good selection in the movie. this movie is based off of the last Battle of Choshu when the Shinsengumi fought the Imperialist government. Katsumoto's character is based off of the leader of the Shinsengumi.
Arianna, that damn bot is all over the place, but most of us are smart enough to recognize it. As for you watching this movie, I enjoyed watching this and your reaction. Yeah, Tom was a real badass in this one, and his character's PTSD flashback is some real stuff we veterans have to endure in one form or another, depending on what he or she had to go through. Not to mention that when an actual officer with real combat experience tells a pencil pushing dipshit that the men are not ready, but the dipshit forges ahead, consequences be damned, a whole lot of men will die because of his hubris. This is a very good movie.
@Diegesis here is a movie suggestion or challenge. The World of Suzy Wong. It will make you laugh, it will warm your heart, you will get angry, you will cry, then you will be renewed.
Pure masterpiece of cinema. It was such a shame Hollywood really ignored and snubbed this film. Ken Watanabe gave a masterful performance and Cruise was at his dramatic best here. Such an incredible movie in all it's aspects.
I think it was unfortunately snubbed because of Lord of the Rings tbh. Like those movies won everything. :( but if this was out any other year I think it would have at least won best costume, score, script, etc. It to me is almost like the 2nd coming of Gladiator. Think of it a lot in the same way
In real life it would be suicidal to answer to emperor Meiji like that. However I can easily imagine Meiji ordering a corrupt official to kill himself.
My favorite is Katsumoto's last words, 'They are all perfect', after seeing the blossom tree, which is a call back to the earlier scene in the garden where he says 'a life spent looking for a perfect blossom is not a wasted life'.
He became the default go-to-japanese-guy in Hollywood xD And I love it, I really like him as an actor. Katsumoto is such a cool character and Ken's charisma and acting took it to the next level.
The movie also introduced me to Hiroyuki Sanada (Ujio). It wasn't the major role that Cruise and Watanabe had, but he nailed his part as the stern, unyielding warrior who gradually came to respect Algren.
When American movies portray Japan, they don't always match the sensibilities of the times. In 1600, Japan had over 200,000 guns and cannons of its own, and in 1575 Nobunaga's army used as many as 5,000 guns in a single local battle. At that time, he sent a letter to the King of Spain, who confronted Japan, stating that Japan was in fact one of the strongest military powers in the world. Therefore, the fighting style of the samurai depicted in the movie ``Shogun'' is similar to that of the samurai of the 12th century. The Last Samurai is even worse. I can understand the American director's desire to portray the samurai in a more mysterious way, but the fact is that the Japanese samurai corps was an advanced military. The Last Samurai, in particular, is very poorly drawn and it can't be helped since the main character is an American, but for some reason the script for The Last Samurai was rewritten to reflect the history of Americans teaching guns in 1870. Once again, the guns that were brought to Japan from Portugal in 1543 were improved by Japanese swordsmiths in the following year, 1544, and they produced original guns that could be used even in the rain. Ten years later, in 1555, they had manufactured 100,000 guns. Guns were taught by an American in 1870? All Japanese people are laughing.
Katsumoto: "You could spend a lifetime searching for the perfect blossom, and it wouldn't be a wasted life." Katsumoto Last Words: "They are all perfect."
I always feel the line. It reminds me to absorb what is around me for a day or two and appreciate it more until the rat race jars me back into normal hellscape survival mode.
Actor Hiroyuki Sanada who played Ujio, the angry Samurai who beat Tom Cruise's character in the rain. Said in an interview. that Cruise could memorize any fight scene after only being shown it once. Afterwards, he could do it perfectly each and every time. Sanada, as a martial arts expert, was very impressed with Cruise's abilities.
I don't admire everything about Cruise, but his work ethic and dedication I can respect, he really works hard on set and pays attention to the experts teaching choreography.
@@G1NZOU pisses me off how deep he is with scientology, but as usual you gotta separate the art from the artist. At least he hasn't killed or raped anyone as far as we know
@@NYG5 ROFL bro do you know how low that bar is because Hollywood is so wicked. At least he hasn't murdered or sexually assaulted anybody? that's the bar LOOOOOOL Hollyweird.
This is seriously one of my favorite movies of all time. Tom Cruise plays the part of a PTSD ridden soldier extraordinarily well and his journey is amazing here. The cinematography is stunning and the musical score is amazing. I loved your reactions to it as they were so on-pointe.
Let us not forget Hans Zimmer went to Japan to study their music to make this score and it happens to be one of the best scores ever made let alone that he has made. Decades later I still own it.
I’ve seen the movie at least four or five dozen times and I still cry, every single time. Hard not to even with other people near me. It hits that hard emotionally.
Well, it sounds like a parody Oscar Bait sketch. But that's probably in part because of the score work of the era But I think even in '03, this music was a little in the nose
I watched this movie at movie theater back when it was released on December 2003. One of the best movies I've ever seen. Lots of people sobbing, you can hear them all. When the movie ended, people stood up to applaud this awesome movie.
Katsumoto's last words have a double meaning. Even in the era of change from the samurai era to the westernization, he sticks to his own way of life and beliefs as a samurai, dying beautifully in battle, and the falling cherry blossoms that have grown splendidly over the years. From Japan
@@politicallycorrectredskin796 He was basically an unofficial consultant during filming. He kept everything as real as possible. I have SO much respect for him.
I'm glad Sanada has started to get a lot more roles now. If you go back like 15 years he didn't exist in American cinema outside of his minor role in Lost. Then he was in this movie, now he's pretty recognizable in the west - Westworld, Endgame, Army of the Dead,, The Wolverine, Bullet Train, Mortal Kombat (perfect casting for Hanzo/Scorpion) 47 Ronin, John Wick 4. I hope to see more, lead roles especially.
I love this movie. It was released in 2003, not long after I arrived in Japan for a three year assignment (US Army). Every Japanese soldier and civilian I met told me how much they had loved it, too. While it is not completely historically accurate, it captures many aspects of Japanese culture.
Yes; Japan has been too heavily developed, so much of the film was made in New Zealand--Including that Village in the mountains. More than a couple of the older Japanese actors/film/tech people were moved to tears because the set reminded them of where THEY had grown up.
Apparently it made more money in Japan than the US. In the end I like the message of remembering who we are . I always saw it as progression versus tradition
The love in japan is understandable, as it strokes all the positive stereotypes about japan. And as much as this story is pure fantasy, it is a great movie. Stereotyping is ok for me (and everyone I guess) as long as it is positive. Now, on the historical aspect, there was a rebellion at this time, and there was a european fighting on the side of the rebels (a frenchman), but the movie misrepresents the timeline. It would be like doing a movie about the US civil war, except you show the battle of Yorktown fought by knights in armor and longbowmen. At the time of the rebellion, well into the 19th century, samurais were administrators, not warriors (just their european contemporaries has left long ago the swords and shields in favour of fashionable clothes), and they were fighting with guns, not armor and katanas.
Everyone said enough about the movie itself, the script, the actors, the director's work. But I also wanted to specifically commend Hans Zimmer's soundtrack. I personally think it's his best work ever. It's not just simply a beautiful music. It's a subtle yet unstoppable force in the background that drives your emotions for the whole length of the movie, wrenches your heart and bares out your nerves to the raw feeling of pride, sorrow and finally tranquility and inner peace. Absolute masterpiece
Also, as a bit of historical background, when a samurai feels he has suffered dishonor through defeat or any other means, a way for him and his family name to retain their honor is to commit ritual suicide, aka hara kiri, or seppukku. The process is to plunge a blade into your stomach and cut across and up. Traditionally, they will also write a last poem, usually in the form of a haiku before they go out. It's called a death poem (and I'm sorry, the actual Japanese name eludes me). Once all affairs have been settled, the samurai takes his own life. The reason he is beheaded in this movie is because the process doesn't immediately kill you, and instead dying after cutting open your own stomach can take several hours, in which time the person is often in agonizing pain. It's considered a mercy to behead the samurai after they make the incision. A samurai will ask someone to be his second and perform this act for him. There is no dishonor in it, and in fact it is considered an honor for the person to be able to do this for someone who willingly takes his own life to maintain his honor. So, the scene where the Japanese military officer is taking his own life and gets beheaded is actually a show of mercy by Katsumoto in respect for what the man was doing. Even though he was fighting for the military, he made it clear that he IS a samurai, serving the Emperor, so the failure of the campaign was considered dishonorable. It's a long explanation for a short scene, but without proper context and background information, it's hard to understand. But once you do understand it, the scene is even more powerful.
I'm a history buff and normally I don't like Hollywood's treatment of history ... but despite that, I still consider this movie to be a personal favorite. The people involved with this movie managed to turn a 100% misrepresentation of an historical event into a Fictional movie that I actually love.
I mean, it's not THAT off from the real history of the Satsuma rebellion. It's definitely romanticized to the Nth degree but it at least kept to the basics. There was a rebellion of disenfranchised Samurai following the Boshin War led by Saigo Takamori(Katsumoto Moritsu here) as a result of the stripping of power and privileges from their class. They were opposed by the forward looking wealthy elite led by Toshimichi Okubo(Omura in this) who sought to strip the Samurai of their wealth and status and transfer it to the oligarchy. This was especially insulting given that the merchant class was historically ranked even below the peasants. The rebels fought in a hopeless battle outnumbered 500 to 30,000 and fought to the last man. Their honorable deaths served at least one purpose, it preserved the concepts of Bushido and Samurai pride into the zeitgeist of Japanese culture and history into the next century and beyond. In that sense I think it's a damned good treatment of history.
@@jeremygilbert7989 And there was even some european guy more or less in Cruise´s role. Just the real guy was a french lol And debatable if he got to be great friends with the leader of the rebels. Even more debatable if he got to be with said leader´s sister lol But at least there was an european guy doing that culture clash thing a bit and falling in love with japanese culture to the point he wanted to side with them.
Also a huge history buff, and I also like this treatment. I'm fine with things being romanticized if everything is done with consideration, which is why I like Gladiator as well. Its kind of like a "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" styled story of the Satsuma rebellion.
@@jeremygilbert7989 True, but the whole "Samurai refuse to use guns" narrative is really pushing it considering that not only had the Samurai been using guns for like 300 years at this point, they were very quick to adapt to them even back then. The smart use of gunpower played a huge role in the unification of Japan.
Born on the 4th of July. he has NEVER made a bad movie. The worst movie he probably did make, Jack Reacher 2, but even that wasn't that bad. Man's been in like 50 successful movies. He's the Floyd Mayweather of actors, 50-0.
When American movies portray Japan, they don't always match the sensibilities of the times. In 1600, Japan had over 200,000 guns and cannons of its own, and in 1575 Nobunaga's army used as many as 5,000 guns in a single local battle. At that time, he sent a letter to the King of Spain, who confronted Japan, stating that Japan was in fact one of the strongest military powers in the world. Therefore, the fighting style of the samurai depicted in the movie ``Shogun'' is similar to that of the samurai of the 12th century. The Last Samurai is even worse. I can understand the American director's desire to portray the samurai in a more mysterious way, but the fact is that the Japanese samurai corps was an advanced military. The Last Samurai, in particular, is very poorly drawn and it can't be helped since the main character is an American, but for some reason the script for The Last Samurai was rewritten to reflect the history of Americans teaching guns in 1870. Once again, the guns that were brought to Japan from Portugal in 1543 were improved by Japanese swordsmiths in the following year, 1544, and they produced original guns that could be used even in the rain. Ten years later, in 1555, they had manufactured 100,000 guns. Guns were taught by an American in 1870? All Japanese people are laughing.
@@kaka-rq5zd Guns certainly existed in Japan in the 1500s and 1600s, and most of the dominant armies of the time had at least a couple platoons outfitted with muskets, but their expense combined with the extensive infighting and cultural resistance to them from the samurai class didn't make them "standard issue" until the Meiji Resoration. The Last Samurai isn't about Americans "introducing Japan to guns", it's about them outfitting and training the unified Imperial Army so that they possess them to the same extent that the Western powers do.
@@takigan Your understanding is wrong. It is a Western view of history. I went to Spain and the Netherlands and checked it out at historical museums and archives.
I dont know a single Westerner or lets say outlander of Japan who ever became Samurai, Japanese people are very traditional and strict people i dont think they would ever give someone from outer Japan the Honor of Samurai. I know recent there was the dicussion about that Yasuke guy, were Blacks claim he became a Samurai and so but there was no such thing like a Samurai from outer Japan.
@@dragonlord4643 Documented evidence of the following people who reached the rank of Hatamoto (high ranking samurai) can be found by an easy web search: William Adams (England) and Jan Joosten Van Lodensteijn (Dutch).
There's one thing for a movie to make you cry from a death scene, or from a sad moment. But this movie is just so unique in that it just as often makes you cry in moments of beauty, respect, and intimacy. There's so much weight behind the actions and motivations of these people, it's hard not to feel inspired and moved. Combine that with one of if not my favorite musical scores, it's a recipe for waterworks like no other.
@@redtornado1337 Oh, I've seen it an insurmountable amount of times. Maybe my single favorite season of television ever. Tied with WW S1, True Detective S1, and GoT S3.
@@lockekappa500 PREACH my dude those seasons are all amazing and Arcane was incredibly special. As someone that loves league of legends I am still stunned that the show was as amazing as it was. I didn't want to get my hopes up because video game adaptations are almost universally disappointing and it was better than I ever could have hoped. Truly our community was unworthy of what they managed to create.
When I first saw this in theaters everyone stood up and applauded once the credits started rolling. A beautiful inspiring tragic and "perfect" movie. Proud to say this is my favorite movie of all time.
They treated Japanese culture with respect on this one. It's amazing to think that an entire era of people lived with this culture. It's absolutely unthinkable these days. But honestly, I think it might be a better way.
When American movies portray Japan, they don't always match the sensibilities of the times. In 1600, Japan had over 200,000 guns and cannons of its own, and in 1575 Nobunaga's army used as many as 5,000 guns in a single local battle. At that time, he sent a letter to the King of Spain, who confronted Japan, stating that Japan was in fact one of the strongest military powers in the world. Therefore, the fighting style of the samurai depicted in the movie ``Shogun'' is similar to that of the samurai of the 12th century. The Last Samurai is even worse. I can understand the American director's desire to portray the samurai in a more mysterious way, but the fact is that the Japanese samurai corps was an advanced military. The Last Samurai, in particular, is very poorly drawn and it can't be helped since the main character is an American, but for some reason the script for The Last Samurai was rewritten to reflect the history of Americans teaching guns in 1870. Once again, the guns that were brought to Japan from Portugal in 1543 were improved by Japanese swordsmiths in the following year, 1544, and they produced original guns that could be used even in the rain. Ten years later, in 1555, they had manufactured 100,000 guns. Guns were taught by an American in 1870? All Japanese people are laughing.
@@kaka-rq5zd ok you worry about accuracy while I appreciate everything else. The movie wasn't a documentary. It's very loosely based on the samurai. Like I said before it's a beautiful movie and I'll stand on that hill until I die
After hunting and fighting, the alpha wolf calls to the pack to figure out who they've lost in the fight when they don't get a response, almost like a roll call. I always think about that when I think of Ujio's cry here. Essentially, "I am still standing! Are you with me?"
When American movies portray Japan, they don't always match the sensibilities of the times. In 1600, Japan had over 200,000 guns and cannons of its own, and in 1575 Nobunaga's army used as many as 5,000 guns in a single local battle. At that time, he sent a letter to the King of Spain, who confronted Japan, stating that Japan was in fact one of the strongest military powers in the world. Therefore, the fighting style of the samurai depicted in the movie ``Shogun'' is similar to that of the samurai of the 12th century. The Last Samurai is even worse. I can understand the American director's desire to portray the samurai in a more mysterious way, but the fact is that the Japanese samurai corps was an advanced military. The Last Samurai, in particular, is very poorly drawn and it can't be helped since the main character is an American, but for some reason the script for The Last Samurai was rewritten to reflect the history of Americans teaching guns in 1870. Once again, the guns that were brought to Japan from Portugal in 1543 were improved by Japanese swordsmiths in the following year, 1544, and they produced original guns that could be used even in the rain. Ten years later, in 1555, they had manufactured 100,000 guns. Guns were taught by an American in 1870? All Japanese people are laughing.
I double majored in Japanese language & Psychology in undergrad. I really appreciate your reaction to this. The Last Samurai is one of the most popular films for reaction channels, and your reaction is my favorite, even over reactors I have been watching longer. As with almost all Hollywood films based on history, this has its issues. However, all things considered, it’s quite a nice representation of Japanese culture. Japan must have thought so as well, as there is literally a “Tom Cruise Day” as a result of this film.
100% agree, this is now the BEST reaction video to this movie (which is my #1 favorite film of all time) have seen, and I may have seen them all haha. Great editing keeping in the best scenes with the best quotes which made me really happy! My fav quote is... "You believe a man can change his destiny?" "I think a man does what he can, until his destiny is revealed to him" ❤
Probably because, despite the glaring inaccuracies when compared to the Shiroyama Revolt, and the 'Last of the Samurai' (For example the Samurai never eschewed firearms) This is a deep romanticization of Japanese History, and a Love Letter to the idea of not only the Samurai, but pre-industrial Japan, if not Feudal History as whole
One of the most emotional movies I've ever seen; I've seen this movie about 30 times. It's accurate in spirit. That line by Tom Cruise gets me all the time, "I will miss our conversations." It's so moving because the viewer can apply that to anyone in their lives. Ne plus ultra.
I was 23 when this was released and I watched it in theaters. While I loved it back in 2004, I was too young to appreciate it as much as I do now. One of the greatest movies of my lifetime.
If you search actual story of this. It explain that last samurai, I'm also. Impress last samurai white guy survive through out war even last battle ....
I was 7. Decided to start learning Japanese from that point on. Managed to get mombukagakushou in University, embassy scholarship and live in Japan for a year and 3 months. When I was in Bizen, near Okayama, we made katanas after New Year's around 6th of January. It reminded me of why I started learning Japanese. It was I highlight in my life
My favorite movie. I cry the most when Katsumoto's son Nobutada dies and Katsumoto wants to tell him all kind of emotional things but his culture forbids him for it but you can still see it in all his expressions! This is a masterpiece! Also the Score hits really hard!
I spent a year in Japan for college, and my friends and I went to see this movie in theaters there. I was moved, but very self conscious of my Gaijin (foreigner) standing seeing it among a 98% Japanese audience, and was so worried that they wouldn't take it well that they cast an American actor as the lead role. Fortunately, I also know how eager they are to share their culture with the world, and they absolutely love it when a Gaijin falls in love with it, and wants to take it up as part of their own lifestyle. They adore it when someone finds appreciation for their history, art, philosophy, traditions, and teachings, and so are very open to educate any Gaijin on it. So at the start of the movie, there I was feeling apprehensive, and worried they'd give me crap later for it because I'm an American, but by the end of the movie, I knew, mostly due to all the tears in the audience... that Hollywood did good by them. This has always been my favorite Tom Cruise film, and its astonishing how underrated its reception in America was. One thing everyone in America seems to misunderstand is that, Tom Cruise/Nathan Algren, was NOT the Last Samurai, and thus while the story centered on him, it wasn't really about him as much as it was about a nation forcing itself to forget its past and traditions because of the push for modernization. The actual Last Samurai for which the film is named, is Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe) because without him, all the history and traditions of the Samurai would die out. Nathan Algren was simply the last man to understand and appreciate what the Japanese people had lost.
In Japanese there is no gramatical distinction between Plural and singular, so when used correctly "last samurai" could mean a single samurai or given the context of the flm the last group of samurai who hold to the bushido.
I am a grown ass, big man, and I absolutely could not stop myself from crying during the ending of this movie. One of very few movies that can do that to me.
*Daimyō. (Wiki says ex-Daimyō) Tennō (Emperor) > Shōgun (Leader of all the samurai) > Daimyō (Leader of a Clan of samurai) In Game of Thrones terms: Shōgun is the King/Queen of the Seven Kingdoms (ex: Jeoffrey, Cersei, etc), and Daimyō is the Leader of a House (ex: Tywin Lannister, Ned Stark, etc). The Tennō is considered a divine being descended from the gods, and is even above the Shōgun.
Well... they aren't all benevolent sages. They're warrior feudal lords at their basic level, if they were so just you wouldn't have had the warring states period that lasted forever.
A masterpiece. The story, cinematography and acting are all wonderful. I'm a 61 year old man and I ugly cry every time I watch this. Such a fantastic story of honor and redemption. I thought you did a wonderful review and I appreciate that you show your own emotions. Cinema that can elicit those visceral emotions are treasures for us all to share.
This is my favorite Tom Cruise movie, by far. Just so inspiring, and the setting couldn't have been more perfect. Glad you liked it, great reaction! Take care, be safe.
This film is the second most influential film in this 65 year old man’s life. Most influential; Bill Murray’s “The Razor’s Edge.” All the best to everyone. Your reaction is priceless, “perfect.” Your tears are also my tears. Love and honor are everything. I first saw this when I was a Captain in the infantry. This is a true masterpiece. And my life, gratefully is ending like the end of this.
I cried due to the pride and dedication shown, the sacrifices made, the honor, the deaths shown, and the redemption arch. So many tears, and I'm thankful for each one. Thank you for your reaction - for the sharing of your emotions that allow us to share ours.
I saw this movie in theaters when I was 17 and it served as my entry to Japanese cinema. How this movie portrayed Japanese culture was captivating and beautiful, and got me interested in watching more samurai movies. I started by watching seven samurai, and yojimbo which were amazing. Then as any 17 year old kid would, started watching animes like kenshin and samurai champloo. But now in my mid thirties other Japanese films have caught my interest like Ikiru from akira korasawa and Good Morning from yasajiro ozu. Both incredibly beautiful films, mind you for very different reasons. A few years ago me and two friends went to Japan for vacation. It was incredible. I've been to several beautiful countries many people have on their bucket list, and Japan is, I would say, the most beautiful experience I've had traveling. The people and culture, wether in the big cities or small mountain towns, was always kind and courteous. Truly no where else in the world compares. Now every few years I go back and watch the last samurai. Still makes me cry. I'm always excited to show it to new people that have never seen it hoping it leads them down a simular road that it lead me. This movie may not be a Japanese film, however it is responsible for my love of Japanese cinema, Japanese culture, and encouraged an interest that lead me to some of the most beautiful experience of my life. 10/10 would recommend.
When American movies portray Japan, they don't always match the sensibilities of the times. In 1600, Japan had over 200,000 guns and cannons of its own, and in 1575 Nobunaga's army used as many as 5,000 guns in a single local battle. At that time, he sent a letter to the King of Spain, who confronted Japan, stating that Japan was in fact one of the strongest military powers in the world. Therefore, the fighting style of the samurai depicted in the movie ``Shogun'' is similar to that of the samurai of the 12th century. The Last Samurai is even worse. I can understand the American director's desire to portray the samurai in a more mysterious way, but the fact is that the Japanese samurai corps was an advanced military. The Last Samurai, in particular, is very poorly drawn and it can't be helped since the main character is an American, but for some reason the script for The Last Samurai was rewritten to reflect the history of Americans teaching guns in 1870. Once again, the guns that were brought to Japan from Portugal in 1543 were improved by Japanese swordsmiths in the following year, 1544, and they produced original guns that could be used even in the rain. Ten years later, in 1555, they had manufactured 100,000 guns. Guns were taught by an American in 1870? All Japanese people are laughing.
Nobutada’s death-just wow. The build up of the score as he pulls out his blades A master scene among great films. Hits the soul This is a film of not many that genuinely implores me to look at current society & all over… …many honorable, beautiful traditions, lost in the light speed of tech & business. Technology, an absolute miracle; and an utter curse
I saw this movie in the theater, when it was released. Still to this day...one of my very favorite movies of all time. This is a classic film. An homage to the Mighty, Majestic Samurai of Japan.
This movie with Tom Cruise is up there with Braveheart, Legends of the Fall, The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption as one of the best films made for me. The soundtrack is amazing with Zimmer but the cinematography and story was also terrific! Thanks for sharing the reaction to one of my favorite all time films!
@Deeohgee That was a good movie for sure. Love Costner, but my favorite movie with him is definitely Field of Dreams. I really enjoy him in Yellowstone in addition. Dances with Wolves was a classic for sure though. :)
@@jb4054 my favorite Costner flick is Open Range...also has Robert Duvall and Annette Benning...not a tear jerker but has some touching moments but the gunfight is the best one I 've ever seen...
@@deeohgee4574my mom hates with a passion dances with wolves for many reasons tbh I don’t blame her tho because I think it’s super long and not the most interesting. Field of dreams tho hits my favorites always sits close because my father wasn’t the best when I was young so I take a lot from it cause I wish my dad was like that I guess or at least good enough to do all that stuff for. Like I love my dad but I wouldn’t build no baseball field for him lol. Green mile though is a great movie but the book is even sadder imho I don’t really cry from movies at all I didn’t even cry during sound of freedom it’s just me. But the green mile movie and book mostly the book almost got me I think the only other movie that almost got me was dead man walking but that’s really it.
He’s such a good actor and this movie is the first time many people saw him. He isn’t bad in anything I’ve ever seen. Lost, Westworld, Endgame, Army of the Dead, etc.
23:46 The scene in the street when Nobutada's topknot is cut off is heartbreaking, as he cries out to his ancestors, begging forgiveness for allowing himself to be dishonoured like that.
fantastic movie to react to, and agree with you 100% on the intimacy of the scene where she dresses him in her late husband's armor. the son sacrificing himself for their escape, always gets me. the entire army bows in respect to the fallen ... speaks volumes against omura
Caught your comment &-just absolutely. Yes. That scene showed genuine respect, compassion, understanding & love. At such insurmountable odds Nobutada’s death, as he pulls his blades-true beauty w/in the context of brutality Love how this film has such subtle, non verbal context. Done correctly, it is so much more than dialogue. 👍absolutely agreed
Easily my favorite Tom Cruise movie. He does an amazing job in this role. My love for Japanese and Samurai culture multiplied 10 fold after watching this. The entire cast just killed it in this movie, with Cruise and Watanabe leading the way. The scene where Cruise helps with the ritual suicide actually brought me to literal tears when I watched this for the first time.
I was 14 or so when I saw this in theaters, don't think I cried then because that part of my brain wasn't developed until 16. Now I can't even hear the fucking soundtrack without crying lol
I would place "The 4th of July" on top with "The last Samurai" a close second. The problem back then was that many people hated "the pretty boy" Tom Cruise and like today trashed any new movie which doesn´t offer a contemporary satisfaction, too many people living in the past where everything was better. It´s always been like that. In the 70s my parents used to say: Music was so much better in the 60s and movies today are awful In the 80s the exact same thing .... and it continued until today. Many movies aren´t recognised for being actually good until the dust settles down and the haters have taken the backseat.
When American movies portray Japan, they don't always match the sensibilities of the times. In 1600, Japan had over 200,000 guns and cannons of its own, and in 1575 Nobunaga's army used as many as 5,000 guns in a single local battle. At that time, he sent a letter to the King of Spain, who confronted Japan, stating that Japan was in fact one of the strongest military powers in the world. Therefore, the fighting style of the samurai depicted in the movie ``Shogun'' is similar to that of the samurai of the 12th century. The Last Samurai is even worse. I can understand the American director's desire to portray the samurai in a more mysterious way, but the fact is that the Japanese samurai corps was an advanced military. The Last Samurai, in particular, is very poorly drawn and it can't be helped since the main character is an American, but for some reason the script for The Last Samurai was rewritten to reflect the history of Americans teaching guns in 1870. Once again, the guns that were brought to Japan from Portugal in 1543 were improved by Japanese swordsmiths in the following year, 1544, and they produced original guns that could be used even in the rain. Ten years later, in 1555, they had manufactured 100,000 guns. Guns were taught by an American in 1870? All Japanese people are laughing.
I love the look between Ujio and Nathan when they hit a draw. You can see Nathan is somewhat confused and his aggression toward Ujio is completely gone and replaced by incredulity. He's surprised. And Ujio for the first time seems to let go of his distain for Nathan in that moment. Perhaps he recognizes what Nathan just experienced and begins to sense a kindred warrior?? whatever it is it definitely a moment of mutual respect in that moment.
The intimate armor scene is one of the best romantic scenes i have ever seen, especially because they did not insist on sex. Don't get me wrong we all love it, but it's a perfect display that sex isn't always, at all times, necessary for love and intimacy. It's beautifully written and acted so tender. Before, Tom cruise was just a witty action-boi for me but he did this character so nuanced and beautifully it really changed my perception of him. Takas Actress does a damn fine job too and holy crap she's so beautiful it barely makes sense :D
Totally agree! Honestly one of the best romance scenes ever made. Even that small gentle kiss said everything between the two of them so perfectly and so beautifully. They both understand where that love is and so does the audience. Just goes to show how really good this movie is.
Agreed, it's very sensual and emotional with very little dialogue, less is more when you have some incredible acting and an audience that understands the mood and emotions the scene is conveying. The script, the soundtrack, the costume design, the acting, it really comes together and moves the audience.
One of my favourite movies of all time. The rare time when you get perfect cinematography… perfect acting… perfect music… and a perfect story. Cruise is a master at choosing his scripts.
Your reaction to the film was exactly like mine. Tom Cruz and all the actors were amazing. A well done film. An incredible story of Japan and Samurai. One of my favorite movies.
Such a beautiful and sincere reaction to one of my all time favorite movies ❤️ The Last Samurai is one of the few "complete" movies. A full meal where everything about it is done perfectly. I remember how I felt in the theater 20 years ago up to this day. An intense emotional journey.
Oh my. I loved your reaction. Such a beautifully shot film and top notch acting job by everyone. One of my favourite Tom Cruise films ever. Absolute masterpiece. So emotional. The Mission Impossible films are great action films but he also made so many good ones like A Few Good Men, The Firm, Collateral, Rain Man - just a few excellent ones. I've always been a fan because he really puts everything into whatever film he's making. I still love Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick was amazing at the cinema
The thing, for me, that makes the final battle so *wonderfully* shot, is that you're given the ability to *hope* Katusmoto will succeed, we never see how far away from the hill they actually are until after the guns open fire. Up until the moment that crank turns, we're left hoping that the Samurai will win the battle, and that's why you get so many chills every time.
One of my favorite things about this movie is that it shows how a scene doesn't need to be overtly sexual or full of nudity to be beautifully sensual and intimate. The scene of Taka helping him dress and put on the armor is so perfectly done. Not that I don't enjoy the more sexual scenes when done well, but so often people seem to confuse sexual and sensual in media now. They both convey such different emotions, and I feel like something is lost by the over-focus on the sexual.
When American movies portray Japan, they don't always match the sensibilities of the times. In 1600, Japan had over 200,000 guns and cannons of its own, and in 1575 Nobunaga's army used as many as 5,000 guns in a single local battle. At that time, he sent a letter to the King of Spain, who confronted Japan, stating that Japan was in fact one of the strongest military powers in the world. Therefore, the fighting style of the samurai depicted in the movie ``Shogun'' is similar to that of the samurai of the 12th century. The Last Samurai is even worse. I can understand the American director's desire to portray the samurai in a more mysterious way, but the fact is that the Japanese samurai corps was an advanced military. The Last Samurai, in particular, is very poorly drawn and it can't be helped since the main character is an American, but for some reason the script for The Last Samurai was rewritten to reflect the history of Americans teaching guns in 1870. Once again, the guns that were brought to Japan from Portugal in 1543 were improved by Japanese swordsmiths in the following year, 1544, and they produced original guns that could be used even in the rain. Ten years later, in 1555, they had manufactured 100,000 guns. Guns were taught by an American in 1870? All Japanese people are laughing.
@@kaka-rq5zd I think you replied on the wrong comment. Mine had nothing to do with guns in Japan. I'm perfectly well aware of Japan having muskets back during the warring states. My comment was on the sensual scene. Please direct your weeb rage elsewhere. I say this as a fellow weeb, so please understand that I mean no disrespect with the term.
The cherry blossom analogies in this are incredibly profound and beautiful. I love Japanese culture, and this movie moved me every time I watched it. ❤
When American movies portray Japan, they don't always match the sensibilities of the times. In 1600, Japan had over 200,000 guns and cannons of its own, and in 1575 Nobunaga's army used as many as 5,000 guns in a single local battle. At that time, he sent a letter to the King of Spain, who confronted Japan, stating that Japan was in fact one of the strongest military powers in the world. Therefore, the fighting style of the samurai depicted in the movie ``Shogun'' is similar to that of the samurai of the 12th century. The Last Samurai is even worse. I can understand the American director's desire to portray the samurai in a more mysterious way, but the fact is that the Japanese samurai corps was an advanced military. The Last Samurai, in particular, is very poorly drawn and it can't be helped since the main character is an American, but for some reason the script for The Last Samurai was rewritten to reflect the history of Americans teaching guns in 1870. Once again, the guns that were brought to Japan from Portugal in 1543 were improved by Japanese swordsmiths in the following year, 1544, and they produced original guns that could be used even in the rain. Ten years later, in 1555, they had manufactured 100,000 guns. Guns were taught by an American in 1870? All Japanese people are laughing.
This movie is awesome. Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Hiroyuki Sanada and Timothy Spall were fantastic and excellently cast. Shame this movie didn’t get the credit it deserved when it first released but think as time has past people have begun to realize how good it actually is. Also the interaction btw Algren and the Emperor at the end was superbly done: The Emperor: “Tell me how he died”. Algren: “I’ll tell you how he lived”. That might be some of the best delivered lines in all of Cinema.
Possibly the best ever reaction video I’ve ever seen. It’s truly refreshing to see someone react to this movie the same way I do. I was a mess just watching this through this reaction video 😂 in my top 3 movies of all time.
I cried watching this too (as in your youtube video lol). They dont make movies like this anymore... it was an instant classic when it came out and still is today. It hits multiple times at the end too.... just when you think you've finished crying it starts right up again, so many times lol
One of the few films that hits me in the tear ducts ever time I see it. The scene where the courage and skill of the charging Samurai counts for naught versus the Gatling guns always breaks my heart. Perhaps in part because I have studied Japanese culture and martial arts for a long time - I hold a fourth degree Black Belt in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido, one of the oldest schools of Japanese swordsmanship. So, dear lady, if I as a pension age Englishman, can ugly cry to this film, you need feel no shame that you do so.
Power and money and the endless greed for it have always corrupted people, and when such people are allowed to lead countries or armies, it often becomes very dramatic with high losses. The film was really well made, very poignant, with a compelling story and nobody should apologize for their tears because of it.
Tom Cruise’s best performances are ones where he starts off as a flawed mess and earns some kind of redemption. (This and Edge of Tomorrow). The ones where he starts out as a badass, has a few minor struggles and then walks off happily into the sunset just don’t compare.
THIS is one of my fav movies of ALL times, EVER EVER EVER...im 53 years old ive seen many movies and i cant understand why this movie didnt get more TALK my english isnt great im trying to say I think this incredible beautiful movie didnt get what all other movies get you know? but man, WOW its incredible
I've seen a lot of reactions on this channel before but never have I seen Arianna so angry that I could picture her doing violence to a character before. Arianna we've all seen you cry before, and feel sad for you when you do, but the level of anger and insults that you threw at your screen was awesome! I don 't want this to sound condescending because it not meant that way at all, in fact quite the opposite, but I was rolling with laughter at how awesome those tirades were.
I really enjoyed watching your reaction! This film had such a strong impact on me. I've always had a fascination with Japanese history and culture, so while I know that this film takes a LOT of liberties and is far more romantic about the samurai than reality, I still really love it. It's so beautifully made. The actors are all remarkable, the costume and set design are stunning, and the score is masterful. It's not historically accurate at all, but it's such an incredible work of craftsmanship and emotion. One of my favorite films of all time.
Arianna. I came across your reaction vids a year ago and you pulled me in. Your emotion is so raw and unfiltered. Your willingness to show it all in the open, speaks volumes about who you are. Hopefully this comes across the right way.. seeing your emotions gets me emotional and helps me release that part of me behind closed doors I can never show to anyone because I've been taught to push forward, don't show your weakness and always show how tough you are. But for some reason, your character, your soul just breaks me down without even knowing you in person. Your impact on me and I'm sure on others is insane. Don't ever change. Thank you.
The part where the samurai come riding through the fog and all you see are the designs of the helmets, is the most perfect portrayal of the exact reason why the samurai wore those helmets and masks, to intimidate and invoke fear within the common soldiery.
I love this movie, both Ken Watanabe and Cruise are amazing in it, a great story too ..... after this I watched everything Watanabe did .. great actor ....
What is amazing, The man who played the character of Katsumoto could not speak English at the time. So what he did, was to do the monologues phonetically aka saying them without knowing their meaning in his own language. One of the scenes that really got me was, when the woman dressed him in his late husbands battlearmour. So intimate, way waay waaaaay better. And more wholesome then what other movies would have done is, here she dressed him out of respect, love and accept. Where others would have a love scene in the bedroom, this did not! Makes it more lovable
One of my top 3 favorite movies. Like others have said I feel like it really never got the recognition it deserved. It took the Pocahontas, Dances with Wolves story but did it so much better. Such a beautiful film.
A GREAT movie in so many ways, absolute favorite of mine and favorite Tom Cruise movie, Ken Wanatabe and Hiroyuki Sanada did such a great and memorable job!
The WhatsApp bot with my Avatar has been reported and obviously i am not selecting anyone to receive a PS5. I don't even have a PS5
I must be getting old. What's an .... ok, ok I know what an App is and I remember; just about my nephew's PS2 ;-) kerk
good selection in the movie. this movie is based off of the last Battle of Choshu when the Shinsengumi fought the Imperialist government. Katsumoto's character is based off of the leader of the Shinsengumi.
this draw parallel so much to the woman king, old ways against the new, but the "old ways" in this dont mean slavery exclusively
Arianna, that damn bot is all over the place, but most of us are smart enough to recognize it.
As for you watching this movie, I enjoyed watching this and your reaction. Yeah, Tom was a real badass in this one, and his character's PTSD flashback is some real stuff we veterans have to endure in one form or another, depending on what he or she had to go through. Not to mention that when an actual officer with real combat experience tells a pencil pushing dipshit that the men are not ready, but the dipshit forges ahead, consequences be damned, a whole lot of men will die because of his hubris.
This is a very good movie.
@Diegesis here is a movie suggestion or challenge. The World of Suzy Wong. It will make you laugh, it will warm your heart, you will get angry, you will cry, then you will be renewed.
Pure masterpiece of cinema. It was such a shame Hollywood really ignored and snubbed this film. Ken Watanabe gave a masterful performance and Cruise was at his dramatic best here. Such an incredible movie in all it's aspects.
You haven’t seen Tom Cruise’s dramatic best if you haven’t watched Born on the Fourth of July.
It came out the same year as the return of the king, so yeah.
I think it was unfortunately snubbed because of Lord of the Rings tbh. Like those movies won everything. :( but if this was out any other year I think it would have at least won best costume, score, script, etc. It to me is almost like the 2nd coming of Gladiator. Think of it a lot in the same way
It's not important if Hollywood lavishes it with awards. It's important people remember it and love it. And we do.
That Japanese actress, Koyuki, was also absolutely superb. No matter how many times I watch this film, she makes me cry.
"Tell me how he died."
"I will tell you how he lived."
One of my favorite things ever said in a film.
This line was also used in Jason Scott Lee "Dragon:The Bruce Lee Story" at the end.
In real life it would be suicidal to answer to emperor Meiji like that. However I can easily imagine Meiji ordering a corrupt official to kill himself.
"Necessary? What could be more necessary?" is probably my favorite. So important and captures the entire theme of the movie in 6 words.
My favorite is Katsumoto's last words, 'They are all perfect', after seeing the blossom tree, which is a call back to the earlier scene in the garden where he says 'a life spent looking for a perfect blossom is not a wasted life'.
@@nolanhistory77 not quite the same but close
This was Ken Watanabe's first English movie and his Hollywood debut and he absolutely nailed the performance. I have loved his acting ever since!
Ken is one of best A listers. Inception is still epic
As good as Tom Cruise is as an actor, especially in this movie, Ken Watanabe outshined him completely.
@@Mek_Alenes They both had great chemistry and elevated their acting to the next level.
He became the default go-to-japanese-guy in Hollywood xD And I love it, I really like him as an actor. Katsumoto is such a cool character and Ken's charisma and acting took it to the next level.
The movie also introduced me to Hiroyuki Sanada (Ujio). It wasn't the major role that Cruise and Watanabe had, but he nailed his part as the stern, unyielding warrior who gradually came to respect Algren.
"The true warrior fights not because he hates what is in front of him... but because he loves what is beside and behind him."
True warrior no have enemies
I hope you aren't from the US. Otherwise your comment is disturbing.
@@Gnossiene369please tell me how was it?
someone should have told that to the samurai
When American movies portray Japan, they don't always match the sensibilities of the times. In 1600, Japan had over 200,000 guns and cannons of its own, and in 1575 Nobunaga's army used as many as 5,000 guns in a single local battle. At that time, he sent a letter to the King of Spain, who confronted Japan, stating that Japan was in fact one of the strongest military powers in the world. Therefore, the fighting style of the samurai depicted in the movie ``Shogun'' is similar to that of the samurai of the 12th century. The Last Samurai is even worse. I can understand the American director's desire to portray the samurai in a more mysterious way, but the fact is that the Japanese samurai corps was an advanced military. The Last Samurai, in particular, is very poorly drawn and it can't be helped since the main character is an American, but for some reason the script for The Last Samurai was rewritten to reflect the history of Americans teaching guns in 1870. Once again, the guns that were brought to Japan from Portugal in 1543 were improved by Japanese swordsmiths in the following year, 1544, and they produced original guns that could be used even in the rain. Ten years later, in 1555, they had manufactured 100,000 guns. Guns were taught by an American in 1870? All Japanese people are laughing.
Man I die in tears everytime I see this ending. Its just so overwhelmingly intense. A masterpiece.
The ending gets to me too. The man finally finds peace after almost drinking his life away.
The score is killing it
@@laszlodajka5946 Indeed. The best score this 65 yr. old has ever heard. And nothing even comes close.
It is unquestionable that this film is a masterpiece. Tom cruise is a walking magnum opus . Wonderful stuff .
"They are all perfect..." Katsumoto's last lines stills sends chills down my spine.
"and I remember, like these blossoms....... we're all dying..... Life in every breath."
"You could spend a lifetime searching for the perfect blossom, and it wouldn't be a wasted life."
There is something quite profound in what he said. Highly esoteric.
A duck, a Hippo and a guy named Tony walk into a bar.....
It’s five syllables.
I like to think it was The last line of the poem he was writing
Katsumoto: "You could spend a lifetime searching for the perfect blossom, and it wouldn't be a wasted life."
Katsumoto Last Words: "They are all perfect."
I always feel the line. It reminds me to absorb what is around me for a day or two and appreciate it more until the rat race jars me back into normal hellscape survival mode.
And the cool thing that it turns into his death poem.
As a passive movie watcher at the time, that line stuck with me so much that I became an active movie watcher.
@@marsfalcon1949
"Life in every breath."
Another line by Katsumoto
A full life indeed 🖤
Actor Hiroyuki Sanada who played Ujio, the angry Samurai who beat Tom Cruise's character in the rain. Said in an interview. that Cruise could memorize any fight scene after only being shown it once. Afterwards, he could do it perfectly each and every time. Sanada, as a martial arts expert, was very impressed with Cruise's abilities.
I don't admire everything about Cruise, but his work ethic and dedication I can respect, he really works hard on set and pays attention to the experts teaching choreography.
@@G1NZOU pisses me off how deep he is with scientology, but as usual you gotta separate the art from the artist. At least he hasn't killed or raped anyone as far as we know
@@NYG5 ROFL bro do you know how low that bar is because Hollywood is so wicked. At least he hasn't murdered or sexually assaulted anybody? that's the bar LOOOOOOL Hollyweird.
Anything with Sanada is watchable... even the new Mortal Kombat... even if only for the first 10 minutes.
@@DamienBlade Definitely the final fight between him and Sub Zero.
as a grown man i will happily admit that i cry to this film everytime
To Katsumoto death scene? I always shear a tears non stop this scene is very emotionional 😢
Same, when they bring out the Gatling guns I always shed a tear, especially with that music, Hans Zimmer always comes through!
Everytime!
You are a true man.
This is seriously one of my favorite movies of all time. Tom Cruise plays the part of a PTSD ridden soldier extraordinarily well and his journey is amazing here. The cinematography is stunning and the musical score is amazing. I loved your reactions to it as they were so on-pointe.
Let us not forget Hans Zimmer went to Japan to study their music to make this score and it happens to be one of the best scores ever made let alone that he has made. Decades later I still own it.
I’ve seen the movie at least four or five dozen times and I still cry, every single time. Hard not to even with other people near me. It hits that hard emotionally.
I didn’t know it was Zimmer. I feel like he’s done the score for every movie I’ve ever watched.
Hanz Zimmer is one of the greatest. His score in Interstellar and Inception are my favorites.
And so underrated!!!
Well, it sounds like a parody Oscar Bait sketch. But that's probably in part because of the score work of the era
But I think even in '03, this music was a little in the nose
The Last Samurai is one of those films that evokes such emotions that I can never get through it without shedding some tears.
This is not a movie - this is cinema, this is art.
oO
Truth. If we're still around in 100 years (assuming we don't blow eachother up) this film will still be relevant.
Probably the greatest movie ever made
Yup
Agree.
I watched this movie at movie theater back when it was released on December 2003. One of the best movies I've ever seen. Lots of people sobbing, you can hear them all. When the movie ended, people stood up to applaud this awesome movie.
Katsumoto's last words have a double meaning. Even in the era of change from the samurai era to the westernization, he sticks to his own way of life and beliefs as a samurai, dying beautifully in battle, and the falling cherry blossoms that have grown splendidly over the years.
From Japan
It took me a bit to realize, but his final words were the last line of his haiku; They are all perfect; 5 syllables.
What was the second line?
Ken Watanabe and Hiroyuki Sanada both cinematic legends in my eyes. I always jump into their films.
Sanada the guy who beat up Cruise with a stick here? I really like him. I think he played in Sunshine.
@@politicallycorrectredskin796 He was basically an unofficial consultant during filming. He kept everything as real as possible. I have SO much respect for him.
I've read that Sanada will be Toranaga in a new adaptation of "Shogun". I'm reading the book and I'm looking forward for it
I'm glad Sanada has started to get a lot more roles now. If you go back like 15 years he didn't exist in American cinema outside of his minor role in Lost. Then he was in this movie, now he's pretty recognizable in the west - Westworld, Endgame, Army of the Dead,, The Wolverine, Bullet Train, Mortal Kombat (perfect casting for Hanzo/Scorpion) 47 Ronin, John Wick 4. I hope to see more, lead roles especially.
You and me both!
I love this movie. It was released in 2003, not long after I arrived in Japan for a three year assignment (US Army). Every Japanese soldier and civilian I met told me how much they had loved it, too. While it is not completely historically accurate, it captures many aspects of Japanese culture.
Yes; Japan has been too heavily developed, so much of the film was made in New Zealand--Including that Village in the mountains. More than a couple of the older Japanese actors/film/tech people were moved to tears because the set reminded them of where THEY had grown up.
Apparently it made more money in Japan than the US. In the end I like the message of remembering who we are . I always saw it as progression versus tradition
The love in japan is understandable, as it strokes all the positive stereotypes about japan. And as much as this story is pure fantasy, it is a great movie. Stereotyping is ok for me (and everyone I guess) as long as it is positive.
Now, on the historical aspect, there was a rebellion at this time, and there was a european fighting on the side of the rebels (a frenchman), but the movie misrepresents the timeline.
It would be like doing a movie about the US civil war, except you show the battle of Yorktown fought by knights in armor and longbowmen. At the time of the rebellion, well into the 19th century, samurais were administrators, not warriors (just their european contemporaries has left long ago the swords and shields in favour of fashionable clothes), and they were fighting with guns, not armor and katanas.
I enlisted in the Army at Camp Zama. I lived outside Yokosuka for 5 years. I would never trade that time for anything. I loved living there.
@@dmp1520 the people. The food. Tokyo. The beach. Cherry blossoms at Kamara. The fishing village I lived in. The transportation system.
"The difference between scholars and someone who's lived it." Love that. Great reaction, Arianna.
Everyone said enough about the movie itself, the script, the actors, the director's work.
But I also wanted to specifically commend Hans Zimmer's soundtrack. I personally think it's his best work ever.
It's not just simply a beautiful music. It's a subtle yet unstoppable force in the background that drives your emotions for the whole length of the movie, wrenches your heart and bares out your nerves to the raw feeling of pride, sorrow and finally tranquility and inner peace.
Absolute masterpiece
Yes! I have several tracks downloaded from itunes from this movie. Some of the great Mr. Zimmer's greatest works.
I recently purchased the soundtrak. Love me some HZ.
Also, as a bit of historical background, when a samurai feels he has suffered dishonor through defeat or any other means, a way for him and his family name to retain their honor is to commit ritual suicide, aka hara kiri, or seppukku. The process is to plunge a blade into your stomach and cut across and up. Traditionally, they will also write a last poem, usually in the form of a haiku before they go out. It's called a death poem (and I'm sorry, the actual Japanese name eludes me). Once all affairs have been settled, the samurai takes his own life. The reason he is beheaded in this movie is because the process doesn't immediately kill you, and instead dying after cutting open your own stomach can take several hours, in which time the person is often in agonizing pain. It's considered a mercy to behead the samurai after they make the incision. A samurai will ask someone to be his second and perform this act for him. There is no dishonor in it, and in fact it is considered an honor for the person to be able to do this for someone who willingly takes his own life to maintain his honor. So, the scene where the Japanese military officer is taking his own life and gets beheaded is actually a show of mercy by Katsumoto in respect for what the man was doing. Even though he was fighting for the military, he made it clear that he IS a samurai, serving the Emperor, so the failure of the campaign was considered dishonorable.
It's a long explanation for a short scene, but without proper context and background information, it's hard to understand. But once you do understand it, the scene is even more powerful.
Is not a long explanation is the best explanation
the best samurai movie maybe ever made is actually named "harakiri"
THIS. now if only those who first watched 47 ronin understood this, they would've realized that, yes, that movie did have a good ending
Sort of like Last of the Mohicans where Hawkeye shoots Major Heyward as he's put into a fire. An act to spare the man an insufferable death.
ほぼ完璧な解説ありがとう
I'm a history buff and normally I don't like Hollywood's treatment of history ... but despite that, I still consider this movie to be a personal favorite. The people involved with this movie managed to turn a 100% misrepresentation of an historical event into a Fictional movie that I actually love.
I mean, it's not THAT off from the real history of the Satsuma rebellion. It's definitely romanticized to the Nth degree but it at least kept to the basics. There was a rebellion of disenfranchised Samurai following the Boshin War led by Saigo Takamori(Katsumoto Moritsu here) as a result of the stripping of power and privileges from their class. They were opposed by the forward looking wealthy elite led by Toshimichi Okubo(Omura in this) who sought to strip the Samurai of their wealth and status and transfer it to the oligarchy. This was especially insulting given that the merchant class was historically ranked even below the peasants. The rebels fought in a hopeless battle outnumbered 500 to 30,000 and fought to the last man. Their honorable deaths served at least one purpose, it preserved the concepts of Bushido and Samurai pride into the zeitgeist of Japanese culture and history into the next century and beyond. In that sense I think it's a damned good treatment of history.
@@jeremygilbert7989
And there was even some european guy more or less in Cruise´s role. Just the real guy was a french lol And debatable if he got to be great friends with the leader of the rebels. Even more debatable if he got to be with said leader´s sister lol
But at least there was an european guy doing that culture clash thing a bit and falling in love with japanese culture to the point he wanted to side with them.
Also a huge history buff, and I also like this treatment. I'm fine with things being romanticized if everything is done with consideration, which is why I like Gladiator as well. Its kind of like a "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" styled story of the Satsuma rebellion.
@@jeremygilbert7989 True, but the whole "Samurai refuse to use guns" narrative is really pushing it considering that not only had the Samurai been using guns for like 300 years at this point, they were very quick to adapt to them even back then. The smart use of gunpower played a huge role in the unification of Japan.
I'm a plumber/ninja. I agree
Tom does a great job of playing a broken character.
"Edge of Tomorrow" and this one are great examples.
Minority Report too.
@@ArgosySpecOps Jesus I need to rewatch this. Watched it in my 7th grade class for an analysis a decade ago and I remember it being a gem
Born on the 4th of July. he has NEVER made a bad movie. The worst movie he probably did make, Jack Reacher 2, but even that wasn't that bad. Man's been in like 50 successful movies. He's the Floyd Mayweather of actors, 50-0.
@@alfraelich The Mummy.
@@Urban_King1 that movie does not exist, much like Highlander 2
"The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life."
"Perfect. They are all perfect."
Actually, a few westerners became samurai: American, English, French, Dutch, Italians...They fell in love with the culture and became part of it.
When American movies portray Japan, they don't always match the sensibilities of the times. In 1600, Japan had over 200,000 guns and cannons of its own, and in 1575 Nobunaga's army used as many as 5,000 guns in a single local battle. At that time, he sent a letter to the King of Spain, who confronted Japan, stating that Japan was in fact one of the strongest military powers in the world. Therefore, the fighting style of the samurai depicted in the movie ``Shogun'' is similar to that of the samurai of the 12th century. The Last Samurai is even worse. I can understand the American director's desire to portray the samurai in a more mysterious way, but the fact is that the Japanese samurai corps was an advanced military. The Last Samurai, in particular, is very poorly drawn and it can't be helped since the main character is an American, but for some reason the script for The Last Samurai was rewritten to reflect the history of Americans teaching guns in 1870. Once again, the guns that were brought to Japan from Portugal in 1543 were improved by Japanese swordsmiths in the following year, 1544, and they produced original guns that could be used even in the rain. Ten years later, in 1555, they had manufactured 100,000 guns. Guns were taught by an American in 1870? All Japanese people are laughing.
@@kaka-rq5zd
Guns certainly existed in Japan in the 1500s and 1600s, and most of the dominant armies of the time had at least a couple platoons outfitted with muskets, but their expense combined with the extensive infighting and cultural resistance to them from the samurai class didn't make them "standard issue" until the Meiji Resoration. The Last Samurai isn't about Americans "introducing Japan to guns", it's about them outfitting and training the unified Imperial Army so that they possess them to the same extent that the Western powers do.
@@takigan Your understanding is wrong. It is a Western view of history. I went to Spain and the Netherlands and checked it out at historical museums and archives.
I dont know a single Westerner or lets say outlander of Japan who ever became Samurai, Japanese people are very traditional and strict people i dont think they would ever give someone from outer Japan the Honor of Samurai.
I know recent there was the dicussion about that Yasuke guy, were Blacks claim he became a Samurai and so but there was no such thing like a Samurai from outer Japan.
@@dragonlord4643 Documented evidence of the following people who reached the rank of Hatamoto (high ranking samurai) can be found by an easy web search: William Adams (England) and Jan Joosten Van Lodensteijn (Dutch).
Hands down one of my favorite movies of all time. Watched this in theaters 6 times because of how moving it was!
There's one thing for a movie to make you cry from a death scene, or from a sad moment. But this movie is just so unique in that it just as often makes you cry in moments of beauty, respect, and intimacy. There's so much weight behind the actions and motivations of these people, it's hard not to feel inspired and moved. Combine that with one of if not my favorite musical scores, it's a recipe for waterworks like no other.
You might like Arcane. Give it a watch...if you DARE.
@@redtornado1337 Oh, I've seen it an insurmountable amount of times. Maybe my single favorite season of television ever. Tied with WW S1, True Detective S1, and GoT S3.
@@lockekappa500 PREACH my dude those seasons are all amazing and Arcane was incredibly special. As someone that loves league of legends I am still stunned that the show was as amazing as it was. I didn't want to get my hopes up because video game adaptations are almost universally disappointing and it was better than I ever could have hoped. Truly our community was unworthy of what they managed to create.
Spot on. It's special in a way that's incomprehensible.
This film is a masterpiece, Hans Zimmer music score for this film is incredible
When I first saw this in theaters everyone stood up and applauded once the credits started rolling. A beautiful inspiring tragic and "perfect" movie. Proud to say this is my favorite movie of all time.
They treated Japanese culture with respect on this one. It's amazing to think that an entire era of people lived with this culture. It's absolutely unthinkable these days. But honestly, I think it might be a better way.
The most beautiful film in the world
When American movies portray Japan, they don't always match the sensibilities of the times. In 1600, Japan had over 200,000 guns and cannons of its own, and in 1575 Nobunaga's army used as many as 5,000 guns in a single local battle. At that time, he sent a letter to the King of Spain, who confronted Japan, stating that Japan was in fact one of the strongest military powers in the world. Therefore, the fighting style of the samurai depicted in the movie ``Shogun'' is similar to that of the samurai of the 12th century. The Last Samurai is even worse. I can understand the American director's desire to portray the samurai in a more mysterious way, but the fact is that the Japanese samurai corps was an advanced military. The Last Samurai, in particular, is very poorly drawn and it can't be helped since the main character is an American, but for some reason the script for The Last Samurai was rewritten to reflect the history of Americans teaching guns in 1870. Once again, the guns that were brought to Japan from Portugal in 1543 were improved by Japanese swordsmiths in the following year, 1544, and they produced original guns that could be used even in the rain. Ten years later, in 1555, they had manufactured 100,000 guns. Guns were taught by an American in 1870? All Japanese people are laughing.
@@kaka-rq5zd ok you worry about accuracy while I appreciate everything else. The movie wasn't a documentary. It's very loosely based on the samurai. Like I said before it's a beautiful movie and I'll stand on that hill until I die
I love the mannerisms Katsumoto has... He'll finish his sentence, pause for a second, then dart off ... I love that for some reason...
It's wild that Ken Watanabe had never acted in English before this film.
The soundtrack is one of Hans Zimmer’s best. Every time I hear some of these songs on their own it nearly pulls tears out.
Goosebumps every time I hear it!
20:52 The collective yell from all the samurai still gives me chills.
Oh yeah, its like a scream to re enforce their unity, i love it
After hunting and fighting, the alpha wolf calls to the pack to figure out who they've lost in the fight when they don't get a response, almost like a roll call. I always think about that when I think of Ujio's cry here. Essentially, "I am still standing! Are you with me?"
Based Af
It's still a tradition in many military forces to conduct a final role call.
When American movies portray Japan, they don't always match the sensibilities of the times. In 1600, Japan had over 200,000 guns and cannons of its own, and in 1575 Nobunaga's army used as many as 5,000 guns in a single local battle. At that time, he sent a letter to the King of Spain, who confronted Japan, stating that Japan was in fact one of the strongest military powers in the world. Therefore, the fighting style of the samurai depicted in the movie ``Shogun'' is similar to that of the samurai of the 12th century. The Last Samurai is even worse. I can understand the American director's desire to portray the samurai in a more mysterious way, but the fact is that the Japanese samurai corps was an advanced military. The Last Samurai, in particular, is very poorly drawn and it can't be helped since the main character is an American, but for some reason the script for The Last Samurai was rewritten to reflect the history of Americans teaching guns in 1870. Once again, the guns that were brought to Japan from Portugal in 1543 were improved by Japanese swordsmiths in the following year, 1544, and they produced original guns that could be used even in the rain. Ten years later, in 1555, they had manufactured 100,000 guns. Guns were taught by an American in 1870? All Japanese people are laughing.
I double majored in Japanese language & Psychology in undergrad. I really appreciate your reaction to this. The Last Samurai is one of the most popular films for reaction channels, and your reaction is my favorite, even over reactors I have been watching longer.
As with almost all Hollywood films based on history, this has its issues. However, all things considered, it’s quite a nice representation of Japanese culture. Japan must have thought so as well, as there is literally a “Tom Cruise Day” as a result of this film.
I would suggest the mini series Shogun to you. I don't know if you can stream it, but it is on dvd
@@JohnRodriguesPhotographer They're remaking it soon. With Hiroyuki Sanada playing Toranaga
100% agree, this is now the BEST reaction video to this movie (which is my #1 favorite film of all time) have seen, and I may have seen them all haha. Great editing keeping in the best scenes with the best quotes which made me really happy! My fav quote is...
"You believe a man can change his destiny?"
"I think a man does what he can, until his destiny is revealed to him" ❤
Probably because, despite the glaring inaccuracies when compared to the Shiroyama Revolt, and the 'Last of the Samurai' (For example the Samurai never eschewed firearms)
This is a deep romanticization of Japanese History, and a Love Letter to the idea of not only the Samurai, but pre-industrial Japan, if not Feudal History as whole
she didn't react hard enough for me :/
One of the most emotional movies I've ever seen; I've seen this movie about 30 times. It's accurate in spirit. That line by Tom Cruise gets me all the time, "I will miss our conversations." It's so moving because the viewer can apply that to anyone in their lives.
Ne plus ultra.
日本人の自分が観ても泣ける。大好きな作品です。
"I will tell you how he lived".... in that one simple line it signified exactly what the entire film was about... honor. Very poignant moment.....
I was 23 when this was released and I watched it in theaters. While I loved it back in 2004, I was too young to appreciate it as much as I do now. One of the greatest movies of my lifetime.
Same rewatching it again and again
If you search actual story of this. It explain that last samurai, I'm also. Impress last samurai white guy survive through out war even last battle ....
I was 7. Decided to start learning Japanese from that point on. Managed to get mombukagakushou in University, embassy scholarship and live in Japan for a year and 3 months. When I was in Bizen, near Okayama, we made katanas after New Year's around 6th of January. It reminded me of why I started learning Japanese. It was I highlight in my life
My favorite movie. I cry the most when Katsumoto's son Nobutada dies and Katsumoto wants to tell him all kind of emotional things but his culture forbids him for it but you can still see it in all his expressions! This is a masterpiece! Also the Score hits really hard!
It killed me to see that kid die! I took my sons to see this movie and one of my sons was about the same age as Nobutada.
Shin Koyamada did an incredible job as Nobutada. I balled when he was killed 😢
I spent a year in Japan for college, and my friends and I went to see this movie in theaters there. I was moved, but very self conscious of my Gaijin (foreigner) standing seeing it among a 98% Japanese audience, and was so worried that they wouldn't take it well that they cast an American actor as the lead role. Fortunately, I also know how eager they are to share their culture with the world, and they absolutely love it when a Gaijin falls in love with it, and wants to take it up as part of their own lifestyle. They adore it when someone finds appreciation for their history, art, philosophy, traditions, and teachings, and so are very open to educate any Gaijin on it.
So at the start of the movie, there I was feeling apprehensive, and worried they'd give me crap later for it because I'm an American, but by the end of the movie, I knew, mostly due to all the tears in the audience... that Hollywood did good by them. This has always been my favorite Tom Cruise film, and its astonishing how underrated its reception in America was.
One thing everyone in America seems to misunderstand is that, Tom Cruise/Nathan Algren, was NOT the Last Samurai, and thus while the story centered on him, it wasn't really about him as much as it was about a nation forcing itself to forget its past and traditions because of the push for modernization. The actual Last Samurai for which the film is named, is Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe) because without him, all the history and traditions of the Samurai would die out. Nathan Algren was simply the last man to understand and appreciate what the Japanese people had lost.
Well said!
I always figured The Last Samurai is plural. The last of of a dying breed.
In Japanese there is no gramatical distinction between Plural and singular, so when used correctly "last samurai" could mean a single samurai or given the context of the flm the last group of samurai who hold to the bushido.
You’re a dunce. 🤦🏻♀️
@@VictorLugosi me?
I am a grown ass, big man, and I absolutely could not stop myself from crying during the ending of this movie. One of very few movies that can do that to me.
same bro
As a Mexican I will cry along you ..en Espanol 😢
The fight scene where the shogun and Cruz fight the ninjas back to back is one of the best action sequences I’ve seen in a film.
*Daimyō. (Wiki says ex-Daimyō)
Tennō (Emperor) > Shōgun (Leader of all the samurai) > Daimyō (Leader of a Clan of samurai)
In Game of Thrones terms: Shōgun is the King/Queen of the Seven Kingdoms (ex: Jeoffrey, Cersei, etc), and Daimyō is the Leader of a House (ex: Tywin Lannister, Ned Stark, etc). The Tennō is considered a divine being descended from the gods, and is even above the Shōgun.
It is always an Honor to see people cry at the end of this masterpiece and have a CLEAR understanding of what the Samurai are.
Well... they aren't all benevolent sages. They're warrior feudal lords at their basic level, if they were so just you wouldn't have had the warring states period that lasted forever.
A masterpiece. The story, cinematography and acting are all wonderful. I'm a 61 year old man and I ugly cry every time I watch this. Such a fantastic story of honor and redemption. I thought you did a wonderful review and I appreciate that you show your own emotions. Cinema that can elicit those visceral emotions are treasures for us all to share.
This is my favorite Tom Cruise movie, by far. Just so inspiring, and the setting couldn't have been more perfect. Glad you liked it, great reaction! Take care, be safe.
This film is the second most influential film in this 65 year old man’s life. Most influential; Bill Murray’s “The Razor’s Edge.” All the best to everyone. Your reaction is priceless, “perfect.” Your tears are also my tears. Love and honor are everything. I first saw this when I was a Captain in the infantry. This is a true masterpiece. And my life, gratefully is ending like the end of this.
The first glimpse of the Samurai riding through the mist, with helmets, is beyond beautiful cinematography
I cried due to the pride and dedication shown, the sacrifices made, the honor, the deaths shown, and the redemption arch. So many tears, and I'm thankful for each one. Thank you for your reaction - for the sharing of your emotions that allow us to share ours.
The way you wear your emotions so openly is why we’re here. We adore you.
I saw this movie in theaters when I was 17 and it served as my entry to Japanese cinema. How this movie portrayed Japanese culture was captivating and beautiful, and got me interested in watching more samurai movies.
I started by watching seven samurai, and yojimbo which were amazing. Then as any 17 year old kid would, started watching animes like kenshin and samurai champloo. But now in my mid thirties other Japanese films have caught my interest like Ikiru from akira korasawa and Good Morning from yasajiro ozu. Both incredibly beautiful films, mind you for very different reasons.
A few years ago me and two friends went to Japan for vacation. It was incredible. I've been to several beautiful countries many people have on their bucket list, and Japan is, I would say, the most beautiful experience I've had traveling. The people and culture, wether in the big cities or small mountain towns, was always kind and courteous. Truly no where else in the world compares.
Now every few years I go back and watch the last samurai. Still makes me cry. I'm always excited to show it to new people that have never seen it hoping it leads them down a simular road that it lead me. This movie may not be a Japanese film, however it is responsible for my love of Japanese cinema, Japanese culture, and encouraged an interest that lead me to some of the most beautiful experience of my life.
10/10 would recommend.
This movie is revered in Japan. It is widely (perhaps universally) considered to be the best Western-made movie about Japan.
When American movies portray Japan, they don't always match the sensibilities of the times. In 1600, Japan had over 200,000 guns and cannons of its own, and in 1575 Nobunaga's army used as many as 5,000 guns in a single local battle. At that time, he sent a letter to the King of Spain, who confronted Japan, stating that Japan was in fact one of the strongest military powers in the world. Therefore, the fighting style of the samurai depicted in the movie ``Shogun'' is similar to that of the samurai of the 12th century. The Last Samurai is even worse. I can understand the American director's desire to portray the samurai in a more mysterious way, but the fact is that the Japanese samurai corps was an advanced military. The Last Samurai, in particular, is very poorly drawn and it can't be helped since the main character is an American, but for some reason the script for The Last Samurai was rewritten to reflect the history of Americans teaching guns in 1870. Once again, the guns that were brought to Japan from Portugal in 1543 were improved by Japanese swordsmiths in the following year, 1544, and they produced original guns that could be used even in the rain. Ten years later, in 1555, they had manufactured 100,000 guns. Guns were taught by an American in 1870? All Japanese people are laughing.
Nobutada’s death-just
wow.
The build up of the score as he pulls out his blades
A master scene among great films. Hits the soul
This is a film of not many that genuinely implores me to look at current society & all over…
…many honorable, beautiful traditions, lost in the light speed of tech & business.
Technology, an absolute miracle; and an utter curse
I saw this movie in the theater, when it was released.
Still to this day...one of my very favorite movies of all time.
This is a classic film.
An homage to the Mighty, Majestic Samurai of Japan.
This movie with Tom Cruise is up there with Braveheart, Legends of the Fall, The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption as one of the best films made for me. The soundtrack is amazing with Zimmer but the cinematography and story was also terrific! Thanks for sharing the reaction to one of my favorite all time films!
You named all of MY favorites..except Dances with Wolves...which I would bet is on your list somewhere..LOL..
@Deeohgee That was a good movie for sure. Love Costner, but my favorite movie with him is definitely Field of Dreams. I really enjoy him in Yellowstone in addition. Dances with Wolves was a classic for sure though. :)
@@jb4054 my favorite Costner flick is Open Range...also has Robert Duvall and Annette Benning...not a tear jerker but has some touching moments but the gunfight is the best one I 've ever seen...
@@deeohgee4574my mom hates with a passion dances with wolves for many reasons tbh I don’t blame her tho because I think it’s super long and not the most interesting. Field of dreams tho hits my favorites always sits close because my father wasn’t the best when I was young so I take a lot from it cause I wish my dad was like that I guess or at least good enough to do all that stuff for. Like I love my dad but I wouldn’t build no baseball field for him lol. Green mile though is a great movie but the book is even sadder imho I don’t really cry from movies at all I didn’t even cry during sound of freedom it’s just me. But the green mile movie and book mostly the book almost got me I think the only other movie that almost got me was dead man walking but that’s really it.
That battle cry at 20:51 always sends chills down my spine
Ujio - the guy played by Hiroyuki Sanada in this movie - is so righteous and scary. Not someone you want to f**k with but an awesome warrior!
You can rely on Sanada to bring authenticity.
Sanada in The Twilight Samurai *chef's kiss*
He’s such a good actor and this movie is the first time many people saw him. He isn’t bad in anything I’ve ever seen. Lost, Westworld, Endgame, Army of the Dead, etc.
@@LudusAurea And a very different role...The Railway Man is a good film and true story.
23:46 The scene in the street when Nobutada's topknot is cut off is heartbreaking, as he cries out to his ancestors, begging forgiveness for allowing himself to be dishonoured like that.
fantastic movie to react to, and agree with you 100% on the intimacy of the scene where she dresses him in her late husband's armor. the son sacrificing himself for their escape, always gets me. the entire army bows in respect to the fallen ... speaks volumes against omura
Caught your comment &-just absolutely. Yes.
That scene showed genuine respect, compassion, understanding & love. At such insurmountable odds
Nobutada’s death, as he pulls his blades-true beauty w/in the context of brutality
Love how this film has such subtle, non verbal context. Done correctly, it is so much more than dialogue.
👍absolutely agreed
Easily my favorite Tom Cruise movie. He does an amazing job in this role. My love for Japanese and Samurai culture multiplied 10 fold after watching this. The entire cast just killed it in this movie, with Cruise and Watanabe leading the way. The scene where Cruise helps with the ritual suicide actually brought me to literal tears when I watched this for the first time.
I was 14 or so when I saw this in theaters, don't think I cried then because that part of my brain wasn't developed until 16. Now I can't even hear the fucking soundtrack without crying lol
I would place "The 4th of July" on top with "The last Samurai" a close second. The problem back then was that many people hated "the pretty boy" Tom Cruise and like today trashed any new movie which doesn´t offer a contemporary satisfaction, too many people living in the past where everything was better. It´s always been like that.
In the 70s my parents used to say: Music was so much better in the 60s and movies today are awful
In the 80s the exact same thing .... and it continued until today.
Many movies aren´t recognised for being actually good until the dust settles down and the haters have taken the backseat.
@@AurioDK I loved this one and most of his films. Funny, Born on the Fourth of July was one I didn't like that much.
I don't think any other movie has ever made me cry like this. One of the most beautiful films I've ever seen.
It's complete Schlock.
Go watch brotherhood of war aka tae guk gi. After that say that again, I challenge you not to cry
El ultimo mohicano es igual de buen fim.
@@trasteador1182
Soundtrack is very good as well
When American movies portray Japan, they don't always match the sensibilities of the times. In 1600, Japan had over 200,000 guns and cannons of its own, and in 1575 Nobunaga's army used as many as 5,000 guns in a single local battle. At that time, he sent a letter to the King of Spain, who confronted Japan, stating that Japan was in fact one of the strongest military powers in the world. Therefore, the fighting style of the samurai depicted in the movie ``Shogun'' is similar to that of the samurai of the 12th century. The Last Samurai is even worse. I can understand the American director's desire to portray the samurai in a more mysterious way, but the fact is that the Japanese samurai corps was an advanced military. The Last Samurai, in particular, is very poorly drawn and it can't be helped since the main character is an American, but for some reason the script for The Last Samurai was rewritten to reflect the history of Americans teaching guns in 1870. Once again, the guns that were brought to Japan from Portugal in 1543 were improved by Japanese swordsmiths in the following year, 1544, and they produced original guns that could be used even in the rain. Ten years later, in 1555, they had manufactured 100,000 guns. Guns were taught by an American in 1870? All Japanese people are laughing.
I love the look between Ujio and Nathan when they hit a draw. You can see Nathan is somewhat confused and his aggression toward Ujio is completely gone and replaced by incredulity. He's surprised. And Ujio for the first time seems to let go of his distain for Nathan in that moment. Perhaps he recognizes what Nathan just experienced and begins to sense a kindred warrior?? whatever it is it definitely a moment of mutual respect in that moment.
It was pride. He was the master, and his student surpassed his teaching.
I m stil crying after seeing it a hundred times, this movie is a masterpiece
The intimate armor scene is one of the best romantic scenes i have ever seen, especially because they did not insist on sex.
Don't get me wrong we all love it, but it's a perfect display that sex isn't always, at all times, necessary for love and intimacy. It's beautifully written and acted so tender. Before, Tom cruise was just a witty action-boi for me but he did this character so nuanced and beautifully it really changed my perception of him.
Takas Actress does a damn fine job too and holy crap she's so beautiful it barely makes sense :D
Totally agree! Honestly one of the best romance scenes ever made. Even that small gentle kiss said everything between the two of them so perfectly and so beautifully. They both understand where that love is and so does the audience. Just goes to show how really good this movie is.
Agreed, it's very sensual and emotional with very little dialogue, less is more when you have some incredible acting and an audience that understands the mood and emotions the scene is conveying.
The script, the soundtrack, the costume design, the acting, it really comes together and moves the audience.
I love her passionate reactions. She's so much fun to watch movies with. Shame she's made to feel the need to apologize for some of it.
I agree
Yup, I wish I had someone like her to watch movies with!
I laughed so hard when she said just go jump into a hole and die.
One of my favourite movies of all time. The rare time when you get perfect cinematography… perfect acting… perfect music… and a perfect story. Cruise is a master at choosing his scripts.
Your reaction to the film was exactly like mine. Tom Cruz and all the actors were amazing. A well done film. An incredible story of Japan and Samurai. One of my favorite movies.
This is one of the most beautifully shot films in the past few decades. Absolutely beautiful!
This is one of the greatest, most beautiful, cinematic masterpieces ever created.
Tom Cruise just nailed the gaunt, haunted look in the first act of this film SO WELL. It drew me in when I first saw it in theaters.
The music is the star of the movie. Hans Zimmer did great. It is my favorite score by him and it makes me cry and gives me chills.
Such a beautiful and sincere reaction to one of my all time favorite movies ❤️
The Last Samurai is one of the few "complete" movies. A full meal where everything about it is done perfectly. I remember how I felt in the theater 20 years ago up to this day. An intense emotional journey.
Oh my. I loved your reaction. Such a beautifully shot film and top notch acting job by everyone. One of my favourite Tom Cruise films ever. Absolute masterpiece. So emotional. The Mission Impossible films are great action films but he also made so many good ones like A Few Good Men, The Firm, Collateral, Rain Man - just a few excellent ones. I've always been a fan because he really puts everything into whatever film he's making. I still love Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick was amazing at the cinema
This movie always gets me by the deepest part of my soul, I cry every time I watch it and I also get so hyped when the time would have it.
I would love to Duet this movie with you as we both have many emotions that line up but some that need clarification
The thing, for me, that makes the final battle so *wonderfully* shot, is that you're given the ability to *hope* Katusmoto will succeed, we never see how far away from the hill they actually are until after the guns open fire. Up until the moment that crank turns, we're left hoping that the Samurai will win the battle, and that's why you get so many chills every time.
One of my favorite things about this movie is that it shows how a scene doesn't need to be overtly sexual or full of nudity to be beautifully sensual and intimate. The scene of Taka helping him dress and put on the armor is so perfectly done. Not that I don't enjoy the more sexual scenes when done well, but so often people seem to confuse sexual and sensual in media now. They both convey such different emotions, and I feel like something is lost by the over-focus on the sexual.
Oprah said something to the effect that it was the sexiest scene she'd ever seen with people putting clothes ON....
When American movies portray Japan, they don't always match the sensibilities of the times. In 1600, Japan had over 200,000 guns and cannons of its own, and in 1575 Nobunaga's army used as many as 5,000 guns in a single local battle. At that time, he sent a letter to the King of Spain, who confronted Japan, stating that Japan was in fact one of the strongest military powers in the world. Therefore, the fighting style of the samurai depicted in the movie ``Shogun'' is similar to that of the samurai of the 12th century. The Last Samurai is even worse. I can understand the American director's desire to portray the samurai in a more mysterious way, but the fact is that the Japanese samurai corps was an advanced military. The Last Samurai, in particular, is very poorly drawn and it can't be helped since the main character is an American, but for some reason the script for The Last Samurai was rewritten to reflect the history of Americans teaching guns in 1870. Once again, the guns that were brought to Japan from Portugal in 1543 were improved by Japanese swordsmiths in the following year, 1544, and they produced original guns that could be used even in the rain. Ten years later, in 1555, they had manufactured 100,000 guns. Guns were taught by an American in 1870? All Japanese people are laughing.
@@kaka-rq5zd I think you replied on the wrong comment. Mine had nothing to do with guns in Japan. I'm perfectly well aware of Japan having muskets back during the warring states. My comment was on the sensual scene. Please direct your weeb rage elsewhere. I say this as a fellow weeb, so please understand that I mean no disrespect with the term.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your understanding of the Japanese soul.🙏🏼
from Japanese🇯🇵🇺🇸
I’m 68 years old and this movie always makes me cry
It's hard not to get emotionally involved in this movie even after seeing it a dozen times
The cherry blossom analogies in this are incredibly profound and beautiful. I love Japanese culture, and this movie moved me every time I watched it. ❤
A samurai's life was simply a process to prepare for death. "Life is a corridor, and death merely a door." Master Po
When American movies portray Japan, they don't always match the sensibilities of the times. In 1600, Japan had over 200,000 guns and cannons of its own, and in 1575 Nobunaga's army used as many as 5,000 guns in a single local battle. At that time, he sent a letter to the King of Spain, who confronted Japan, stating that Japan was in fact one of the strongest military powers in the world. Therefore, the fighting style of the samurai depicted in the movie ``Shogun'' is similar to that of the samurai of the 12th century. The Last Samurai is even worse. I can understand the American director's desire to portray the samurai in a more mysterious way, but the fact is that the Japanese samurai corps was an advanced military. The Last Samurai, in particular, is very poorly drawn and it can't be helped since the main character is an American, but for some reason the script for The Last Samurai was rewritten to reflect the history of Americans teaching guns in 1870. Once again, the guns that were brought to Japan from Portugal in 1543 were improved by Japanese swordsmiths in the following year, 1544, and they produced original guns that could be used even in the rain. Ten years later, in 1555, they had manufactured 100,000 guns. Guns were taught by an American in 1870? All Japanese people are laughing.
This movie is awesome. Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Hiroyuki Sanada and Timothy Spall were fantastic and excellently cast. Shame this movie didn’t get the credit it deserved when it first released but think as time has past people have begun to realize how good it actually is.
Also the interaction btw Algren and the Emperor at the end was superbly done:
The Emperor: “Tell me how he died”.
Algren: “I’ll tell you how he lived”.
That might be some of the best delivered lines in all of Cinema.
''I will miss, our conversations'' I manly cry everytime.
Possibly the best ever reaction video I’ve ever seen. It’s truly refreshing to see someone react to this movie the same way I do. I was a mess just watching this through this reaction video 😂 in my top 3 movies of all time.
Mine too! Braveheart, Gladiator, and The Last Samurai are my top 3.
I watch this reaction once a week. It brings me back to my own reaction when I first saw this movie so many years ago.
I cried watching this too (as in your youtube video lol). They dont make movies like this anymore... it was an instant classic when it came out and still is today. It hits multiple times at the end too.... just when you think you've finished crying it starts right up again, so many times lol
One of Tom Cruise's most underrated films.
Agreed!!
To me it is Oblivion
I love the reactors facial expressions. She wears all her emotions with no shame. Every time she eye rolled especially, she had me rolling 😂😂
One of the few films that hits me in the tear ducts ever time I see it.
The scene where the courage and skill of the charging Samurai counts for naught versus the Gatling guns always breaks my heart. Perhaps in part because I have studied Japanese culture and martial arts for a long time - I hold a fourth degree Black Belt in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido, one of the oldest schools of Japanese swordsmanship.
So, dear lady, if I as a pension age Englishman, can ugly cry to this film, you need feel no shame that you do so.
such a cool comment, my favourite movie
Power and money and the endless greed for it have always corrupted people, and when such people are allowed to lead countries or armies, it often becomes very dramatic with high losses. The film was really well made, very poignant, with a compelling story and nobody should apologize for their tears because of it.
" You could spend your life looking for the perfect tear, and it would not be a wasted life"
Tom Cruise’s best performances are ones where he starts off as a flawed mess and earns some kind of redemption. (This and Edge of Tomorrow). The ones where he starts out as a badass, has a few minor struggles and then walks off happily into the sunset just don’t compare.
The scene with the armor is, IMO, the most beautiful love scene ever made...And this is only one extraordinary scene in a movie that has many of them.
THIS is one of my fav movies of ALL times, EVER EVER EVER...im 53 years old ive seen many movies and i cant understand why this movie didnt get more TALK my english isnt great im trying to say I think this incredible beautiful movie didnt get what all other movies get you know?
but man, WOW its incredible
How Cruise did not win an Oscar for this is beyond me. This movie is a masterpiece.
I love the empathy in your reactions. So beautiful to watch. I think this is the best of all I've seen.
I've seen a lot of reactions on this channel before but never have I seen Arianna so angry that I could picture her doing violence to a character before. Arianna we've all seen you cry before, and feel sad for you when you do, but the level of anger and insults that you threw at your screen was awesome! I don 't want this to sound condescending because it not meant that way at all, in fact quite the opposite, but I was rolling with laughter at how awesome those tirades were.
I really enjoyed watching your reaction! This film had such a strong impact on me. I've always had a fascination with Japanese history and culture, so while I know that this film takes a LOT of liberties and is far more romantic about the samurai than reality, I still really love it. It's so beautifully made. The actors are all remarkable, the costume and set design are stunning, and the score is masterful. It's not historically accurate at all, but it's such an incredible work of craftsmanship and emotion. One of my favorite films of all time.
Hans Zimmer's ending score to this movie is absolutely amazing. Always gives me such a sad but happy sadness feeling
Arianna. I came across your reaction vids a year ago and you pulled me in. Your emotion is so raw and unfiltered. Your willingness to show it all in the open, speaks volumes about who you are. Hopefully this comes across the right way.. seeing your emotions gets me emotional and helps me release that part of me behind closed doors I can never show to anyone because I've been taught to push forward, don't show your weakness and always show how tough you are. But for some reason, your character, your soul just breaks me down without even knowing you in person. Your impact on me and I'm sure on others is insane. Don't ever change. Thank you.
The part where the samurai come riding through the fog and all you see are the designs of the helmets, is the most perfect portrayal of the exact reason why the samurai wore those helmets and masks, to intimidate and invoke fear within the common soldiery.
I love this movie, both Ken Watanabe and Cruise are amazing in it, a great story too ..... after this I watched everything Watanabe did .. great actor ....
What is amazing, The man who played the character of Katsumoto could not speak English at the time. So what he did, was to do the monologues phonetically aka saying them without knowing their meaning in his own language. One of the scenes that really got me was, when the woman dressed him in his late husbands battlearmour. So intimate, way waay waaaaay better. And more wholesome then what other movies would have done is, here she dressed him out of respect, love and accept. Where others would have a love scene in the bedroom, this did not! Makes it more lovable
One of my top 3 favorite movies. Like others have said I feel like it really never got the recognition it deserved. It took the Pocahontas, Dances with Wolves story but did it so much better. Such a beautiful film.
A GREAT movie in so many ways, absolute favorite of mine and favorite Tom Cruise movie, Ken Wanatabe and Hiroyuki Sanada did such a great and memorable job!