The Last Samurai

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The Last Samurai

R

2003

2h 34m

Adventure

Drama

War

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

66%

Tomatometer

210 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Capt. Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise) is an American military officer hired by the Emperor of Japan to train the country's first army in the art of modern warfare. As the government attempts to eradicate the ancient Samurai warrior class in preparation for more Westernized and trade-friendly policies, Algren finds himself unexpectedly affected by his encounters with the Samurai, which places him at the center of a struggle between two eras and two worlds.

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Critics Consensus

With high production values and thrilling battle scenes, The Last Samurai is a satisfying epic.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Dec 28, 2010

3/5

Outstanding action and performance; lots of blood.

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Richard Schickel

TIME Magazine

Aug 25, 2008

It's easy to stand back and wax ironic about The Last Samurai. But it's not all that difficult to succumb to its full-spirited romanticism either.

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Geoff Andrew

Time Out

Jun 24, 2006

Competently mounted in its studiedly immersive, elongated way, Zwick's earnest costume epic dresses a knee-jerk, reactionary sensibility in exotic garb.

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Anderson Jones

E! Online

Apr 26, 2022

Is a romance really necessary, no matter how ridiculous, just to prove the two male leads aren't in love with each other?

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Tony Black

Cultural Conversation

Feb 16, 2021

4/5

The Last Samurai delivers one of the stronger historical adventure epics of recent years.

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David Walsh

World Socialist Web Site

Feb 15, 2021

Zwick's film idealizes the "noble savage" and denigrates modern society not from the point of view of a serious critique of capitalism, but in a misanthropic, right-wing populist manner.

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Angelique T

@RT64568713 33 min ago

My favorite all-time movie

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Jacob W

@RT17896586 3 days ago

Directed by Edward Zwick who also directed Blood Dimond. He is a great director and someone who seems to have vanished. Which is a great shame as like others including Scott /Nolan to name a few are more than just directors they are visionary. The movie itself is a fall and then rise to self discovery with good use of historical context and the scenery with great use of the camera with lovely imagery and wide shots. The cast is great. Perhaps TC best role so far. Same he was never recognised for it. The film is storytelling at its best and no matter how many times you see it you will always enjoy it.

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Emmanuele C

@RT79297851 4 days ago

The Last Samurai is a masterpiece and one of the most beautiful films ever made. Its breathtaking cinematography captures the beauty, spirituality, and tragedy of a world caught between tradition and change. The story is deeply moving, exploring honor, courage, redemption, and the meaning of a warrior’s life. Hans Zimmer’s magnificent score is unforgettable, elevating every scene with deep emotion. Tom Cruise delivers one of the finest performances of his career, while Ken Watanabe is phenomenal, bringing dignity, wisdom, and humanity to an unforgettable character. The supporting cast is equally outstanding. Every frame feels carefully crafted, every battle carries emotional weight, and every moment serves a powerful, timeless narrative. This is not merely an epic historical drama; it is a film about values, identity, and the beauty of a disappearing world. A genuine cinematic classic, a timeless masterpiece, and an absolute cult that deserves to be celebrated for generations to come!!

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nick J

@PerryPlayer440 Oct 20, 2026

I thought it was great. Seems like most criticisms have to do with historical accuracy. They wanted more of a documentary it seems. As a movie tho, Tom and all the actors are great. The action is great. You feel empathy and sadness. It’s very much worth your time

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Nikeyshon X

@Nikeyshon Oct 18, 2026

Its a reminder of the atrocities committed against native people in the name of progress

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Terry S

@RT84781810 Oct 10, 2026

Even after all these years it has not lost its impact. Worth watching again!

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Edward Zwick

Director

Tom Cruise

Capt. Nathan Algren

Ken Watanabe

Katsumoto

Timothy Spall

Simon Graham

Billy Connolly

Zebulon Gant

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Synopsis

Capt. Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise) is an American military officer hired by the Emperor of Japan to train the country's first army in the art of modern warfare. As the government attempts to eradicate the ancient Samurai warrior class in preparation for more Westernized and trade-friendly policies, Algren finds himself unexpectedly affected by his encounters with the Samurai, which places him at the center of a struggle between two eras and two worlds.

Director: Edward Zwick
Producer: Tom Cruise, Tom Engelman, Marshall Herskovitz, Scott Kroopf, Paula Wagner, Edward Zwick
Screenwriter: John Logan, Edward Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Cruise-Wagner Productions, Radar Pictures, Bedford Falls Productions, Warner Brothers
Rating: R (Strong Violence|Battle Sequences)
Genre: Adventure, Drama, War, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 5, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 1, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $111.1M
Runtime: 2h 34m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SR, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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