Nathan Algren is an American hired to instruct the Japanese army in the ways of modern warfare, which finds him learning to respect the samurai and the honorable principles that rule them. Pressed to destroy the samurai's way of life in the name of modernization and open trade, Algren decides to become an ultimate warrior himself and to fight for their right to exist.
Rated 3.5 / 5 from 1 log on Katalog
The film really nicely portrays what makes japanese culture so specific and unique. The discipline, the dedication and the strive for perfecting even the most mundane skills. Also Cruise does a great job portraying a tortured alcoholic with PTSD. There are some things I didn't like, like Cruise beating seasoned swordsmen in their own game after a couple months training, and Katsumoto treating Cruise like they've been beasties for years, while his actual day ones are dropping like flies around him, so weird. Also he treats his PTSD and alcoholism by just existing in a Japanese village? I really wish there was a bit more substance to that whole arc. Good film.
