The Last Samurai (2003) ✦ Reaction & Review ✦ Battles make me cry LOL 😭

This is a movie reaction to my first time watching The Last Samurai, released in 2003 and directed by Edward Zwick. This is one of the best and most emotional movies I've watched this year! A phenomenal cast, stellar score by Hans Zimmer, and lots of tears were shed. For me, Ken Watanabe and Hiroyuki Sanada stole the show, but Tom Cruise's performance was definitely my favourite out of his films that I've seen so far. Adding this to the "must rewatch" list. Make sure to stick around to the end of this video for my full thoughts and review and thank you so much for watching!
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00:00 - Intro
02:09 - Film Reaction
41:54 - Thoughts & Review
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#TheLastSamurai #MovieReaction #FirstTimeWatching

[@kaiielle]

I think this reaction now holds the record on my channel for the longest amount of time I didn't utter a single word. 😂 Gosh, this movie completely moved me and has secured a seat in my top movies of all-time. I hope you enjoy this reaction and please let me know what you think of this movie down below in the comments! I appreciate you all so much and thanks for watching. - KL (Links, Info, etc.: kaiielle.com/links)

[@promnightdumpsterbaby9553]

Samurai and ashigawru(the peasant soldier class) had been using firearms since the 1500s. And never considered it "dishonorable" :D Only thing I don't like about this film lol otherwise,it's one of the greatest films ever made.

[@williamsummerson1204]

Jerry Maguire is a must watch. Tom Cruise is outstanding.

[@gergemini2993]

loved your reaction and analsysis afterwards.....shows your passion and knowledge of cinema :) as a companion piece to Last Samurai, might I recommend for your viewing pleasure "Dances with Wolves" 1990 starring Kevin Costner. there are parallels between both Cruise and Costners characters that I shall not spoil , the setting in Wolves takes place not in wartime Japan but during the American Civil War and with a focus on the native american tribes....its a MASTERPIECE and with a soundtrack that will also move you to tears just like Samurai......You are welcome :)

[@warriorpitbull1170]

I prefer that reactors react rather than narrate. One thig I really liked about your reaction is that you didn't have to say anything, we were able to watch you REACT to the movie. This secured my sub.

[@j.garcia6206]

To me. My favourite samurai and moment is the silent samurai. The fact that he had a vow commitment to never speak again. Him breaking that vow to yell out a mans name who was once considered your enemy...just to save his life...just wow. That moment is my favourite. Him yelling out Nathan's name as his last word before death, speaks a million words.

[@crispy_338]

This is one of those nearly perfect movies imo. Just utterly incredible

[@leperwolf7287]

I love the scene when Katsumoto joins in on the stage show and acts like a 'fool' for the entertainment of his friends, family, and fellow samurai. It really shows his character to me. He takes the time to let those he cares about to have a little laughter even at his own expense.

[@jeffburnham6611]

I read somewhere that Ken has some familiarity with the Kabuki style of theater.

[@Ragothor]

@@jeffburnham6611 That wouldnt surprise me, i think he´s much underrated as an actor

[@Naesala119]

Katsumoto "The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life..." Katsumoto at the end "Perfect... They are all... Perfect..." Absolutely amazing! I effing love this movie! It's just so amazingly good!

[@vanillasnowx]

they are all perfect is the last line of his haiku

[@technopirate304]

@27:45, Ken Watanabe played this moment so well. In Katsumoto’s eyes you see loss, grief, heartbreak and pride. He is losing his son. But his son is going to die like the samurai he raised him to be. So much going on. I always tear up in this moment.

[@candidwings5609]

I recently heard this was his first American movie (or first English speaking role?), and he was perfect. I became an instant fan

[@rollotomassi6232]

In my top 5 all time. Love the dialog between Cruise and Watanbe, they could of added another hour of them just having "conversations"

[@kaiielle]

I agree.

[@Docjonel]

Definitely! And I would love to hear Cruise's character describing to Katsumoto why he has nightmares regarding his military service.

[@lockekappa500]

@@Docjonel I think in a sense they did, or at least Cruise found a perspective of "combat and the Bushido way" that perhaps allowed him to come to peace with the things he had done. I'd like to think that at least.

[@georgeplimpton9429]

My oldest son and I went to the theater to see this. After it was over, as we were standing, I looked at him and said, "Now THAT was a good movie!"

[@johnnyringo80]

There is really no shame in the tears shed watching this movie. To answer your question; it was so accurate and respectful that Japanese moviegoers also had tears in their eyes. And yes, "the last samurai" is plural and refers to the actual samurai in the movie while Algren as the lone survivor is the one to tell the tale of "the last samurai" (as evidenced in the final scene with the Emperor).

[@RedKytten]

A friend of mine (who is realy into Japanese movies) pointed out to me when this came out that this movie respects the traditions of both American and Japanese action movies. The Japanese main characters all had good deaths, while the American main character survived their wounds no matter what.

[@7bootzy]

Katsumoto's final line of "Perfect. They are all perfect," is actually the final line of the poem he was struggling to finish. Echoing Algren's words before the final battle: "I think a man does what he can until his destiny is revealed to him," Katsumoto couldn't finish the poem until his destiny was revealed on the battlefield.

[@nissy9220]

My favourite movie of all time. Cruises performance was unbelievable. The scene where he tells them they aren’t ready, the scene where he’s going through alcohol withdrawal. Brilliant acting 38:04 when the officer realised what they have done. And my favourite line “we cannot forget, who we are, or where we come from!” Such a powerful scene

[@cappaman73]

The line that always gets me is at the end ..."No, I will tell you how he lived". Fantastic movie

[@LoveOldMusic808]

The Last Samurai refers to the last generation of Samurai. Mr. Graham mentioned at the end of the movie “And so the days of the Samurai had ended”.

[@joshuacameron5333]

It’s okay, I’ve seen this movie a dozen times and I still cry the last 30 minutes 😂

[@kaiielle]

That'll be me with every single rewatch. 😂

[@davemullins6999]

Ha ha if you don't cry the last 30 minutes --- you are DEAD inside and I want nothin' to do with ya! 😂

[@craigtalbott731]

This was one of my late wife's favorites. My father was Caucasian b.g. w/ a dash of Native American, and my mother of Japanese decent. My relatives on her side way back were themselves Samurai and a grand uncle possessed an authentic sword (of which I was actually able to view); very much a rare "hand-me-down" or "family heirloom".

[@m.y.nasution9494]

Some fun historical facts for you: 1. The one who's called the last samurai is Saigo Takamori. Katsumoto Moritsugu character is based on this person. 2. Nathan Algren character is based on a French army officer, Jules Brunet.

[@williamsummerson1204]

Beautiful reaction. One of my favorite movies of all time. Arguably Tom Cruise's best performance ever and Ken Watanabe was phenomenal. The cinematography and choreography are breathtaking.

[@willmendoza8498]

Ken and Hiroyuki are absolute legends. Tom Cruise also did surprisingly good, elevating his performance so he didn’t seemed overshadowed by two such amazing scene partners.

[@michaelf.7172]

I'm not a big Tom Cruise fan, but this is one of my favorite movies. His character comes to the village so broken, but he heals, and we get to see into this world through his eyes. Since we can't live in that world 150 years ago, this is one of the things that cinema is best at. Allowing us a vicarious glimpse into the past. Maybe that's why I enjoy it so much. As for the history, if you haven't checked out the KZbin site, History Buffs reviews many historical movies and tv shows. The episode on this movie is very good. (Wow... I just looked it up. I'm amazed that was 7 years ago!) I can't think of anything else to comment on. I haven't seen this movie in a while, and it was nice to share it with you. Thank you.

[@CrazeeAdam]

I think for those who aren't a big "Tom Cruise fan" refer to his personal exploits maybe? Because in general he's a really great dramatic actor. Very few of his films I would deem "bad". Like he has a ton of great characters and movies he's done over the years

[@crankfastle8138]

@@CrazeeAdam agreed. His resume is far more impressive than some people are willing to credit him for.

[@Halbam]

@@crankfastle8138 I am impressed by him as an actor, I simply cannot fully disconnect the artist from the person. Same thing with Kevin Spacey and others.

[@scottbarkley496]

@@CrazeeAdam no .. they're just haters

[@nissy9220]

Most Tom cruise haters only look at his personal life, and all the rubbish trash magazine articles. His personal life is his business, we can’t judge him on that, we havnt met him no matter what you hear. Also in 2022 if you still don’t know that the media exaggerate and falsely stories about celebrities it’s your own fault. He’s a brilliant and dedicated actor, no coworker ever has a bad thing to say about him. I’m yet to find a coworker complain about him. I trust reports from coworkers over media any day of the week . The more famous you are the more susceptible you are to bad stories. Anyone who denies his acting ability is a fool. Tell it like it is

[@lockekappa500]

You are correct about the soundtrack, and because of that, this film actually gets more emotional and impactful on future viewings, because of that connection to the music. I swear I only need to hear a theme in this movie to know exactly where it's from and feel the emotions in that scene. I owned the cassette tape of this soundtrack in 2003, and this OST will forever be the biggest influence on me. Incredible reaction for an incredible film.

[@kaiielle]

That's how I feel about Interstellar. Thank you!

[@nickscholz6559]

This film is great and my favorite Tom Cruise movie and Ken Watanbe is amazing in this role.

[@jrl95]

This is my favorite movie. I’ve watched it hundreds of times and Nobutada going out like a warrior always gets to me.

[@jackson857]

Also in my top 5 movies of all time. Also has my favourite line from any movie. "Tell me how he died." "I will tell you how he lived."

[@bassmunk]

The most tragic part at the end is done so well. When the Gatling guns at the end start shooting and all the music stops as you see and hear the relentlessness of their destruction, it hits you that this is the end. They are going to die, and you feel it...

[@mikejacobson14]

Ken Watanabe is one of the best actors around. He's so easy to like.

[@ethanvilla4418]

Knew Kaiielle's reaction would make me tear up more than any other, as this is one of my all-time favorite movies. Weird to say that it felt good to see it affected you this much. WHAT a reaction.

[@kaiielle]

Thanks so much! ☺️

[@smdownh9]

@@kaiielle if Nathan is a prisoner everything he does is dictated by the Samurai him walking in their house with muddy shoes is their fault

[@manyelephants1532]

Simply an incredible film. All the actors playing the Samurai are so expressive that they say so much whole saying very little. This is a film that I always have to watch if I stumble across it when surfing the channels and I have watched so many reactions to it.

[@kevinlove1530]

I always tear up when he watches the cherry blossoms fall as he dies and realizes that they are all perfect. I think it's a great illustration of Wabi Sabi which I find to be more of a spiritual motion than an artistic one.

[@chaospoet]

One of my all time favorite movies. One of those movies you notice or realize things you missed the first time (due to the emotional scaring) the more times you watch it. I forget how many viewings it took before I realized the only time Bob speaks the entire movie is when he dies speaking Algren's name. I worked in a movie theater when this came out. It bombed super hard. But I got so curious to see it from those few who did come to see it. What finally did it for me was one of my regulars was this old Korean war vet guy who came into see all the action and war movies that we'd get. The ONLY time I ever saw him walk out of a movie sobbing. Almost got it trouble from my boss because when I saw him like that I blurted out "Holy f*cking sh*t!" in disbelief. My boss was so stunned as well she let it slide. Saw it not long after and was an emotional wreck.

[@Humstuck]

this movie is so good! I watched a bit live but had to dip and finished it just now. Great reaction! Taka is so gentle and I love their family so much. They opened their hearts again to a stranger. They are truly truly good people.

[@vicjr74]

Great reaction. I love this movie its one of my favorites. The cinematography acting and action scenes were incredible. I remember watching it in the theaters and after the fight with the ninjas the whole theater was standing up and cheering. I also remember my brother telling me that he was so nervous during that scene he was sweating.

[@808min6]

Great reaction. Don't forget to thank your mom and let her know you liked the movie. 🙂

[@kaiielle]

I did! And she watched this reaction too.

[@darkphoenix2]

Never get tired of people seeing this movie for the first time. It seems like most don't expect it to be a real, thoughtful drama. To have a message. The samurai in reality were not what Katsumoto's rebellion appears to be, but the way of life they fought for did have value. We've lost something that was understood long ago, about things like "life in every breath" and "they are all perfect". I won't even pretend to fully understand what those ideas mean, I just know there's something to think about there. And I do know for a fact, from my time doing karate, that "no mind" is a true state of mind that can help you in things like combat.

[@kingscorpion7346]

"What is it about your own people you hate so much?" there is another movie that really defines that question: Little Big Man (1970) with a very young Dustin Hoffman!

[@-Knife-]

This is a fantastic film. One of my all time favorites.

[@jurgenolivieira1878]

No matter how many times I watch movie I tear up. Although it's not fully historically accurate the producers (in no small amount by Tom Cruise) were respectful to the people and the culture. For example every Japanese role is played by a real native Japanese actor (including all extras like the 500 soldiers). The movie is highly rated by the Japanese people as well. Thank you for the reaction.

[@Antonio-pr1fj]

This masterpiece always make you cry, beautiful reaction, greetings from perú.

[@Gilgland]

A lot of this movie was filmed in New Zealand but there are a few locations here in Japan that appear in the film, mainly in Kyoto and Hyogo prefecture, which are close to each other. So if you get to come over and scratch Japan off of your bucket list, definitely add them to your list. Kyoto also has a lot of significant locations related to the decade or two around this era of Japanese history, the Boshinwars and the Meiji Restoration (named after the young emperor Meji in this movie) as well as historical places going back over 1,000 years, and is one of the most beautiful places here, in my opinion. The years leading up to and including this part of Japan's history are my favorite. The shogun, the military leader of Japan, is rebelled against and emperor Meji who was, like I mentioned, very young and did not expect to rule as anything more than a figurehead with no real power, was thrust into a role where he was suddenly expected to run a country and under his rule, and after these conflicts came to an end, Japan rapidly Westernised and caught up to the rest of the world technologically as they opened up to trade and commerce from other countries. This story was VERY loosely based on a French soldier named Jules Brunet and Katsumoto was based off of a Japanese nobleman named Saigo Takamori. From what I have seen, they both fought in different conflicts against the more modernized/westernized imperial army but did not meet. They both have really interesting stories though.

[@obenohnebohne]

I agree, the soundtrack is outstanding. I listen to it from time to time and I tear up, sometimes I cry because it is so beautiful. I also love how respectful and mindful the japanese people live. Thanks for sharing your reaction with us.

[@_Gato.Negro_]

This movie is fiction but is inspired by real events... they added an "american captain" because Hollywood... but that's how we can witness this story, through his eyes, so I think it's ok. The character Katsumoto is based on a samurai called Saigo, his rebellion was known as the Satsuma Rebellion and the last battle where they all died was the Battle of Shiroyama. This battle was pretty much like in the movie, 500 samurai against the Imperial Army, the difference was 60 to 1. First there was a huge combat, a big massacre, and finally the last charge of the remaining 40 samurai who ended up dying under a rain of bullets. This was the end of the samurai and people start calling Saigo "The Last Samurai". Really great movie, in my opinion this is the best Tom Cruise film. P. S. There is a band called Sabaton they have a song about this historical events, the song is called "Shiroyama", maybe if you're interested you can listen to it.

[@kaiielle]

Thank you!

[@JBWinter]

@@kaiielle The most glaring change for the film is the use of rifles; in real life, Saigo's forces had adopted firearms several years earlier in addition to traditional weaponry. Also, Emperor Meiji was allegedly a commanding presence even as a young man, instead of the meek ruler in the film.

[@williamquinlan6153]

I've read information that Algren was a real person who was recruited to train Japanese troops but may not have been connected to the samurai or the same time period.

[@technopirate304]

@34:00, the Battle of Thermopylae that Algren mentions is the basis of the movie 300.

[@moviebliss3893]

This has always been a favorite of mine and easily one of the best soundtracks. Speaking of Interstellar, that soundtrack and this one go back and forth as my favorites.

[@Khay-77]

As Katsumoto would say this movie is "Perfect..". On top of that it's the first movie soundtrack I ever purchased and made me a lifelong fan of Hans Zimmer.

[@michaelriddick7116]

This is his ultimate movie score imo 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@technopirate304]

@8:12, I love how the Sergeant decides to stay with Algren and his recruits. Despite being of lower rank than Algren, Gant is a teacher to him and the men being trained. So he feels responsible for them.

[@pmaximus5659]

Another great reaction from you! One of my favorites

[@ambienteuphorics]

A masterpiece of movie making. The soundtrack by Hans Zimmer is pure magic.

[@MIZZKIE]

I completely agree with you that Hans Zimmer's music was just as integral as the script and shots. I am Japanese, and the score of The Last Samurai is the ONLY score composed by a non-Japanese to perfectly capture the psychology of traditional Japanese people - a tranquil tone with a hint of sadness. We are a very humble people, yet we have a sea of emotions under our quiet demeanor. To my knowledge and experience, Hans Zimmer is the ONLY composer that expresses tone in this kind of sophisticated way. He does this too in The Lion King, a tale about duty and redemption. While all other composers would create more powerful, upbeat tracks for such stories/movies, Hans does it very delicately, touching on the deeper themes of anguish that people/characters feel in such scenarios. For reference, (I cannot provide links because doing so can get the comment muted/deleted sometimes): "A Way of Life" (The Last Samurai) 3:21 ~ 5:43 the entire track of "Kings of the Past" (The Lion King 1994) from the complete score (NOT the official original soundtrack nor the Legacy Collection version), especially the end bit

[@heather6668]

Such a great reaction to an amazing movie. I absolutely love this one. Definitely one of Tom Cruise's best. It is so beautifully shot, scored and choreographed. Terrific performances by both Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe. Everyone else was also perfect for their roles. Timothy Spall is also in Sweeney Todd.

[@muhest]

Like you, I have the same sentinent to the dressing Ahlgren in armor scene. A very intimate scene. I perceived it as a dawning romantic attraction between them, but can totally see how you interpreted it as a more platonic gesture. The fact that Taka asks him to honor them by wearing the armor of the man he killed, is to me a clear sign that she had let go any ill will towards him, and kinda respected him for the person he is. I don’t think any possible love scene thingy between them, could have displayed a more intimate and tender relationship between them.

[@patriciocidvitcop7309]

I just discovered your channel today, this was the first video I saw, I must admit that when I saw the movie it had that same effect on me. I loved your reaction when I saw it, new follower, greetings from Argentina

[@erickknutz5599]

First time I've watched a reaction of Last Samurai, where the reactor mentioned Sunshine. These 2 are both amazing movies, chocked full of excellent casting of actors.

[@LightsCameraJake]

Yup, I still cry. Great reaction KL. Seen this movie about 20 times and it never fails. I still think its one of Tom Cruise's best movies when it comes to pure emotion. He is such a dynamic actor from action all the way to drama and emotion, he can do it all. Also shout out to how good he looks with longer hair. I miss his 90s hair specifically xD

[@adaddinsane]

I was so pleased when I saw you were reacting to this. I was sure you would love it. It's so good.

[@michaelbaez8417]

Great reaction. One my all time favorites. Definitely high up on the list. It's so well done. And yes, Hans Zimmer is the GOAT! I actually listen to the soundtrack on Spotify all the time. So good. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@urborg74]

Back when it came out so many people crapped on it, said it was terrible because of Tom Cruise. I'm glad that people can now give it the credit it deserves.

[@yayitanoelia7227]

So glad you loved it! I was the same way. We've watched it so many times and I still get emotional! It is one of my top 5 as well.

[@kaiielle]

So, so good. ♥

[@Ozai75]

I love how two simple "throwaway" lines show how much Nathan grew during the story. He berates Custer for taking 200 men against a much larger force and calls him foolish, only at the end to recount the story of Thermopalye and the 300 Spartans who sacrificed themselves in much the same way. This time he has a smile on his face.

[@kaiielle]

You know, I never did make that connection but you're totally right!

[@epryn]

To be fair, the two stories are very different. Custer's is the tale of a commander with no respect for his enemy, where the battle of Thermopylae featured a small defending force due to necessity rather than arrogance. Though you're still right in that Algren's telling of Thermopylae is tailored to inspire Katsumoto, knowing that he will appreciate it for the same reason he liked Custer's story. Also the grins they share after their later exchange about how the battle ends shows that he's more understanding of why Katsumoto and his men wouldn't mind sharing the same result.

[@noxteryn]

@@epryn Well said! Also, a detail many forget about the Battle of Thermopylae is that the 300 Spartans who stayed behind knew they were going to die. That's where the "Feast well, for tonight we dine in Hades!" line comes from. The Spartans made a last stand just to slow down the Persian army, allowing the rest of the Greeks to regroup and eventually defeat the Persians at Plataea.

[@shykorustotora]

Small interesting bit of history: While the rest of Greece was fighting the Persians, the Spartans mostly stayed out of it. See, they had a reputation of having the best soldiers, but 80% of Sparta was full of slaves so the military actually spent almost all their time just keeping the population in line. They couldn't afford to send their army away, lest it lead to a very easy rebellion for the slaves. The other Greeks berated and harassed the Spartans to do something, ANYTHING to help. Leonidas took a small group of 300 north to "assist and advise" the other Greek forces but the goat path lead to Leonidas and his 300 (along with some other Greeks) becoming encircled and then slaughtered. The Spartan propaganda machine however managed to do the impossible. They turned the tale of "We got caught with our pants down" into the legend of "300 brave Spartans gave their lives". That warrior culture version of Sparta didn't last more than a few hundred years, so the new more-like-the-rest-of-Greece version of Sparta that came after was fascinated of the legends of old, and kept repeating the story of the "Leonidas and the brave 300", that version you hear today. This is why the movie 300 deliberately plays into the mythos more than an actual historical recollection, why it's narrated in such a fantastical fashion and why the story being told around a campfire

[@davidblauyoutube]

There is still value in honor and respect. What could be more necessary?

[@howardandrews9593]

Great reaction, so emotional and heartfelt, I loved it. You are sharp too, so intelligent, and your personality is refreshing and wonderful. Glad I clicked on, this movie is a classic in my eyes, a master performance in acting and tugging at the heart strings.

[@atomictsarina4378]

You are right in saying that "Last Samurai" can refer to a whole group but for me, it refers to Katsumoto and the scene when he is losing his son and this dialogue line where he says that, after 900 years of protecting the land by his house, he failed his ancestors. He is the last one from his line and there will be no more. Btw, Hiroyuki Sanada is a real-life sword and martial art master. In those fighting scenes he exactly knew what he was doing ;)

[@kaiielle]

Thank you for sharing. 💛

[@michaelwoods3651]

Great reaction! Such a fantastic movie!

[@kaiielle]

Thanks so much and agreed!

[@basecode8]

Oblivion is worth your time. It also stars Tom and was directed by Joseph Kosinski, someone that only puts beautiful shots to film whom also happened to direct Maverick. I recommend going in fully blind.

[@druid799]

Tom cruise has a reputation(apparently well earned)of being a monumental on set dick BUT this one film allows his forgiveness for that . Honestly can’t say how many times I’ve watched this and even being someone who’s actually seen real combat I STILL cry every time at the emotion both Tom and Ken portray , I can totally get their feeling for this hopeless situation they find themselves in but their honour would never allow them to not continue . Yea definitely top 5 .

[@williamquinlan6153]

All the testimony I've read from people who worked with him has been positive.

[@shinmopi]

I love this movie. I watch it at least once a year. I absolutely agree with everything you said. Great reaction !

[@hell1515]

That's right kaiielle! You tell that emperor advisor! 😁💯 Glad you loved this movie! Have a great day/night! 👍

[@kaiielle]

Thanks so much!

[@parhatronin5468]

wow, i liked ur reaction a lot! U care about even a small details=) good. And i love when ppl gets emotional

[@ikedashinsuke560]

久しぶりに「ラストサムライ」を観ました。 日本人として胸が熱くなりますね😢 ありがとうございました🙇

[@PurushaDesa]

Hollywood gave us _Braveheart_ , _Gladiator_ , _The Last Samurai_ and then went, "Okay. We don't make these anymore. Peace out.✌" The concentration in the genres of blockbuster you're allowed to have at the cinema (or "Marvelisation" as some have dubbed it) is really very sad indeed.

[@Tar-Numendil]

Don't forget Troy.

[@mechanomics2649]

There was quite a bit of time between those movies and this supposed "Marvelisation", so I'm not sure how that has anything to do with it. Hollywood has always been fairly "diamond in the rough" and there have been very good movies put out even well after the ones you've listed.(Movies such as Interstellar, and Oblivion from just the sci-fi genre alone; just to name a few.) I'll never understand this sentiment that Marvel somehow ruined cinema, or that cinema somehow up and changed at some unspecified point (A point that always seems to move later and later as the years pass). It always seems to be more "old man yells at cloud" more than anything.

[@potterj09]

Man say what you want about Cruise he is honestly the most economical star. Not just an actor but balls deep in most productions with a high level of duties. Might be batshit crazy, but he is focussed & he's a ember in the dark for movie quality going back to the 90's

[@wulfgar7979]

It was a great movie. Glad you reacted to it. Always look forward to your reaction videos 😁

[@dallassukerkin6878]

The title of the video, as well as the movie itself of course, pulled me in. Battles should make *everyone* cry for they represent the failure of all other means of conflict resolution and the waste of many lives who had nothing to do with the issues involved. The Genesis song, "One for the Vine", expresses it perfectly: Fifty thousand men were sent to do the will of one. His claim was phrased quite simply, though he never voiced it loud, I am he, the chosen one. In his name they could slaughter, for his name they could die. Though many there were believed in him, still more were sure he lied, But they'll fight the battle on.

[@dallassukerkin6878]

By the way, I have been a student of Japanese culture, history and swordsmanship for forty years, so it is not a surprise that I loved this movie, despite it's many diversions from the 'truth' :D Because I am not Japanese, how far I could go with my progression in the way of the sword was limited ... even my English sensei was 'only' a sixth dan (I am fourth) ... but what prompted me to comment is that, rather than a dance, swordsmanship is a moving meditation .. with violent intent in some ways but also supreme calmness and disconnection in others. The "Too many mind" scene is spot on. You visualise the cut or the evasion and it is performed without thought or premeditation or moral reflection on its effects. The school I practise is Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu and it is the second oldest continuously existing school of Japanese Sword Art, surviving the after-effects of the Second World War where many schools and huge numbers of priceless blades ceased to exist during the occupation of Japan.

[@markwang77]

Saw your vid thumbnails recommended by YT for a while bit never watched your reactions vids. Got bored one day and decided to watch this one. 3 things stood out: 1) you have integrity and say if a movie (eg Passengers) isn’t to your liking, 2) you know when to talk and when to keep quiet and let the moment breath (too many folks feel compelled to fill the silence with words instead of absorbing the emotion of the scene), and 3) you point out how important the soundtrack is to the storytelling (yes, Zimmer is my number one composer!). I subscribed to your channel - great job 👍🏼 P.S. “Kanada, what do you see?!?” 😂

[@kaiielle]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that a lot. Welcome in, and I hope you enjoy the reactions that are already up and the others to come.

[@markwang77]

To answer a couple of your questions in the vid: 1) this wasn’t completely historically accurate. In reality, the samurai was against change and the Japanese government wanted to modernize their country to keep up with the rest of the world. The samurai were more likely the ‘villains’ in real life. 2) ‘last samurai’ falls in the category of ‘white savior’ movies like ‘dances with wolves’. (with that said, it was still a fantastic movie and very rewatchable). At the end of the day, it’s all about storytelling and how it makes you feel 👌🏻

[@JozyMozy]

This is my favorite reaction to this movie. So good. Thank you for this.

[@CanadaDan]

Loved your reaction to this wonderful movie. I too cried a lot, i too enjoy Ken's acting quite a lot, have watched most of his movies n a few series too. Not sure if you've watched Memoirs of a Geisha but if you haven't i'm sure you'd like it a lot.

[@mike12579]

Im super glad you enjoyed so to speak this movie. I will die on the hill that this is Tom Cruise's best performance.

[@kizunadragon9]

The real Katsumoto was a man named Saigo Takamori. He was posthumously pardoned by the Emperor, restoring his and his famlies honor. They made a statue of him and every year they have a festival commorating the battle of Shiroyama. he is considered a folk hero by the people of Japan and yes, his nickname is the last Samurai.

[@eXcommunicate1979]

You should watch GLORY (1989). Same director. Stellar cast. Exciting, strong, historical story. One of my favorite movies.

[@JK9C]

such a good movie one of my top favorites

[@tomaskennedy]

14:04 The actor, Hiroyuki Sanaa, has been training in various martial arts since he was about 7 years old!!

[@adrianr.1390]

"The red man is a fearsome enemy". You should put "Dances with Wolves" on your watch list.

[@AndrewRedskin]

Love your reaction ! ❤

[@One.Zero.One101]

I've always thought The Last Samurai was used as plural, referring to the extinction of the Samurai class in that era. I've seen tons of reactions to this movie and I think this is the best by far because of your final thoughts in the end. Lots of channels don't have a detailed analysis like that.

[@ninjafoxgamesgeekery]

4 months late, but... The film is semi-accurate in the sense that it is based loosely on an actual person's experience, but he was a French officer who sided with a group of samurai during the Meiji restoration, rather than an American. You're correct. The Last Samurai would be Katsumoto and his men, as the word is singular and plural. As Algren did not have a master or daimyo (lord), he would not be a samurai, even if he was taught how to fight like one. Algren is simply the audience's window through which we view the story of the last of the samurai during the revolution.

[@slaaneshhedonite7068]

I love this movie. So well done. Every facet, acting, direction, score… easily in my top 10 if not a shorter list.

[@hateuscuztheyaintus2998]

So nice to see someone give Hans Zimmer that respect he is the goat. Interstellar is also my favourite movie, this soundtrack and interstellar soundtracks are honestly probably the best soundtracks ever not even going to lie

[@hateuscuztheyaintus2998]

Damn youve seen sunshine too such good movie

[@allen3925]

What a great reaction

[@damon6126]

I'm so glad I stumbled upon your videos and after watching a couple, I've hit the subscribe button. You are so right about the music and score of a movie being what might be described as the soul of a film. Other great music from films: Braveheart, Legends of the Fall, Amadeus, and Last of the Mohicans, to name several. I shall enjoy going through your other reactions. 🙂 How did your mom react when you told her how much you enjoyed this one? Best wishes from Texas!

[@kaiielle]

She was glad that I loved it! And thank you!

[@marieevelanoie8350]

Love your reaction so much! A few good men is another great Tom Cruise movie his performance is brilliant!

[@Julini89]

I love this movie! I am so happy to hear your analysis of it. Love these partly historical accurate movies you could put braveheart on that list as an example.

[@kaiielle]

Braveheart is a definitely a "coming soon on the channel" movie.

[@Julini89]

@@kaiielle gonna look forward to it is a classic movie everyone needs to watch at least once

[@Blackadderthefourth]

The best battles/fights are the release or reflection of all the emotional build up and I think this film executes on that very well.

[@Shinnizle]

I love this movie. Your reaction and Vero's being released almost simultaneously makes it even better. And I will say the same thing I wrote on her reaction. It is one of my favorite Tom Cruise movies alongside Collateral and Minority Report. I am glad you loved it and I hope that if you end up watching those two, you will enjoy them as well. I am also not usually a fan of large scale fights (found them rather boring and uninspired in LOTR, for example), but this movie makes them very poignant and special. Also, I'm almost certain the title refers to Katsumoto.

[@HelloThere.GeneralKenobi]

I fell in love with this movie from the first viewing. I remember renting the dvd and then even watching all of the "special features" because I wanted to know more about it. I haven't seen a reactor who might have disliked it. As quiet as you were through the finishing battle of the movie your emotions spoke for you. It was all that was needed. I peeked through your video list and I'm looking forward to bingeing quite a few. Stay tuned for comments, like, etc I will be subscribing and hitting the notification bell. Sorry, but you're stuck with me now. lol

[@dmwalker24]

I think this is one of Zimmer's best scores. He manages to bring in a distinctly Japanese flavor without being cheesy, or cliche. I sometimes think I find this film more moving because of my own affinity for Japan. It is clearly very well made though. Cruise is a good enough actor, but many of the best moments aren't as much about him as they are about seeing the beauty in a culture that's often misunderstood.

[@SupremeEnlightened]

Hans Zimmer is so awesome guy! Love him so much!

[@michaelfincham2749]

The name of the movie refers to the real last samurai that the movie is based on. Kens character was based on Saigo Takamori. One of the most influential Samurai of the Meiji Restoration 1868. 1877 at the battle of Shiroyama.

[@marktaylor3381]

Hi K, UK here. You never need to apologise for crying. It’s natural anyway but crying over this film, absolutely okay 👍. I love Japan but I’ll probably never get there, I hope you do 🫰. Take care and good luck. X

[@phila3884]

Tom Cruise has made so many good movies. Two more to put at the top of your watch list: Minority Report and Valkyrie. Valkyrie isn't on anybody's "best of list", but I think it deserves another look.

[@vanillasnowx]

"they are all perfect" is the last line of his haiku that he was writing

[@faronhenderson9583]

Japan is beautiful! So is Okinawa. Me and three other Marines got lost in Tokyo for four days, lol.