Friday 10 February 2017

Freeview film of the day : friday 10th of February

The Last Samurai (2003 147mins.) [Dave 9.00pm & +1]

The emperor of Japan recruits an American Civil War veteran to train his troops in a bid to wipe out a rebel faction of samurai warriors. The soldier is taken captive when the imperial army is defeated, and comes to respect his enemies' traditions and code of honour, finally going over to their side. Historical adventure, starring Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Timothy Spall, Billy Connolly and Shichinosuke Nakamura.

Surprisingly entertaining (if sometimes preposterous) big budget historical epic which tells its story very well with some solid performances and genuinely exciting battle scenes.

Cruise does a decent enough job in the lead role, but Ken Watanabe's dignified samurai warrior leader takes all the acting credits.

Beautifully shot with some remarkable sets and period reconstructions, there's a lot more to enjoy here than you might think from the plot synopsis and cast list.

Decently directed by Edward Zwick it's a smart film that could have done with perhaps a little more care at the editing phase, some scenes run far too long while others aren't given sufficient room to play out.

Enjoyable if a little too heavy handed with its message.

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