The Last Samurai

One day, I plan to write about what I consider to be the top 10 films of the 21st century, so far.  One of them would definitely be "The Last Samurai".

 There is something incredibly beautiful and exquisite about the Japanese way of life and the way of the Samurai.  A way of honor, courage, and loyalty.  In a time when men once fought for what they belived to be right, even unto death.  It is truly something to ponder and admire.  I find myself regretting that this is something that is now dead in the world.  I find myself in tears because we have allowed ourselves to destroy so much beauty that we had once.  So much that was worth keeping and fighting for.  I think it is hard in this day and age to believe that there is something out there that is greater than we are.  It is difficult to make the right decisions, to stand by one's moral principles no matter what comes. No matter what society says, no matter how difficult or heartbreaking.  The Samurai believed that if they were dishonored or shamed, that they should give up their own life.  That is an incredible thing!  How many of us back down, when faced with the arguments of our ever growing immoral society?  How many of us can look at ourselves and say that we should die, because we have been defeated?  Although these are not Christian teachings, they are still to be admired.  The Japanese had a discipline: they strove each and every day to achieve perfection in all things.  To achieve a stillness of mind that many of us today cannot even fathom.  There is a point in the film when Tom Cruise's character begins to learn to use a Samurai sword.  He is told "Too many mind.  Mind the people watching, mind the enemy. Too many mind.  No mind"  Meaning that in order to become skilled in the art of the Samurai, one must clear one's thoughts totally and utterly.

  

  

The way of the Samurai, is truly one to be admired and respected.

I think that one of the most beautiful things about this movie is the love story.  Captain Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise) kills a man in red armor (Hirohito) in battle.  When he is captured by his enemy he is sent to the house of Hirohito's widow (Taka) and her 2 sons.  Taka nurses Nathan back to health.  At first, she is repulsed by him, and feels shame because her husband's death has not been avenged.  But slowly she and her sons grow to love him.  And in the end the love scene (which is probably one of the most beautiful love scenes I have ever seen) is when he is about to go to war, and she dresses him in her husbands red armor.  No word is spoken and there is not even a kiss, but the moment is incredibly tender and intense.