Review: The Last Samurai
Nothing but praise for another screenplay well done, by John Logan (following The Gladiator and Star Trek: Nemesis). Director Edward Zwick has always been capable of shooting strong intense dramas, and it shows again. The action scenes are very well directed too. The battles are not overly bloody but still brutal, the faint hearted should be wary. The story is a bit simple and focuses more on the characters. Tom Cruise of course, delivers another top-notch performance. Samurai customs and beliefs are shown but kept to a minimum, though the essence becomes quite clear after a while. To finish the movie, the score is not overly melodious or themic, but lingers in the background. Combined with the romantic and panoramic shots it does a nice job to complete the movie.8½.