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

| Apr 26, 2022

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

| Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 16, 2021

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

| Feb 15, 2021

The breathtaking showpiece skirmishes might well suggest a Braveheart set in Japan, but there is something more going on here than merely rolling out the battles.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 2, 2018

Mostly, though, The Last Samurai aims for, and achieves, epic sweep: the glory of tradition-bound warriors hurling themselves against the modern world, the grandeur of Hollywood offering two points of view on everything.

| Feb 24, 2016

does honor traditional Japanese culture and ideals and make them accessible to a wider audience

| Original Score: B- | May 14, 2012

Outstanding action and performance; lots of blood.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 28, 2010

One of the best films of 2003.

| Apr 29, 2009

More than anything else, "The Last Samurai" is the current Tom Cruise vehicle, and the actor's capacity to wrestle the story to his own demands is an impressive testament to his multifaceted perfectionist skills.

| Original Score: B- | Apr 18, 2009

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

| Aug 25, 2008

The real point of the film seems to be the poster image of a battle-ready Tom Cruise waving a sword and all decked out in gleaming red-and-black samurai armor.

| Original Score: D | Sep 24, 2007

It's a film at war with itself. Worse, it's a mixed bag of carefully packaged entertainment, with little room for spontaneity or surprise.

| Original Score: C | Aug 5, 2007

Cruise is wasted on this American samurai tale. The movie is pretty to look at but lacks substance or intrigue.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 8, 2006

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

| Jun 24, 2006

As brisk as it is rich, The Last Samurai is much more fun than a mere history lesson.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Apr 1, 2006

It's Zwick who fails to take care of business here.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 6, 2005

A harrowing tale of honor, simple beauty, self-discovery, and ferocious conviction.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 6, 2005

Zwick has an ace up his sleeve, in addition to all the glorious scenery and pulse-pounding battles, and that's Ken Watanabe.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 6, 2005

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Jul 5, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 2, 2005