whole life. So I'll say it here again: You have to see Saving Private Ryan. It's my favorite movie, anyway.
- Black Hawk Down is good action-wise and captures the 90s American zeitgeist of "we shouldn't intervene in pointless conflicts" after what happened in Bosnia and Somalia.
- Full Metal Jacket is another great movie (well, two movies stuck together - you'll know what I mean when you see it) about the Vietnam War.
Thanks for the great reaction! Looking forward to more =)
definitely go and visit New Zealand, especially the area around Queenstown as you say you love mountains as much as I do
It's on my bucket list. NZ seems like a great place to visit
@@VerowakReacts when you do it, if you are happy driving and just staying at places where you end up then try to spend at least a month to travel around.
Btw, i thought i was pretty good guessing/predicting how the movie will go but damn, you called pretty much the key elements right from the get-go lol, good job.
I got emotional during many scenes but you kept your cool in this movie, colored me impressed
That last attack was like having executioners on a day 10 wave.
15:59 All of the points are for Vero! And another great reaction video!
You said: "it's a 300 thing where they all die...?" -- Algren was specifically talking about the Battle of Thermopylae when planning strategy with Katsumoto, which is what 300 depicts :-)
Edit: adding another note. I think in the case of Algren being okay by the Americans by the end, I think the US Military was there only in an advisory capacity really, and he was a retired contractor at best. They weren't supposed to actually fight but did anyway. So he's not taking up arms against his people. (I could probably word this better but I'm working while watching haha)
This is madness! While watching the ending was a bit confusing for me, but it eventually made sense after I edited it. Sometimes I feel like I miss obvious things in movies, but pick up on subtle things
This is based on true historical events however, the film maker made some creative freedoms. Ex. The American Capt. is actually French.
They couldn't film it in Japan. The areas around Tokyo are so built up and even the "country" wouldn't allow for the open vistas that filming in NZ did. The mountains, valleys, greenery, etc are very similar to Japan. During the battle in the forest, though, the fern trees gave it away for me that it was NZ.
So basically its like two children pointing fingers at each other and the parents overseeing the two children fighting is the emperor.
Jolly good reaction
6:56 Still better than Storm Troopers
A million times better for sure
For me and only me.......Ken Watanabe will always...and ONLY be ....a Samurai !!!!!
He NAILED Katsumoto!!
In regards to the "Why do they always go for the horse?" comment. A soldier on horseback was far more powerful and deadly than a soldier on foot. In today's terms, it would be somewhat like a driveby shooter. The soldier could kill the rider, but the horse itself as a 800lb+ animal with a mind of it's own could still be a threat just like a vehicle can still run into you if you killed the driver. It makes the most tactical sense to take out the advantage of the enemy soldier (horse) and put him on more equal ground tactically plus having a good chance of killin the rider without havin to fight him.
check out BLOOD DIAMOND, directed by same director and starring Leonardo dicaprio, Leo delivered one of the greatest performance.
I've heard good things about that movie, and it's already on the massive list of movies to watch for this channel :D
People paint this movie as like a white savior thing but it isn't. Katsumoto is "The Last Samurai". Tom Cruse's character was just there.
"Is that a sign" seeing the tiger flag. Thats why you should follow a movie from the moment it starts. You didnt catch the vision Katsumoto had for the first minute of the movie?
You may enjoy movies a little more if you don’t look up the details of the movie before hand. You seemed to know the entire story before even watching the movie. Just a thought 😁👍
I didn't look up details beforehand
@@VerowakReacts yeah right
この映画を観られた方々は
侍をどう思われたのだろうか？
時代に取り残された者だと思うだろうか。
侍の精神は
世界の誰もが持っている物だと思う。
大切な人、信じる物を守る為には
自分の命をも省みない。
後の太平洋戦争
日本では大東亜戦争の末期
アメリカの艦隊に体当り攻撃をした
神風特別攻撃隊の搭乗員も
侍で有る事を理解してもらえれば嬉しい。
I think the way of life shown in Katsumoto's son's village is so much more fulfilling than the Western's way of life. I'm obviously not an expert, but from what I've seen and learned, it seems like a happier way of living
lol She clearly saw it before. Or the trailer at least. :P
I have not. I saw the poster for the movie which is Tom Cruise as a samurai, which means he had to have a reason for becoming a samurai. It's also not the first time this story has been made
I recommend Braveheart
Braveheart was one of the options on my poll, Last Samurai won out though, so Braveheart will be early next year probably
Tell entire sequence was done in a single take
No cuts
You’re the second reactor I’ve seen to ever react to 11:10 “Jolly good” part 😂😂😂
I absolutely love the "Jolly Good"!!!
You need to react to Memoirs of a Geisha, Ken Watanabe is one of the main characters in it and it's an amazing movie, great cinematography, similar to Last Samurai but different story. Not too many reactors have watched Memoirs of a Geisha i've noticed
'Oblivion' was pretty good.
Love your reviews
I'm glad to hear that! 😍
I love this movie
You just holding yourself too much just let flow your emotions
In the beginning of this film, when that arrogant bastard of an officer laughed at the fact that the "barbarians" still wear armor -- I thought of modern Infantry with their kevlar vests. I'd like to see that arrogant bastard explain how silly & backward this is to a soldier armed with a machine gun, grenades, knife...
@2:15, Full Metal Jacket has to do with guys in the US Marine Corps not the Army
Shows how much I know about the movie lol
@@VerowakReacts LOL. Back in 1987 when it came out, I thought it was the Army too until the opening scene of the movie.
Be well.
That whole scene where Tom Cruise orders the conscript to shoot him was basically "borrowed" from another far superior movie Glory starring Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington. It's the true story of one of first Black regiments the 54th Massachusetts to fight in the Civil War
Oh really? I loved that scene! I'll have to add Glory to the list to watch, I really like Denzel WAshington
Me encantó tu reacción y tus comentarios,saludos y muy buenas vibras
Thank you!!
Tom played an Irishman in Far and Away with his future wife Nicole Kidman.
6:11 No its just drill Sergeant translates into every language
Modernists vs Traditionalists
Honor vs Greed
I enjoyed your reaction and look forward to the next
Ken Whantunabi GODZILLA
Great video :D Do you like shows like 'Our Flag Means Death'? I watched it recently and really adored it~
I've never even heard of it lol I see it came out this year so makes sense why I haven't heard of it. There's too many shows coming out
I have watched many strong men cry to this movie, most women don't have the same emotional connections. I think the women reacting to this movie a simply heartless. capable of hurting there partners. this female is one of them. heartless
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Just my opinion, but reactors ruin the videos by trying to predict everything instead of just watching and reacting. In this case you do that right at the beginning. Sucks. Once again, just an opinion.
I've had lots of people ask me to predict what the movie is about at the beginning. And when I watch a movie, I automatically ask questions or assume what will happen and sometimes it's accurate, sometimes it's not.
Verowak is the reason you know "taka" because of a certain edgy Uchiha?
YES!!!!! It most definitely is, I love that you guessed that!! 😂😂😂
@@VerowakReacts You had mentioned shadow clone jutsu in a previous reaction and I went "okay this has to be it😅"
@@Mnkeys Very, VERY good catch! I love it
🙏👍
React to the lord of the rings trilogy please
Please watch also “The Hobbit” trilogy. Thanks
19:40 I mean, Nathan is also a Soldier for all his life and knows how to fence with a saber. Its not like he learned it all in just 6 months.
I don't know the details of being a soldier. I assume it's all gun related and not sword training
@@VerowakReacts For the most part it is but Nathan was an officer and would have received training with a cavalry sabre. Sabre is primarily a single handed fighting style which is why he fights Higen like he does.
@@FightergirlSora Definitely not something I would have known 🤣
@@VerowakReacts Speaking from experience as a novice practitioner of a European style weapons-based martial art, there is surprisingly a lot of overlap between weapons fighting styles from different countries and cultures-even if they've never interacted at all in any capacity.
I suppose one could chalk that up to body mechanics combined with the construction and purpose of a weapon developing a 'right' method the longer a way of fighting is refined and eventually becomes an actual martial art.
All that is to say is that Nathan wasn't exactly learning an entirely new way of fighting, but finding what's common between American cavalry saber fencing and Japanese Kenjutsu and then incorporating the two
@@VerowakReacts It was in the 1800s. Gun training was there, but fencing with a sabre was still a thing back then.
tom cruise is not playing a japanese person lol
Hollywood has been known to do this sometimes 😨
@@VerowakReacts maybe like 100 years ago
@@bigboss-oz2vi Definitely WAY more recent, even in the past 20 years
Whats with the irony all the time? If thats how you react to movies I think this was my last with you
Hello
lol you thought THIS was good? May you one day watch "Master And Commander: The Far Side of The World."
I've heard good things about Master and Commander never really seen much about it except for the poster lol
Like the chanel react a brazilian movie city of god .
Thank you!
Clearly you have already watched this. The most inauthentic "reaction" I have seen.
You're completely wrong. I've never seen this before.
Worst reaction
Worst comment
Black Hawk Down is definitely a watch. Not very deep or profound like this film, it has a focussed intensity on non- stop modern combat.
I've only heard good things about it and how I need to watch it. Have no clue why 😅
@@VerowakReacts Think it's next on your list?
@@DestinyAwaits19 In 2023 for sure since I'm doing Back to the Future and some Christmas movies in the next month
Your voice is wayyy too loud compared to the movie.
this girl has a black heart. be wary gentlemen. she's bad news.
😂
@@VerowakReacts you knoowwww it to be true
Great reaction 🙂
Top gun Maverick should be your next.
and Mission Imposible franchise
Top gun and mission impossible are on my list. I also don't know what the difference between the two are... I sort of thought they were part of the same franchise 😂
@@VerowakReacts what?!? No!!! 😂
You gotta watch the original Top Gun from the 80s. Then Top Gun Maverick.
Mission Impossible is a whole other thing.
Gosh you cracked me up 🤣
@@mp_mia7989 Seems I have a lot to learn. Top Gun from the 80s and Maverick it is then! And the first (?) Mission Impossible?
@@VerowakReacts you are awesome My Friend 😊
OMG did you really just say the non gun? Lol That was too funny! Sorry no more comments
Sometimes I get some interesting brain farts 😂