The Last Samurai [Blu-ray] [2003] [Region Free]

I watch this movie at least once a year and think it was made very well. As a Japanophile, I admire Japanese culture from many aspects, especially the samurai ethics (or Bushido) are something that nobody could fully explain until you put yourself in the Japanese culture.There have been many pieces of literature and films on Japan created by Westerners, but many of them (if not all of them) have been far from true or real. For example, the actors aren't from Japan or Japanese and have no idea how to wear the kimono.But, in this sense, the Last Samurai [2003] shows every small detail well, and most importantly I can see the producers' (including Tom Cruise) respect for Japan and Bushido. I liked when Tom Cruise was trying to sit on the wooden floor in the Japanese way, which must have been very hard for him but he did it anyway. The way he wore a kimono and armour, the way he used the samurai sword, the body language and everything - they must have done so much research into the culture. Not many American/British movies on Japan reached this level.I'm sure I'll continue watching it in the future, and I'll introduce it to a younger generation who has not yet met the Japanese culture. All in all, it's a good movie.

There are a select number of films released that define the meaning of the word epic and The Last Samurai is one of those films. Tom Cruise portrays a troubled soldier who, after years drinking away the sights of battle, is asked to train any army who will march against the rising rebellion, led by the Samurai who want to stall the modernising of Japan. As he proves in films such as Minority Report, War of the Worlds and Collateral, Cruise is a brilliant actor, both in terms of action and emotion. Fellow cast members, including Timothy Spall, a brief Billy Connelly and an excellent Ken Watanabe all bring truth and talent to their roles.Edward Zwick (Blood Diamond) directs and does a perfect job of it, having an eye for sweeping, epic shots of the breathtaking landscapes, for the gritty, violent action and battle sequences and the emotive scenes. The script is brilliantly written and Cruise is given plenty of material with which to test his skills and prove them. The score, by Hans Zimmer (Pirates of the Caribbean) is epic, stirring and moving and compliments the epic scale of the film. The battles are awesomely done, with Zwick not holding back on the violence and delivering some breath snatching, gripping moments, as well as some excellent sword fights. The cinematography is among the best i have seen, the landscapes are brought vividly to the screen and the japanse architecture and countryside make this film all the more engrossing.Overall, this film is one of my favourites, it is epic and sweeping, gripping and action packed and its impossible not to be swept up in this film. A flawless, majestic film.The single disc edition is the best choice for those not bothered with extras but for fans of the film the two disc edition is loaded with special features: commentaries, numerous featurettes, interviews and deleted scenes.

I recently purchased this product and i was skeptical at first as i am about all blu - rays if it was live up its reputation. This movie definitely did. Probably one of Tom Cruises finest roles, he plays the traumatized character of Captain Nathan Algren, a man who regrets the things he has done, after being hired by the Japanese government to root out the infamous Samurai rebels during a time where japan is discovering what the western world has to offer. The Samurai believe to be fighting fo r the soul of Japan. After being captured in battle, Algren soons learns that the life of the Samurai is much simpler then his own, and one of great beauty.Anyway getting back to the purpose of this review. The picture quality is outstanding at some scenes it looks ordinary but 99% it delivers, especially during the chapters in "captivity" where the beautiful Japanese landscape is seen is outstanding 1080p, indeed a beautiful sight. The audio is quite good, nothing more to be said.Overall:10/10 for acting - Superb acting and a great action driven story9/10 for picture - Great detail, clarity and brightness8/10 for audio fairly clear, and mind blowing!I watched it on my Playstation 3 entertainment systemwith a gold - plated HDMI monster cableon a full 1080p Panasonic Viera TelevisionCOMBINED A MIND BLOWING INVIGORATING MEMORABLE MOVIE

A fantastic movie that is begging for a UHD release. Sadly this early blu ray suffers from being an early release of the format. Picture quality really needs a remastering and the inclusion of of a compressed lossy Dolby Digital track doesn't do the sound mix and justice. Hams Zimmers beautiful score in particular takes a hit. As Lossy audio tracks go though, it could be a lot worse.

Although some may accuse him of having lost his marbles a little regarding 'that' religion, you cannot deny that this chap really know a good movie idea when he sees it. Partially written and directed by Tom and although borrowing heavily from films such as 'The Last of the Mohicans' and 'Dances with Wolves', this facinating movie gives a great insight into the life of the feudal warriors and knights of Japan. Cruise plays an alcoholic american Captain Nathan Algren who is traumatised by his actions in the massacre of Native Americans. Recruited by his hated commanding officer to help train the new Japanese army to fight the Samurai, Nathan is captured by the Samurai and their leader Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe). 'Imprisoned' in Katsumoto's idyllic village, Nathan learns and eventually sympathies with the Samurai and eventually joins their cause.The stunning photography in this film (actually of New Zealand, rather than Japan) is even more lush in this stunning Blue Ray movie. A must for Cruise fans and anyone who enjoys beautifully filmed historical epics. The film score by Hans Zimmer is also superb

Calidad de audio y video excelentes.

Fun movie. Bought it on DVD when it very first came out. Just decided to upgrade to BlueRay

Japan im Jahre 1876: Die Gesellschaft befindet sich mitten im Umbruch zur Moderne und wirft viele alte Traditionen über Bord. Dazu zählt auch das bisherige Gesellschaftssystem, in dem die Samurai, eine Kaste hoch angesehener Krieger, einen hohen Stellenwert bekleideten, der nun aber schwindet, da Schusswaffen und damit trainierte Soldaten die Kriegsführung maßgeblich verändern. Katsumoto, ein regionaler Herrscher, stellt sich der umfassenden Modernisierung jedoch entgegen und scheut auch vor einer Rebellion gegen die japanische Regierung nicht zurück. Der ehemalige US-Bürgerkriegsoffizier Nathan Algren befindet sich aktuell in Japan, um die kaiserlichen Truppen im Umgang mit modernen Waffen zu unterweisen und wird prompt mit seinen Männern abkommandiert, sich Katsumoto entgegenzustellen. Gegen die gut trainierten Samurai haben die Soldaten keine Chance und Algren landet im Gewahrsam Katsumotos. Dort lernt er den Weg des Kriegers kennen, lebt an der Seite der Samurai, trainiert mit ihnen, entwickelt ein Verständnis für ihre Kultur und muss sich auch den Dämonen seiner Vergangenheit stellen.Ich liebe derartige Historienepen, auch wenn in der Regel mehr "Epos" als "Historie" dahintersteckt. "The Last Samurai" ist ein wunderbares Spektakel, wird nie langweilig und bietet hervorragende Darsteller auf. Dazu gibt es Hans Zimmers wunderbaren Soundtrack, der insbesondere in den letzten 20 Minuten zur absoluten Hochform aufläuft. Natürlich findet man historische Fehler an allen Ecken und Enden (z.B. die "Ninjas" oder auch die gezeigte Schwert-Kampfkunst, die nicht unbedingt jener der Samurai jener Zeit entspricht), aber wollen wir nicht vergessen, dass Unterhaltung manchmal auf Kosten der Authentizität stattfinden muss. Das ist hier also verzeihbar, zumal man sich beim Rest richtig Mühe gibt, tolle Kostüme auffährt und Tom Cruise nebst Ken Watanabe eine prima Show abliefern. Richtig ordentliches Monumentalkino eben.Zur Scheibe: Der Film hat auch schon wieder 20 Jahre auf dem Buckel und das merkt man insbesondere beim CGI - glücklicherweise fällt das nur selten negativ auf und der Rest des Bildes geht weitestgehend in Ordnung. Detailgrad, Kontrast und Farbintensität sind sicher nicht (mehr) auf Referenzlevel, aber ok. Der deutsche Ton in DD 5.1 bleibt gefühlt ein wenig unter seinen Möglichkeiten und ist nur ausreichend satt in Szene gesetzt. Gerade bei den richtig drückenden Schlachtszenen wird hier an Wirkung verschenkt, aber vermutlich war man zu jener Zeit noch nicht ganz auf dem Level der Möglichkeiten. Dafür gibt es jede Menge Boni, u.a. nicht verwendete Szenen und Einblicke in die historischen und filmischen Hintergründe von "Last Samurai".Ein toller Film in solider BD-Ausgabe.

it was recommended by a friend, and I wasn't disappointed, Loved it and will watch it over again and again

Correspond aux attentes.