The Last Samurai: A Way of Life | Video Essay
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 มี.ค. 2018
- A Matter of Film talks about The Last Samurai in this analysis/review.
If you like this movie, be sure to buy it: amzn.to/2G31ALf
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We’ve heard this story before: A native people face an imminent extermination and the white man comes to save the day. But there’s something about The Last Samurai that makes it different. It lets go of the Hollywood trope that the American hero is superior to the indigenous culture he dives into. The film isn’t about the Western protagonist, it’s about two warriors divided by culture, but united by their values. Let’s examine the way The Last Samurai creates feelings of empathy while subverting a Hollywood cliché and delivers an interesting message about life and finding peace.
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'You could spend your entire life searching for the perfect blossom, and it wouldn't be a wasted life'
‘And yet they are all perfect.’
I can honestly say without a doubt that this movie changed my life. I was 13 and suffering from depression when I first saw this film in world history class. It took everything I had not to cry in front of my classmates. Not too long after, I started studying the philosophies and martial arts of Japan and the rest of the Far East. Now as an adult, I am honestly disturbed by the number of people not willing to die for something bigger than themselves. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "If something is not worth dying for, than it's not worth fighting for".
They say that the Samurai are dead, but if you think about it, very few of them are still out there. As I learned from the movie, a true Samurai is one who from the moment he wakes up to the moment he goes to sleep devotes himself to the perfection of whatever it is he seeks while knowing he will never reach it. There are also those who say that the way of the samurai is no longer necessary in this modern world, but as Nathan Algren said,"Code, honor, loyalty, what could be more necessary".
Although the way of the samurai did not show me what to do with my life, it showed me how to live it . Put simply, I would rather die on my feet protecting what I love than living on my knees not being able to protect anything. While history may judge us, we will ultimately judge ourselves.
Shit man. Came here seeking inspiration for a dark-fantasy novel. Leaving with tears and a degree in philosophy.
If you look at Islam and watch this show called ertugrul on Netflix you will see the same and you will see the tribal life and you will see beauty
Japan is full of Samurai's. As you said, the Samurai devote themselves to perfection. Look at the Japanese society. This devotion to perfection is visible everywhere. All Japanese products have traces of the Samurai in them. It's beautiful.
I can empathize with what you wrote. I saw this movie when I was 14 and then later on in life I have returned to it again and again. The last samurai is not a movie for me, it's something close to approaching a religion, I have kept myself and my purpose clear and my dealings with others honourable. It still moves me to tears in the best way possible. The makers of this movie have no idea how much they have impacted this indian girl's life but they have and for that, I'm grateful.
That's Soo true, this movie truly change lives...and seeing your comment and the emotion behind it, I am astonished and want to live a life that is honourable.
Thanku my friend !!
This movie is way underappreciated.
Temendously
Brad Erickson yep! Very underrated, I thought this movie was far better and far more down to earth than even Avatar...
I find it far better than Dances With Wolves. Like the man said there's something that makes this film different. It feels timeless. And the empathy factor is so huge in this film. I watched probably too young but I'm very glad I did. You can find so much heart and meaning in this film. Hats off to all involved in its production.
Honestly my favorite movie
Or just get ridiculed just because the main dude was white I'm glad I found this video
The death of Katsumoto is not just the passing of old traditions to the new, but more powerfully is the death of honor. The new modern society values money & greed in place of integrity. This is true meaning of the Last Samurai which resonates deeply
💯
"He decides to fight alongside them for a noble cause, unlike this guy" LMFAO.
Ha ha ha
True true he he😎
One of my all time favourites. So often misunderstood purely on the basis of the white protagonist, but as you say, he is the Witness to the Last Samurai, not The Last Samurai himself.
So strange we have to say that. I took it as such only discovering the white saviour trope now.
Hans Zimmer
sammymontiel14 nothing else needs to be said
Legend
this is the first and the only movie that made me cry and I was seven when it came out.
after that Hans Zimmer became my favorite soundtrack creator.
Perfect... They are all... perfect...
One of my favorite movies ever... great video.
I must have watched this movie at least 50 times. Incredibly well made with a deep philosophical message. Hats off to old Japanese culture. These people are very special.
Gotta say, when it came to your next video, I never would have guessed The Last Samurai would be it. Great video though. Put me in a mood to rewatch the film.
jolly good.
you can say whatever you want about Tom Cruise, but he always pushes towards the 100%. and Ken Watanabe was so good...
Very true! Tom Cruise is an actor that always goes all the way in whatever he's doing.
I think at the heart of this movie, we find the importance/power of rituals, and the way they add meaning to our lives. We have almost completely lost touch with our ancestors way of living in western culture as a consequence of individualism I think. Nothing is sacred to westeners anymore.
Great analysis, love your videos!
Thanks for the reminder of how awesome and underrated this film was. Up there with Gladiator for 00s emotional epics. Cruise’s last great film??
HIs last great film? Absolutely not. Especially when he's done being an action hero within the next 5-10 years. The best of Cruise is yet to come.
But in between that, he's done some great films since then.
Collateral came an year later :)
I loved Gladiator and The Last Samurai was amazing. They just don't make epics as good as these two anymore.
Valkyrie wasn't bad either.
@@Heyitzj0sh Agree, Kingdom of Heaven (the directors cut of course) was the one that came closer, but yet didn't had the same emotion that Gladiator and The Last Samurai had
I guess I need to watch The Last Samurai.
Kylo Ben It's one of the most underrated movies of the past decade, IMO. Let us know what you thought of the movie :)
It’s way better than ”The last Jedi”, that’s for sure!
Danlore haha for sure! And indeed! Most underrated movie !
Did you watch it? If so what did you think?
@Neko to Bisuketto lol
Damn, this video was enough for my eyes to water. Great one
I love this film and re-watch it from time to time.
Beautifully crafted and very sympathetic to Japan's old ways.
I think this film has been miss understood by the masses and I often find I have to explain myself when I tell people that it is one of my favorites.
Great video guys!
How have I not discovered this channel earlier. Gold everywhere.
Colvin Ang Thank you so much! Glad to have you join us :)
Indeed! Welcome!
I love how you showed Algren and Katsumoto in parallel to show their similarities and difference.
Great editing, great interpretation and above all, great movie!
Thank you for this video
"Unlike this guy."
LOOOOOOOL XD
Just saw this movie for the first time a couple of days ago.
I was incredibly affected, inspired, moved. And this video captures my thoughts and feelings perfectly.
Thank you.
The ending scene of the last battle will always and forever get me, simply one of my favorite movies.
Saigō Takamori, the archetype of the samurai leader, one of the most brilliant man in modern history
Wow. Just wow. I've been binge watching every video you've made on movies I've seen and...wow. The editing is so, so good and what you have to say is compelling, well thought out, and eloquent. Subscribed!!
Hey Liana! Thanks so much :) It really means a lot to us. If you're interested in "upgrading" your experience with us, consider joining our Patreon for only $1. www.patreon.com/amatterofilm . I know, I know you just got to the channel and we're already trying to sell you stuff. Well, I think you'll like some of the perks, besides a cool honorable mention at the beginning of next week's video. Anyway, no pressure and thanks so much for the support!
My favorite movie of all time. I saw this on tv when I was only 8 and didn't watch it again until I was 16 and it made me cry at the end. Truly amazing I love Tom Cruise.
Great video again!! The Last Samurai does stand out in this regard and Ken Watanabe was top notch.
Excellent work. Love your videos! 👏🏼
Daniel Altamirano Thank you!
For me this is the most underrated and under talked about movies of all time. And its one of my favorite movies of all time
Amazing editing
Thank you so much for making this!
This was a great film review/video essay. I loved the compilation of the scenes.
I never comment on TH-cam, but I have to say that this is the best review from this movie I could ever find... I have re-watched this review more than 5 times in the past 16 months. The way you guys edited and left the really amazing parts of the dialogue speak for itself or reinforce the points you made plus the way you played and let Hans Zimmer's score shine and overtake the video by the end is just amazing. This video is a masterpiece. I really hope you get more views and subscribers as for what I can see you haven't made videos in a while.
Best regards
Man, why did you do me like that? I would always be brimming with tears whenever I hear this film's score.
Its nice to see other people appreciate this film and the messages it conveys. Such a inspiring and tragic story. It still brings me to tears no matter how many times i see it.
My God you made an amazing video. This is one of my top ten favorite films of all time. It really touches my soul....thank you.
One of the finest movies ever made. The last statement in your narration in perfect. a lot of movies affect us in so many ways. I watch this movie once in a while to become a grounded man and learn to respect what I have and serve my purpose. thanks for an excellent summary. Cheers!
I'm not crying, you're crying. ;_;
Still a fantastic movie, really need to watch it again sometime
Manly tears...
A Matter of Film; I totally agree with you in the end of the video. this movie is by far one of my favorites. Well edited as well.
High quality content and great production value, especially for a small channel! Definitely one of my favourites.
You did an excellent job in this review. The editing is superb.
I cannot help myself but cry when I hear this soundtrack. I don't care that people hate Tom Cruise and that this movie is not historically accurate. The message here is still in my opinion beautiful.
Amazing video about my favorite movie! Thank you
One of the best films of all time.
Thanks for this!
Great essay. Thank you
i watched this movie when i was between 10 and 13, honestly i can't remember, but it immediatly became my favorite movie. it inspires me so much. Katsumoto is amazing, he's kind of a fictional sensei to me.
Excellent! We love you :)
I suggested this! So glad you guys made it!
Your mom
You my friend deserve so much more!!
This wad truly a great movie. Along with this video. Great job
Tks budy, good effort 👌, as I m passing my 60th year ,there are 2 movies deeply rooted in my soul:
Gladiator and Last Samurai : I watched
Gladiator in 1996 in USA, a few more years later came across Last Samurai. Since then not remember how many times I have watched repeatedly these Two Great movies. Each and every frame in LAST SAMURAI, carries so much to think over and over. It is a Perfect peice of ART. 🙏💜
Bravo! This was a beautiful video essay!
That was a great montage at the end
Very good observation about the Tiger..keep up the good work
Perfect insightful analysis and amazing way to define symbols and metaphors
🌟🌟🌟👏👏
Beautiful video and also one of my favourite flim
I remember around 5 years ago, this is was one of my favorite film of all time until today, because the message of this movie was change my life
great video and amazing movie!
ı searched but couldnt find a video like you made and then it just poped in my page a coincidence a nice one
The last samurai is my favourite movie
Best movie of my life! Thank you for work! 🙇🙇🙇 Great respect.
This brought a tear to my eye. So beautifuly narrated story alongside the beautiful soundtrack. Really touched my heart. It's one of my favorite movies and I loved the way you put it all together in this video.
I can't believe you only have 8K subs you deserve millions! Keep up the good work.
Narek, thank you so much! This video was really fun to make. Glad you enjoy our content.
Forever one of my favorite films growing up.
I'm an emotional wreck when I see this film. Great essay
This is a wonderful review
Keep up the good work
Thank you!
Last samurai is my top 5 fav movie of all time. Hans zimmer is a GENIUS!
Beautiful.
your channel is just as underrated and under appreciated as the movie itself, the editing is perfect, keep up the great work and all the best wishes for you!
Thank you very much Aidossov, wish you the same for you!
@@AMatterofFilm I still rewatch your videos from time to time:) We miss you! Hope you are well
Thank you Aidossov, we miss you too! Stay tuned!!
Fantastic review of a fantastic movie! :)
Thanks, Sadiqur :)
A beautiful film about about culture and what a man must do to find his destiny
Thank you
This is my favorite movie of all time. Great job
Thanks Tom!
This movie is a masterpiece and the music reminds it to me. I’ll watch it again very soon…
I've found that men gravitate much more towards this film and for good reason
damn you should have 10x more subs than you do now, keep on making vids bro!
Loved it. One of my favorites! I want to live by a code.
Its the traditional foreign culture, that saves Algren, not the other way around. Its also a reminder that we, as people, need to honor and preserve our traditional values, because they are what helped us survive for the thousands of years we've existed.
Well here I am, tearing up as I always do when I watch this movie.
Brilliant
OMG. This video is great!
Thank you Jasmine!
No prob. I just became a Patreon supporter. It’s not much, but I hope it encourages you to keep creating.
That really means the world to us! Welcome to the family :)
Music of Hans made this movie so emotional.
You dont have to win a war. What matters is how you do it. This experience the last samurai shows us that to do anything with full conciousness no matter what the odds. You can overcome against greater foes be it an enemy of greater civilization and technological prowess; military might and superior firepower- with sheer willpower intestinal fortitude selfless motivation and a still mind. I think this would only mean that they truly understand the foundation of building a strong country as the American patriots with their war against the overwhelming British Empire.
SPOILER:
Have to admit when I saw Graham's guess of what became of Nathan with him going back and seeing Taka - I just wanted to hope that I could see an epilogue or a director's cut of this film so badly of an alternative ending of how Algren lived out the rest of his life in the village and passing on how he was there with Katsumoto and the Samurai in his final moments.
The final battle nearly made me cry & no movie has ever come close or since to make me feel that emotional!
Thank you for the great video as this movie is so underrated that I don't understand why critics gave it lukewarm reviews according to Metacritic (putting the alleged white savior trope aside).
great summary of a grt movie by a grt channel
You are a great fan. Thank you!
One of the greatest screen plays ever and Tom Cruise finest movie! Nothing he did before or after will top this movie. IMO. As a martial artist this movie is amazing on so many levels.
No wonder the film is great for a Tom Cruise film... in here, he is a team player! Another great film essay and it feels like I am getting deeper and deeper into my filming loving self!
Honestly one of the best movies I've ever seen and it doesn't get the credit it deserves
- what do you want from me?
-what do you want for yourself?
pure wisdom
Simply a stunning movie.
Glad to see that after six years of cynicism we're starting to allow this movie the respect it deserves.
Roman Jones how about 15 years ? :)
Perfect cast for this movie Epic
Perhaps my favourite relationship in this movie was between Nathan and the children. There was no anger or resentment in the children even though they knew Nathan killed their father because somehow from a very young age they understood the concepts of duty. Their father died doing his duty and Nathan killed him for his as well.
A concept nowadays that even adults find difficult to comprehend.
I love this movie
I must say, Dances With Wolves is not about "a white man saves the day". The story is quite similar to The Last Samurai's. There is a soldier who got PTSD from all the horrible things and unnecessary deaths he saw at war and who's only wish is to die. Then he gets another chance to appreciate life and getting back his will to be alive by learning about a totally different (maybe simpler) culture and gaining the friendship of the people of said culture. Both of them are amazing, astonishing stories
This movie resonates with being lost and finding purpose no matter your way of life living for someone or something greater than ourselves is enriching our own lives Honor Respect Morality Bravery Discipline Love Belief Family.......This is what make someone more than a mere mortal because few master this .... & also why Ghost of Tsushima an instant classic and Game of the year peace to all..
I really enjoyed this film.
10/10 video quality
I watched this when i was 7 or 8 with my grandpa. He didn't believe in censorship and wanted to watch all the greats with me. I liked the movie a lot, but as you might expect I didn't understand it. Now I know to watch it again.
My second favorite movie of all time
Awesome! What's your first?
2004s Troy