Movies: Samurais and rise of Cruise

THE LAST SAMURAI (15)

TOM Cruise embraces the code of the Samurai in the first blockbuster of the New Year.

THE STARS: Tom Cruise, Timothy Spall, Ken Watanabe, Billy Connolly, Tony Goldwyn

THE STORY: Alcoholic American Civil War hero Captain Nathan Algren (Cruise) is recruited to train the Japanese army in the ways of modern warfare, but after a disastrous first battle is captured by sword-wielding Samurai warriors led by Katsumoto (Watanabe). He slowly recovers at their hilltop village, and also comes to understand the Samurai code and their commitment to stopping the Emperor embracing American weapons. Algren - of course - also swiftly learns some handy sword-fighting skills and joins the Samurai in their final battle against the cannon and guns of the new-look Japanese army.

WHAT'S GOOD? Tom Cruise is in charisma overdrive playing the troubled hero who finds his calling by embracing the codes and honour of traditional Japan. Cruise proves why he is on top of the movie star pile, looking cool with long hair and a shaggy beard and brandishing his sword with the best of them. Timothy Spall gives great support as a Japanese-speaking photographer and Watanabe is the personification of Samurai honour. Naturally enough, our Tom also manages to find enough time in between his Samurai sword lessons, to find a little romance. And this being Hollywood he has to fall for Taka (played by Koyuki), the widow of a warrior he killed in battle. The film is strikingly well made, blessed with stunning costumes, powerful effects and a beautiful backdrop. Look for Cruise to get an Oscar nomination, but probably not the big prize itself (see Lost in Translation for my tip!)

WHAT'S BAD? It is a bit preposterous that Cruise could master Samurai warrior skills in a few months, but we'll give him - and the film - the benefit of the doubt. It would have been nice to have seen more of Scottish comedian Billy Connolly as Algren's Irish right- hand man.

HOW LONG IS IT? A hefty 153 mins.

FINAL VERDICT: A hit! Great action, great costumes, great locations and a great Tom Cruise.

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