Crying ONCE AGAIN because of *The Last Samurai*

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Hey guys!!
So I just watched The Last Samurai and... I did not know what to expect but that film was one of the wildest stories I think I have ever experienced. Only 5 minutes before watching the film did I find out that Tom Cruise was the lead actor in a movie practically entirely about Samurai so to say I was extremely offset would be an understatement LOL
I DON'T WANNA GIVE ANY SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY SEEN IT but I REALLY enjoyed the setting/pacing as well as overall theme and how immersive the film managed to be going back to this era.
Let me know what you guys think about the film and enjoy!! Can't wait to see what movie is chosen next!!
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#TheLastSamurai #TomCruise #Reaction&Commentary

[@mr.robotto]

"The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life." - Katsumoto.

[@timgilbert3051]

"they are all perfect" - Katsumoto

[@michaelriddick7116]

😢😢😢💔😭😭😭😭😭❤🌸🌸

[@calebwalters1869]

@@timgilbert3051 So, basically it's not a waste only because every time you see one, it's a perfect one. Or... its only a waste if you didn't realize they are all perfect. Or... it's a waste regardless cuz ur a poor poor hobo who really did waste his life for long dried up blossom flattened between the pages of a discarded book you can't or never bothered to read. Hey look, flowers are nice, but they aren't gonna bring you success. Though when they fruit, I'll eat the fruit.

[@sethredmond3421]

@@calebwalters1869 Katsumodo meant that if someone spent thier life looking for perfection and beauty with conviction he wouldn't have wasted his life, because the pursuit of it is a noble pursuit; and nobility is more important then ones own life. And on the journey of looking for the perfect one you'll see and smell many beautiful flowers and be surrounded in them day and night. When Katsumodo said "they are all perfect" he came to realize that perfection is simply something functioning its purpose to the full; and all the flowers are doing just what they are supposed to. Perfection isn't geometric, or a shape of what one person belived it supposed to be, but something that fully works and serves its purpose. He wanted Algren not to look for it, because he now understands that they are all perfect and beautiful, so accept the place you are in; and live to see the beauty in everything.

[@calebwalters1869]

@@sethredmond3421 Huh, I hardly think he was considering all that in great detail when he was dying, but you have interesting points. Btw, my response was partly me being silly (probably not all that clear since you can't hear my voice). Also, I'm not saying you are incorrect, but I think you are projecting some of that meaning onto the scene. Though, it is insightful to a degree. :)

[@manny3456]

Hans Zimmer's score for this movie is another musical Master piece

[@Melkor1205]

True! It's just wonderful :)

[@Qdub34]

I listen to this soundtrack regularly. It's absolutely beautiful and you can relive the same beats from the movie by just listening.

[@manny3456]

@@Qdub34 I listen to it all the time as well and completely agree with you

[@dracoargentum9783]

I LOVE "ghosts in the fog"

[@isasooner5]

@@dracoargentum9783 so epic!

[@ADifferentVibe]

Ken Watanabe, who was Lord Katsumoto, got nominated for Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role. I can't think of anyone else playing him!

[@Art_Codex]

He's a legend.

[@bwestacado9643]

Still one of the best actors in cinema history. Love his work. Can't forget Hiroyuki Sanada, he's very underrated imo and I love everything I see him in

[@sabrecatsmiladon7380]

he NAILED it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@matthewhowsden1924]

So good, so iconic. Fucking masterpiece of acting.

[@marcuszaja6589]

Me too. No one else.

[@eriklehman5782]

The horses are actually trained to go down like that, as soon as the scene was over they'd pop up like nothing happened.

[@Kobenoz]

...and I found it quite disturbing: "Please don't kill the horses..." *5 seconds later* "Yes, get him (kill)!"

[@johnnyringo80]

And they also get accustomed to all the ruckus of filmmaking around them so they know they wont get hurt and are not scared, Movie horses are basically like stuntmen in their own right.

[@bameronrunner5502]

He was yelling sake cause he's been drowning his regrets with alcohol, so he's having withdrawals. I'd say both physical and psychological torment being forced to go cold turkey off of alcohol like that.

[@generic_sauce]

Ptsd plus alcohol withdrawals, not a good combo :/

[@rkstevenson5448]

This exactly. He's an alcoholic. He's physically dependent on it. And alcohol withdrawal is fucking *ugly*

[@Serenity113]

@@rkstevenson5448 it’s also dangerous , isn’t it? To go cold turkey like that?

[@legion8915]

@@Serenity113 Correct. Withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines can induce life-threatening seizures.

[@zatharigo7815]

The state he sufferes from is called delirium tremens, and is potentially lethal. Heavy alcoholics must not stop drinking so abruptly (from daily abuse to zero alcohol), they need to reduce their alcohol intake slowly under medical supervision. Based on the opneing scene, Algren is heavily alcoholic and had a wide chance to die after he was brought to the village.

[@robertmolton6761]

This was one of my dad's favorite movies. He passed two years ago and before he did I told him "I will miss our conversations". I totally got teary eyed when that part came up. 😢

[@saltyk2795]

That's beautiful, man.

[@calibateman]

Must be a great way to remember him. Sorry for your loss.

[@serchtf]

You must be proud, he rest in peace knowing you're a good man.

[@robertmolton6761]

@@serchtf🙏

[@mmxxiii9503]

Now I'm tearing up

[@andredulac4456]

"Fun" fact, it's based on a real story, but it was a french officer, Jules Brunet, who was sent to modernise the "samuraï" army. To stay in good terms with the emperor, France decided to cancel the mission and call back the training officers, but Brunet refused and left the french army to stay with the shogun

[@theawesomeman9821]

American movies tend to rewrite history

[@rovhalt6650]

@@theawesomeman9821 Either that or they wanted to give Ahlgren a horrific past we all know about. Not many people would be able to relate to french crimes as we're not really taught about them.

[@alexm9903]

@@rovhalt6650 what « French crimes » ??? France 🇫🇷 has always a lot of respect to Japan 🇯🇵 and his history. France 🇫🇷 & Japan 🇯🇵 history is very similar on a lot of points. Long, tragic, great, imperial, technological, cultural.... Those who say « French crimes » are poor history peoples without honor. Vive la France 🇫🇷 ! Vive le Japon 🇯🇵 !

[@funnyspoon5120]

@@alexm9903 Yikes, denying that France has every commuted war crimes? I see why you like the Japanese.

[@rosaryinkeanushand4827]

@@alexm9903 hes talking about the US crimes towards Native Americans which is why they have Algren be American cause everyone knows about those horrific crimes/stories....there aren't really too many French crimes stories against other ethnics the world has heard of, yall usually just fight each other no?

[@ISavant]

I love how my country, New Zealand, is used as a stand-in for fantastical lands of mystery, like Middle Earth, and Japan.

[@paulobrien9572]

This is an example of a movie where Tom actually shows he has acting chops not just an action pretty boy. Another movie where he shows his skills is Born on the fourth of July

[@julianwelton]

I mean he's good in all his non action movies. Obviously hes good as an action star as well but I don't think I've ever seen him give a bad performance in a drama.

[@ADifferentVibe]

@@julianwelton He's done bad movies, but his acting is very very rarely the reason the movies are bad.

[@docsavage8640]

And Magnolia

[@tfpp1]

Don't forget "A Few Good Men" and "Rain Man". Some other great non-action dramas of his where he acts alongside great actors like Jack Nicholson and Dustin Hoffman. :)

[@peteturner3928]

'Born on the 4th' of July was probably the first time he proved he could actually act heavyweight actors off the screen.

[@raifbutler5319]

For those who don't know, Ujio is played by Hiroyuki Sanada, who also plays Scorpion in Mortal Kombat 2021

[@wonderboy3331]

Hiroyuki Sanada was also in 47 Ronin, great movie

[@Alte.Kameraden]

Wonder if he is related to Yukimura Sanada.

[@MrDandyMoustachu]

For those who don't know every japanese with katana skills is played by Hiroyuki Sanada,

[@iarroganti]

He also plays Musashi in season 2 of Westworld

[@RyoHazuki224]

@@MrDandyMoustachu THIS^

[@alphamorion4314]

This movie digs deep in one of Japan's most important historical moments: when they opened up their borders and made reforms to put the country on par with the rest of the world. Is very nuanced, because Samurais were a cast of people who were virtually untouchable (in some ways, it was a system very similar to medieval feudalism) but in the 1800's. One of the reforms, was to prohibit the carrying of swords in certain places: something that was utterly unbeliavable for how things were before that. A samurai ALWAYS carried his swords (who was also a very clear symbol of power) with him. Many samurais saw this as the way to the future and the integration to the rest of the world (like the General that is beheaded in the beginning), and therefore accepting this reforms and actually endorsind them (therefore working for the government). Many others (like Katsumoto in the movie) did not, and rebelled against that idea, preferring to cling to the traditional ways. Some might even say: clinging to the privileged position of their power. Omura, if my understanding is correct, was pivotal in all the proccesses that lead to Japan becoming what is today. In Japan, many people actually percieve him to be a very important figure, almost a kind of national "hero". So in many ways, this movie is historically "accurate", but at the same time it takes a very black&white view on the turmoil of that period, taking away all the nuances and the moral grey areas: the Samurais are the good guys, Omura (and therefore everything he stands for, the reforms etc) is utterly vilified and presented as the slimy bad guy, even though that is NOT necessarily an historically accurate viewpoint. But still the underlying question remains, that grey area of moral nuance that was never directly adressed in the movie: was that the right thing to do, for Japan? To change itself in order to fit in the modern world? Or it would have been preferable to close completely, stay 100% true with their traditions, good or bad those might be? Was Omura right? Or was Katsumoto (as in: the fictional character presented in this movie, that serves as a 'symbol' for all the people, samurais and rebels who went against the reforms) right? This is also why I find that last battle so touching, especially the young captain (commander? Whatever his ranks is? The japanese dude who gives the orders, besides Omura) on the verge of crying and bowing one final time to his enemies. He is not only bowing to Katsumoto: he is bowing to an idea. A concept. Something that for better or worse, definitevily died at that moment, with their victory. Is like bowing one last time to the traditions, to the old ways. "Thanking" and honoring them one last time, before moving on into the future. Any actual japanese people watching this reaction, and reading this comment, are of course welcome to correct me in any point my understanding might be flawed on this subject.

[@VictorLugosi]

70% of what you just typed it’s false and nonsense I’ve seen on google before, that’s very poorly researched.

[@alphamorion4314]

@@VictorLugosi Then, would you be willing to correct the incorrect points, please? I'm Indeed interested in learn more about the subject

[@Do0msday]

I've always felt this was Tom Cruise's best acting performance. It wasn't an action movie with tons of special effects/CGI to cover up any flaws. It felt sincere. And if you liked this sort of theme of culture clash then I'd also suggest 'Dances With Wolves'

[@eval7952]

Rainman!

[@bwestacado9643]

This is easily my favorite movie of his and I love the respect to Japanese history and culture this movies pays

[@singingwolf3929]

If you do Dances with wolves you better set aside your whole day. On its own it is a long movie. I used to own the "Special edition diretor's cut deluxe edition anniversary run" of the movie.....it was like 5 and a half hours and to be honest it didn't add much "content" over the standard edition. To me there were only 2 or 3 scenes that were worth it the rest felt like a lot of filler.

[@colewallace44]

I would also recommend last of the Mohicans

[@heyedddie]

"Forget roosters, you have Tom Cruise to wake up the whole village... "😂😅👍🏻

[@robdom91]

He's even better than a rooster! A rooster wakes you in the morning, Tom doesn't even let you go to sleep in the first place.

[@chengkop4113]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@AscendHumanity]

Yeh that comment got me too LOL

[@skoomamuch356]

"The last Rooster" Sake!

[@mattpr09]

Tom C-roosters

[@blainesjustchillin3509]

When he's yelling his lungs out he's having alcohol withdrawals, besides giving you worst cold sweats in the world, also give you the worst nightmares

[@MikeB12800]

And much, much more!

[@coyotefire69420]

Alcohol is also one of very few drugs that can kill you just from withdrawal

[@peteturner3928]

Hence screaming 'SAKE', he's asking for Japanese rice wine of the same name, pronounced 'sack-ay' in an effort to ward off his DT's.

[@joelwillis2043]

Ya... people die regularly from alcohol withdrawl. It is ugly.

[@ctakitimu]

@@coyotefire69420 I did the opiate withdrawal and that also was no fun. Actually, much less than fun, I'd go as far as to say it was hell on earth for a few weeks. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. You get to die in agony every night and day while the rest of the world has no idea what's happening to you and just carries on with life. You have no idea how happy I am that it's behind me.

[@LovelessDogg1]

It’s funny how this movie has only recently been getting the attention I felt it deserved when it was first released. I’m not saying it didn’t get any back then, I mean it’s resurfaced in a way that shows just how good I think it really is. It’s a fantastic movie and I really think it deserves a spotlight in movie history.

[@clonexx]

It kinda got panned when it was released but I always felt it was an amazing movie and one of Cruise’s best acting performances.

[@aify5883]

Surprisingly enough I remember when it came out ghe majority of film critics gave it an average rating or below average. I never saw it in cinemas because of that. Years later watched it when I was bored and it surprised me how good it was.

[@rovhalt6650]

@@aify5883 I think it went straight to video in Sweden

[@DavidGarcia-kw4sf]

The martial arts and sword work in this film are very good and very accurate.

[@G1NZOU]

It's definitely aged well.

[@lathspell87]

Tom Cruise is not the Last Samurai, Katsumoto is who the title is referring to. I love this movie.

[@valeria262]

Samurai can be singular or plural, the last samurai refers to all the samurai we see since their reign has ended

[@bremc666]

@@valeria262 But Tom Cruise isn't Samurai not even every soldier that fought with Katsumoto is. Samurai isn't a warrior its a social class.

[@valeria262]

@@bremc666 I never said he was

[@MercenaryMuse]

Honestly, I am glad you said this because I was of the idea that the movie was all about the savior white guy and I can't even, despite liking the movie.

[@matthewhowsden1924]

I agree, but I also think Cruise takes over this title the moment he respects the traditions and culture by giving Katsumoto his honorable death. After Katsumoto dies, Cruise while a foreigner has proven himself as a pupil.

[@donaldgrump2302]

DUDE yes. not many reactors have reacted to this movie but im glad you did. this is one of my favorite movies ever.

[@kakdimoviecorner5349]

Elmo In Grouchland what movie name

[@richieb7692]

Have you read the book? If not, you really should. The book goes into so much detail as he aclimatises to the Japanese way of life, how he recovers from PTSD, and so on. The book is just Phenomenal

[@VKunia]

Im glad you enjoyed it ❤

[@kakdimoviecorner5349]

@@VKunia Elmo In Grouchland what movie name

[@OriginalPuro]

Not many people have filmed themselves watch this movie* Reacting is not a profession, it's just what everyone does when seeing, hearing or touching anything.

[@neighborlyairsoft7180]

“I have the high ground; I have a horse” 😂 love it she’s been adopted into the culture!

[@oaf-77]

One of us. gooble gobble.

[@VKunia]

im the new nerd on the block shouting star wars memes 😭

[@johnnyjohnny2650]

I mean, the people he was fighting had horses too

[@angel-ic2dy]

@@VKunia dont worry we're shouting along side you haha

[@allenwalker5208]

I really like the scene where Tom Cruise asks the soldier to shoot him. It feels like he's doing it for two reasons, to try and see how disciplined they are and because he can't live with his guilt and genuinely wants him to shoot him so he can die and end that psychological pain

[@TomasMisura]

Agreed. he intended to be killed because of his past and see how discipline they're. But sometimes the things don't work like we would expect :)

[@benjaminhuynh5329]

He even says, “Shoot me dammit”. He’s absolutely hoping the Japanese infantryman shoots him. Proving his point is also a factor, but he just wants to die.

[@jamesdawson2393]

Hans Zimmer - Way of Life. One of the most beautiful scores ever created.

[@oscarcardenas4113]

To clarify the part where Cruise was having nightmares, he was going through alcohol withdrawal because of the painful memories and he uses alcohol to try to forget.

[@iarroganti]

"If the title is the Last Samurai or the Last... Anything...". When you said that, I had just been thinking that another beautiful movie I think you would enjoy is Last of the Mohicans with Daniel Day Lewis and Madeline Stowe.

[@DuolosX]

"The Last of the Mohicans" needs to be added to your playlist! Daniel Day-Lewis is brilliant in that film. And it also has amazing acting and and incredible score.

[@alder2460]

Emotional scene of last Samurai charge and death VKunia: Oh no, horses! Me: what about these poor men?

[@michaelriddick7116]

Said the samething! 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂😂😂

[@mmmmmduffbeer]

I get it. In the context of the story, the people have made the choice to be there. If the people are wounded, they understand why whereas the animal doesn't know why it is suffering. In American media, people die all the time, I'm used to people dying on my TV screen, not so much animals. Regarding the horses in the context of the movie production, horses are trained to fall on command so it's not bad for the horse. Back in the old westerns they use to trip horses to get them to fall which could injure or kill them. Fortunately, that method is no longer used.

[@docsavage8640]

The men chose this. The horses had no choice.

[@HaganeNoGijutsushi]

Seriously, war horses in general had it so shit. They got trained to plunge straight into danger against all of their best instincts, and then end up killing people and being disembowelled in return. Kind of a shit hand to be dealt. Then again, not too different from many conscripted soldiers I guess.

[@HaganeNoGijutsushi]

Also I think she's (rightly) worried for the actual horses who shot the scene. Luckily, none of them were harmed! old.humanehollywood.org/index.php/movie-archive/item/the-last-samurai That's more than can be said for every horse in dangerous battle movie scenes. If you watch old movies in particular (like those costume movies from the 1960s about ancient Rome or such), they did kill lots of horses, as they were a lot less careful then.

[@robhax]

It was a common misconception with this movie - starting way back when it was released - that Tom Cruise is "the last samurai". It's fairly simple to correct by asking "what is the plural for Samurai?". Tom Cruise is just... witness to them.

[@ReasonableRam]

This is my favorite movie of all time, and every time I start to think it might not be, I watch it again and realize that it still is.

[@ZombieOverseer]

I haven't seen this movie in so long, I definitely shed some tears. I forgot how well the music went with the dialog, especially "Tell me how he died" "I'll tell you how he lived" Fuck, got me right in my heart. Thanks for reminding me of how good this movie was. I saw it when I was 13 and am 31 now, so it really hits me in a different way, I think with how I've tried to live honorably and with respect/kindness towards others.

[@4catsarmy149]

This movie still gets me in the feels even after so many years. This movie was one that threw Hiroyuki Sanada and Ken Watanabe into international limelight. They started to get more roles in Hollywood since.

[@DisgruntledHippo]

The acting in this film is incredible. The only other person I think who could've played Algren would be Daniel Day-Lewis.

[@Tampahop]

Yeah, it would have been a completely different movie if Bruce Campbell played the lead. ;)

[@breakdancinfool]

Although Scottish, Ewen McGregor would have been great in this role too. Tim Robbins might have felt weird in the role but also probably would have killed it. Not sure Tim would've been any weirder than Tom or any AAA celeb in thia role. A lesser known actor would have been better I think. Tom C is great in mainstream films but this - at its heart - is not a mainstream film. This is much closer to Last of the Mohicans than Dances with Wolves in its tone and accessibility. All are sublime films, but using Tom in this role still feels weird even though he's EXCELLENT. Dont know why it makes me itch but it does.

[@gbautista100]

Should've just got Kevin Costner since it was a Dances with Wolves copy anyway 😂😂

[@menotu000]

@@gbautista100 Not even remotely close. This movie was based on real people which had their own story to tell. Dances with wolves was also based on real people... so unless you think the same people were in both America and Japan then no... just no.

[@Jarlemoore1]

Val Kilmer could have pulled it off in his younger days, remember his acting in Ghost In the Darkness.

[@heyedddie]

You can actually visit the temple where Algren and Katsumoto were having their conversations. It's in Himeji. Beautiful place (as so many places in Japan)

[@Imylover]

Despite the violence, this is one of the most beautiful feel-good films I have ever seen. Strange, right? But it just feels so good to watch. So soothing, calming. Love it so much. My fav Tom Cruise film, actually. And I am highly impressed with the choreography. And the score by Hans Zimmer... say no more!

[@johncourtright1632]

It is amazing how Nathan's character is transformed (and redeemed) by his exposure to the Samurai. A beautiful film and lovely reaction Vee.

[@Tusc9969]

Tom Cruise had PTSD hence his alcoholism and the nightmares

[@wolfmanjack3451]

"Dances with Wolves" Another well made Soldier out of his element,learning to accept another culture..

[@chaospoet]

I worked in a movie theater when this movie came out. It bombed. At least at my theater. But I distinctly remember whenever someone did come to see it they walked out of the theater crying. What finally got me curious and watch it on a day off was when this 80 year old couple came to see it. The guy was a war vet who fought in Korea (I know this because he told me) loved a good combat/war movie, and hoped this one was worth his time for. The guy was 80 but looked like he could kill me before I could blink. Just one tough old S.O.B. It took him about 5 minutes to leave the building after this movie became he kept sitting down on a bench to bawl his eyes out. I was like "Holy Sh*t!" Saw it immediately and was a wreck. This is one of my all time favorite movies.

[@cmsweitzer1]

The scene where TC told the rookie soldier to shoot at him was a two fold IMO. He proves his point with a miss or possibly dies and doesn’t have to live being haunted by his choices any longer. Fantastic movie, this and Braveheart always get me watery eyed!

[@swedishchef82]

Just a shame Bravehearts script was a mish mash of events from different times with some Scots Hollywood thrown in. Still a good spectacle of a film. From a Scotmans lol

[@cmsweitzer1]

@@swedishchef82 Neither one is factual I am sure, and I am okay with that! Great movies IMO

[@HaganeNoGijutsushi]

"Either he misses and proves I'm right, or I die. Win-win, really. Let's fucking do this."

[@KS-xk2so]

Both movies scored by James Horner. Guys a stud.

[@cmsweitzer1]

@@KS-xk2so yes he is!

[@danielbautista9062]

Seven Samurai (1954) The movie is three hours long, but still, it’s one of the greatest films of all time.

[@Gankhisprawn]

It’s one of my top 3 favorites. Such a fantastic movie.

[@hellowhat890]

IT's also what "A Bug's Life" was inspired from.

[@chadfalardeau5396]

The Magnificent Seven is the Old West version

[@JaapZeldenrust]

@@hellowhat890 and "The Blues Brothers", and really any movie about gathering a group of allies for some task.

[@zeroskaterz92]

There's also 13 Assassins.

[@curtisbrack3398]

The way you described this movie as a soldier going to fight an enemy, then getting captured and starting to understand them and side with them - there's another epic movie that is very much like that. The Kevin Costner classic "Dances With Wolves". Another grand tale of a soldier getting to know the enemy. Highly recommended.

[@J.Skyler]

Ahh, Dances With Wolves is so good.

[@jeffburnham6611]

Cruise' character wasn't hired to fight the samurai's, he was only hired to train them. The reason he did not withdraw to the rear with Col Bagley was, he knew they were not ready and needed leadership, also the reason Sgt Zeb Gant refused to go to the rear with the supply train. He was never intended to be a combatant.

[@muhammadaris7726]

The last samurai was my favourite. Tom was really dedicated on the acting. His confidence and acting was making the movie more realistic.

[@ace360]

"I will tell you how he lived" ☯️🙏

[@jahrolo]

Algrens Seargent was played by Billy Connolly, probably one of the funniest comedians that ever existed :)

[@Shawnieboy]

He really can't do an Irish accent though can he!

[@Echo4Bravo]

He wasn't standing in front of that guy with the rifle to just prove a point. I believe he didn't care if he lived or died. You know, like Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon🤣

[@patinho5589]

This viewer is really not getting much. Oh well.

[@ImAlsoMerobiba]

@@patinho5589 it's incredibly debatable what his intentions were. I've seen so many people say Nathan was proving they weren't ready.

[@RyanGamin224]

Think you missed the point on the emperor. He’s young and trying to avoid a civil war in trying to civilize a country. He’s torn in many directions. It’s not gutless or a lack of courage. He genuinely believes he is doing the best thing to unite his country. Obviously later he sees he was wrong.

[@iainhowe4561]

He's also seen big brother China get absolutely humbled by the West and part of the reason he knows he has to modernise is because he's solved the riddle of being the boot or the ass.

[@FeaturingRob]

In the spirit of this film, there is a similar story you should see and/or read. 'Shogun' by James Clavell is a mammoth novel (almost 1200 pages long) from the 1970s that is still in print, as it has now become a classic. It was made into a miniseries for television in 1980 and is also still available (only on DVD or in a digitized state for free on archive.org at 720p...it's about 9 hours long and 3 GB to download). The story follows an English pilot (a ship's navigator) who is part of a Dutch expedition into the new world at a time when the Portuguese were the primary power in the 1500s. The thing about this story is that the novel is a fictionalization of two real men. William Adams and Tokugawa Iyesu. Adams became so important to Tokugawa, that he was made Hatamoto (a military advisor and a minor lord) and samurai by Tokugawa. I believe Adams was the first and only European to be made so, and he was allowed to wear the two swords and command his own samurai. Tokugawa was the founder of the last Shogunate of Japan. Tokugawa closed Japan off from the West and from the early 1600s to 1853...Japan was an isolated nation ruled by the Emperor and the Shogun (a military dictator who ruled over the earthly affairs of Japan). It was the Meiji Restoration that altered the destiny of Japan after Commodore Perry's expedition to Japan in 1853 ended the isolationism of Japan. 'The Last Samurai' deals with the beginnings of the Meiji Restoration, which placed political earthly powers into the Emperor's hands. 'Shogun' the miniseries stars Richard Chamberlain and the legendary Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune. Mifune was the main leading man used by the brilliant Oscar-winning Japanese film director Akira Kurosawa in such classics as 'The Seven Samurai', 'Rashomon', 'Throne of Blood', 'The Hidden Fortress' and many others. It is Kurosawa who inspired A LOT of what you see in George Lucas's 'Star Wars' films (especially with 'The Hidden Fortress'). One of my favorite characters in 'Shogun' is played by a very young John Rhys-Davies (Gimli in Lord of the Rings, Salah in the Indiana Jones films, among many other screen credits).

[@thra-x1855]

In Japanese there are no plural words (one ninja, many ninja). So the tile 'the last samurai' could be about Tom cruises character, or the samurai as a whole. Effectively 'the last (of the) samurai'

[@DaDunge]

Not Tom Cruise's character, he's not Samurai, the title refers to Katsumoto, or Katsumoto and those around him.

[@DjuraValtr]

Tom cruise's character was just the story teller.

[@samsquanch1996]

This is a powerful movie, the part towards the end where the soldiers start bowing always makes me teary eyed.

[@Gnossiene369]

This person is incredibly intelligent and deserves praise. I really respect her. Thank you for being a beacon.

[@jamesdick2580]

is not because he didnt love his son. the touching of the side of his face implied the love, but at the same time, they're warriors, and he's also showing that he's proud that his son is willing to go out with honor.

[@n0tk0sher]

"This guy is the real bad guy...not the Emperor, not the Samurai." You're very perceptive, and one of my favorite reactors. Keep it up.

[@iainhowe4561]

I believe that Omura is also based on a real guy, Okuda, who was Sakamoto's enemy.

[@groneberg7385]

I don't like Tom Cruise as a human being but that does not take away that he is great Actor. The Last Samurai is one of my Favorite Movies. Your reaction to it was Great. Best wishes from Germany

[@mosestrevino4515]

This film is really about 2 men from different cultures who form a beautiful bond to both stand together and fight for what's right.

[@Choppytehbear1337]

The Samurai during the Satsuma Rebellion, which this is based on, were not the good guys. They rebelled not because of honor, but because they were no longer getting free money, and because military modernization had left them obsolete. The Samurai set up paramilitary training schools, and tortured the government agents who were sent to investigate them. The samurai hated that the peasants they could use and abuse were now the soldiers of Japan. The rebellion was not about honor, it was about ego, power, and greed.

[@patrickcromwell7554]

Actually those horses are very likely trained stunt horses. They've been trained to fall without injuring either themselves or the riders. It trust in each other that achieves it. As for horses in war. They too are trained from very early on to deal with stressful situations in order to keep calm and Trust their rider to see them safely home. If you've ever seen the Clove Owen movie King Arthur, you should. There's a great horse and war theme there along with the main story.

[@saberstrike000]

Further, the value of cavalry charges in war is vastly over-glorified. Even heavy cavalry with lances was of middling effect on organized, disciplined infantry. Horses don't like breaking their legs on humans, so charges are of most effect when the infantry is scattered (or preferably, fleeing) and was mostly saved for flanking maneuvers and decisive strikes. In a melee, there is a distinct advantage with "the high ground" and war horses were trained to kick and trample. However, for most of history (including the era this is set) cavalry has two very important roles: scouting (finding the enemy and carrying messages) and skirmishing (harassing supply lines, isolated units and the enemy scouts, mostly with bows, pistols and other light weaponry). There is also a great value in "mounted infantry" (which is what Tom Cruise's character was most likely trained as) where you would ride to the battle and then dismount and fight on foot.

[@k.v.7681]

@@saberstrike000 I wouldn't say "over-glorified" but certainly misunderstood. Cavalry can be devastating. It just needs to be used very well. The battle of Jaffa comes to mind.

[@Applecornflakes]

I like to think that one day VKunia will react to a movie that isn't sad by any measure and yet when I go to hover over the video it'd show footage of her crying

[@kakdimoviecorner5349]

Elmo In Grouchland what movie name

[@legion8915]

That already happened with the Fight Club review, didn't it?

[@Applecornflakes]

@@legion8915 you might be right I skipped that one

[@michaelriddick7116]

She should react to "UP" 😁😊 --.-- 💔😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 😊

[@DJSpike-ft9yw]

I’ve seen grown men cry at the final charge into the Gatling guns. The outcome of the battle was never in question, but they did it anyway to prove a point. It’s tragic, sad, yet beautiful.

[@tonka301180]

when i was 23 years old and watched it in cinema, it was just a good actionmovie.... now im 40 years old and this movie so extrem deep, i understand whats all about to be in peace with yourself.

[@Hairballs_58]

Love this movie, one of my favorites! LMAO @ 17:50 random Brendan Fraser sighting.

[@gallegosm1000]

"I belong to the warrior in whom the old ways have joined the new"

[@JaronActual]

This is a fantastic movie, one of my favorites, but I also recognize it's a highly romanticized look at samurai and the Meiji Restoration. It's a long book, but James Clavell's historical fiction _Shogun_ gives quite accurate insight into Japanese and samurai culture of the time ( 1600s ). Algren's line as he is writing in his journal about how "everyone is polite, everyone smiles and bows, but beneath that courtesy I detect a deep reservoir of feeling unwelcome" is accurate. Cultural decorum was a strict adherence to outward manners and politeness, even though it was often a thin veil over a person's true feelings.

[@keenantenny3113]

hey, i know a family that trains horses for movies, the daugher has been a stunt double in several westerns. When the horses fall, they roll in such a way that it doesn't injury them or their riders.

[@IrvingM]

THEY were the last samurai. It's meant to be plural... but since it's Tom Cruise, we assume it's all just him.

[@susanmaggiora4800]

Yeah, I see a lot of people get that incorrect.

[@garmisra7841]

You are correct - samurai is a singular and plural noun

[@philipp1736]

The children are actually teaching him Japanese when they're sitting at the fire and you can see a hint of a smile on Taka's face. This is the first time we see him starting to assimilate into their culture. Also my favourite quote is when Katsumoto says you can spend a lifetime looking for the perfect blossom and it would not be a wasted life. At the end of his life he realises they're all perfect.

[@hiroshikawamoto4898]

”Be strict with yourself, but be kind to others. " is still handed down in the hearts of Japanese people.

[@jmhaces]

I dunno, I always thought that Algren was treated so well when he was a prisoner not so much because of any particular trait of Japanese culture as a whole but because Katsumoto was a really smart man who was genuinely curious about Algren's experience in warfare and since he was the top boss there, everybody simply followed suit out of duty and loyalty and was polite and respectful to Algren regardless of their actual individual feelings or thoughts about him. As the movie went on he kind of won them over one by one, though, by acting in a way they could respect. Like apologizing to Katsumoto's wife for killing her husband, being friendly to her children and to Katsumoto's son, and especially gaining the respect of Ujio as a swordsman, this last one which I'd say was only exceeded in importance by his developing friendship with Katsumoto himself.

[@vanhende]

"Generally speaking, the Way of the warrior (Bushidō) is resolute acceptance of death." -Miyamoto Musashi. (The reel last Samurai) I can recommend looking him up.

[@HystericalHyena24]

Specifically his manuscript "The Book of Five Rings," is a fascinating philosophical text. I'd highly recommend reading it.

[@lutherkrin7629]

You were wondering if it's physical or purely psychological when it was him screaming for "Sake!" after being captured? It was his alcohol withdrawals and his PTSD from all of the atrocities he has committed and experienced.

[@adamthrasher449]

I love your reactions. The joy on your face when you see something you don't expect brings a smile to my face.

[@JohnnyyVee]

Historical Fiction movies are mind blowing when executed well. When a movie moves you and opens your eyes to a new world, then it did its purpose while entertaining you. I would also recommend: Apocalypto - A movie based around the Mayans, and their culture. Blood Diamond - a movie based around the sad reality of diamond mines in Africa.

[@evilalex87]

Also check out Interview with a vampire, legend, collateral and edge of tomorrow with Tome cruise, all great films.

[@oaf-77]

Collateral is an excellent movie. Also Tom Cruise is really good in Valkyrie

[@ICameHereToComplain]

Fun fact: IRL Samurai were eager to adopt firearms relatively quickly after their introduction. They had no choice, because they would be at a monumental disadvantage. Nonetheless, the Samurai Rebellion would go on to lose every major battle against the National Army. War is war

[@iainhowe4561]

The reason why the last battle was fought with swords and spears was that they had run out of ammo.

[@k.v.7681]

They had been indeed using guns for centuries at that point. We know that from chroniclers. The first use was in hunting, and quickly was translated to war. Another misconception is that the katana was a main weapon. It was not. It was a sidearm, a secondary tool. Lance and bow were the main weapons used. The same misconception exists for european knights. Swords in general have a "prestige" to them, but weren't that prominent as a main weapon.

[@Icureditwithmybrain]

I love your light hearted energy. You're like a ray of sunshine.

[@timhenrickson9653]

This movie ... there is so much I can say ... The story of redemption. Nathan (Tom) dishonored himself by killing innocent women and children and it haunted him. But by switching sides and fighting for the samurai at the end he redeems himself. And Nathan finding peace within himself and starting to heal from the trauma he went through while he was a P.O.W. ... idk, I really feel that part ...

[@michaelpirro4738]

Hes suffering from PTSD in the beginning of the movie and he uses alchohol to compensate. So when he is captured he is suffering from a huge alchohol withdrawal and PTSD flashbacks at the same time. Certainly both physical and psychological symptoms.

[@si8086]

One of my favorite movies. Insta-clicked this video. Daily reminder that a Lord of the Rings reaction is essential.

[@addict3703]

This movie takes place during the Meji revolution, in the mid 1800. Japan was a country ruled by aristocrats under the guide of the emperor and was based on auto consuming farms, the samurai were groups of aristocrats warriors who swore their loyalty to the emperor. Japan was never interested in expanding before, tho americans were starting to move towards pacific islands to trade and conquer. When they came to japan and they saw the opportunity of using the country they "forced" the emperor to sign a treaty which basically said that japan would provide resources for americans and let them build naval bases around the country in excange of "protection" (from who?) The japanese realized that they needed to accelerate innovation to keep up with the american treath so they sended rapresentatives all around the world to recruit engineers, historians, architects and warriors in order to evolve (like they did with nathan) Obviously, the samurai were extremely contrary to this kind of progress cause they were super traditional. If you wonder what happened to samurai after the Meji revolution.. They went rogue, they started to live as homeless, become thiefs and even recruit as mercenaries (a tremendous dishonor)

[@meridaohara6453]

The slow motion replay scenes have such a deep meaning in this film. Its his mind catching up to what he has just done, because being a samurai is about clearing your mind and allowing your instincts to take over. Hence the line 'No mind'

[@evilalex87]

My favorite Tom cruise film, love it

[@VictorVonGrooove]

I haven't seen this movie in a long time. I forgot how hard it made me cry. My bird was so concerned for me she's now sitting on my head and won't get off... *sighs*

[@Matty_th]

That was the first machine gun ever. The one with the multiple barrels and the crank. It was designed by a Union Civil War field surgeon name Dr Richard Gatling. He invented the gun because he actually thought it would save lives by ending the war sooner. It’s a design that is still used today.

[@larmoth401]

This movie is largely based off of both the Boshin war and the Satsuma rebellion, the final battle of the rebellion was the battle of Shiroyama and the Samurai were totally beaten as is shown at the end of this movie, following the battle despite the fact the Samurai were in open rebellion the Emperor declared them Heroes for upholding the beliefs of Japan at all costs and instituted a period of National Mourning to honour their deaths.

[@nikolaiquack8548]

The title refers to the plural samurai, aka the last GROUP of samurai. In the Japanese language, there is no difference between singular and plural, so it most certainly does not refer to Tom Cruise.

[@beowulfnightdragon3170]

its actually based on a true story there's a statue in japan dedicated to the worriers who fell to the last man an the honor they showed

[@ericjanssen394]

Oh, so it’s not just a white cultural-adoption fantasy (like Kevin Costner TEACHING Lakota natives how to fight his own Cavalry?), coupled with Hollywood’s early-00’s need to sell movies to Tokyo, back before China became more interesting instead? 🙄

[@beowulfnightdragon3170]

@@ericjanssen394 it’s Hollywood of course there going to make it like that instead of actually fallowing what actually happened

[@LeethLee1]

@@ericjanssen394 Like Soviet era art. We gotta separate the propaganda of the time from the art. Then it can be appreciated on another level.

[@danemon8423]

the officer is based on Jules Brunet who fought in the boshin war, but the main samurai and the story is based on the satsuma rebellion if i'm not wrong

[@akshitsharma2385]

My favorite moment was tom going back to his new japanese family

[@Flynn94]

Modern Guerrilla Warfare Tactics were actually invented during the Irish War for Independence (1919-1921). If you wanted to find out more I’d recommend the movie *’Míchael Collins’* starring Liam Neeson, Alan Rickman, and Julia Roberts. It’s a great story about an Irish Hero who almost singlehandedly fought the British Empire to a standstill, I think you’d really enjoy it.

[@shanebusch8102]

Congratulations on graduating btw, I still have 2 friggin years

[@jmsmys13ify]

"Is he an actor or a salesman?" .... Yes.

[@darknessmoto9912]

Side note, horses that are bred for war are not being forced. They are working animals, similar so,e dog breeds. They love what they do, they’re bred for it, letting them just graze in a pasture and not giving them work will drive them insane. War horses were incredible animals, intelligent and driven.

[@Don113]

The actor playing the guy he trains with is Hiroyuki Sanada, a fantastic dude who's apparently directly descended from a Samurai clan.

[@austinl4947]

*Men giving their lives on the the battlefield* VKunia: "The horses!" lol

[@braedenmartin8596]

Is it weird this was a intrical part of my childhood 😂

[@michaelriddick7116]

... I saw it in the theatre... f%$* I'm old! LOL!! 😁

[@adamromero]

@@michaelriddick7116 me too!

[@michaelriddick7116]

@@adamromero Glad Im not alone! 😂🤣😂😁

[@puebloking8280]

Me and my brothers would watch it every summer as kids

[@Hoi4o]

"The horses didn't ask for it". I get you, but neither did the drafted men in every single army.

[@Sadlander2]

These "movie reaction" videos is something completely new to me but this is the 4th video of yours that I've watched and I just wanted to say that you do this very, very well!

[@jp3813]

I've always thought that this film is like Dances with Wolves (1990) combined w/ Braveheart (1995) or The Patriot (2000). Hence, I recommend those three to you, though stick w/ the theatrical versions.

[@Gahlahad431]

I completely agree - I did not see such a comparison until now.

[@rickerson81]

This is one of the few movies where men are allowed to cry at.

[@ericjanssen394]

But guys don’t SEE Tom Cruise movies. Unless it’s an 80’s one from before he went looney, like Top Gun or Rain Man.

[@MikeB12800]

@@ericjanssen394 what? Mission Impossible movies are awesome, Edge of Tomorrow!!!! Jack Reacher.... the first one!!

[@pinkyperky3506]

This movie, and the Twilight Movies too

[@MikeB12800]

@@pinkyperky3506 not that men aren’t allowed to cry at Twilight, they shouldn’t be watching that crap in the first place

[@pinkyperky3506]

@@MikeB12800 now you've upset me with your micro aggression

[@okami36]

I love this movie. Definitely in my all-time top 5. I saw it in the theater and noticed when the lights came on during the credits, ALL of the guys in the audience were hastily wiping their eyes and pretending not to weep.

[@Samminish]

FYI > Last Samurai was very, very loosely-based on the life story of Saigo Takamori whose family were a vassal clan to the Shimazu Daimyo (Kyushu Island), as was my family .. .. We were aligned with the Imperial household (Emperor) who was clashing with the remnants of the Shogun's household .. .. Indeed, NORTH v. SOUTH .. .. Sound familiar? Anyways, the Imperial household signed a treaty with the British who made available armored frigates, firearms and Imperial Marines if required .. .. The US did offer a few advisors but TOM CRUISE' role was very loosely-based on the British involvement as they also did make advisors available .. .. Of course, a handful of them stayed in Japan, thus the movie .. ..

[@azathoth528]

6:10 Obi-Wan has taught you well

[@jagdtony]

Please react to Flags of Our Father’s, and it’s sister movie: Letters From Iwo Jima if you haven’t seen them!

[@oaf-77]

Letters from Iwo Jima is incredible

[@joshtt3240]

@@oaf-77 it’s the best war movie ever made in my opinion and what’s sad is it’s so underrated , I’ve bearly heard anyone talk about it.

[@jamezmcc]

Hans Zimmer's score for this film is an absolute masterpiece. The acting was just as spectacular. Love this film.

[@gabsrants]

Trust me, those horses in the stunts know more about acting than most humans in this movie.