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

WHAT a beautiful and romantic film. Beautifully encapsulates the Bushido spirit of Japan. ( Only such a pity that the Bushido spirit was mostly destroyed by the ghastly sadism of WW2 POW guards in their camps. More info: “Knights of Bushido.” Lord Russel of Liverpool. But….as yet a rather wonderful film.

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 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.

A really solid film, telling a story that while fictional is based on a real war that is often not covered. Product came on time and as requested

Wonderful movie. Fundamentally about man's journey to recovery with the help of his enemy turned healer. Great cast. Great photography. Great Director. Well worth listening to his commentary. A somewhat enlightened man with great depth.

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 story 9/10 for picture - Great detail, clarity and brightness 8/10 for audio fairly clear, and mind blowing! I watched it on my Playstation 3 entertainment system with a gold - plated HDMI monster cable on a full 1080p Panasonic Viera Television COMBINED A MIND BLOWING INVIGORATING MEMORABLE MOVIE

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

Seen film , years ago ! Good storyline ! Probably Cruise Best movie !

excellent movie. historic

Der Film "The Last Samurai" ist echt ein Muss für Fans von Geschichtsfilmen und östlicher Kampfkultur. Die Action-Kampf-Szenen könnten nicht authentischer herüberkommen, ebenso wie Tom Cruise' selbstgemachte Stunts. Darüber hinaus enthält der Film hinreißende Landschaftsaufnahmen, die für schöne, meditative Stimmung sorgen. Die japanische Kulisse wirkt überzeugend, auch wenn der Dreh vorwiegend in Neuseeland stattfand (angeblich wegen seiner Wälder, und weil der Mount Taranaki dem Fujiyama ähnelt). Nur einige wenige, aber dafür sehr bedeutungsträchtige Szenen wurden wirklich in Japan (Kyoto und Himeji) gedreht. "The Last Samurai" geht thematisch sehr stark in Richtung "Lawrence Von Arabien" (mit Peter O'Toole). Ein einzelner Soldat kämpft für eine Kultur, die mit der Seinen verfeindet ist, und bewirkt somit eine Aussöhnung Beider. Die Parallelen sind unverkennbar - nur dass dieser Film nicht, wie besagter "Lawrence", im direkten Sinn historisch ist, sondern von historischen Ereignissen inspiriert. Das tut aber dem Erlebnis keinen Abbruch. Im Gegenteil: das Aufeinandertreffen der verfeindeten Kulturen Amerikas und Japans mit den daraus resultierenden Konflikten und anfänglichen Verständigungsschwierigkeiten und die erst allmähliche Annäherung beider Seiten zueinander überhäufen den Zuschauer gleich tonnenweise mit bewegenden Momenten, die man sich am liebsten mehrmals hintereinander reinziehen möchte, wäre der Film nicht auch ohne das schon lang genug! "The Last Samurai" ist also kein Film, den man sich nur einmal anschaut und dann in der Ecke verstauben lässt; zu viel gibt es darin, was wir verstehen lernen und in seiner Wirkung bis zur Vollkommenheit auskosten wollen! Echt empfehlenswert!

sono stato deluso perche il dvd non ha audio in lingua italiana per cui è rimasto inutilizzato. E' possibile sostituirlo?

Correspond aux attentes.

Calidad de audio y video excelentes.