The Last Samurai
Interesting sites that highlight the use of martial arts in movies and television programs.
This movie is obviously based upon the
Satsuma Rebellion of 1877 when a small
band of samurai, led by Takamori Saigo,
made their last stand against the emerging
modern government and military. Tom
Cruise learned how to use swords with Nick
Powell, the same person who taught Russell
Crowe for Gladiator and Mel Gibson
for Braveheart.
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A second look at The Last Samurai
Journal of Theatrical Combatives
by Deborah Klens-Bigman, Ph.D.
This article is a very thoughtful and interesting analysis of historical background, the filmmaker’s attention to historical detail, the motivations of the characters. Because the author discusses the ending, it is probably to read this article after having seen the film. (Originally Published: 1/24/2004; Last DCTKD update: 11/30/0002)
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Sunset of the Samurai (TheHistoryNet)
In 1877, the samurai of Satsuma province and their reluctant leader, Takamori Saigo, hurled a final challenge at Japan’s westernizing government.
by John Rickman
This article provides an excellent summary of the political and historical events events leading to the Satsuma Rebellion. It also details the primary individuals involved: "The greatest threat to the Meiji government was also the last of a series of civil wars that had raged through Japan for 1,500 years. Ironically, the conflict did more to defeat samurai goals than any act of legislation could have done. Fighting to preserve the old order, the samurai had gone down in bloody defeat to modern weapons wielded by the lower-class soldiers they despised. The modern Japanese army had passed its first test and would soon develop into a force that would terrorize Asia and briefly humble the Western forces of Russia, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands and the United States." (Originally Published: 12/7/2003; Last DCTKD update: 12/7/2003)
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Review of The Last Samurai (FilmForce)
Tom Cruise -vs- Samurai -vs- the Coming of Modern Warfare. A damn fine tale that doesn’t know when to stop.
"There is nothing particularly new in The Last Samurai" but "at the end of the day, TLS is about...and succeeds entirely on the strength of...two qualities: Truth and simplicity...until the final fiteen minutes." (Originally Published: 12/5/2003; Last DCTKD update: 11/30/0002)
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How to Make the Cut
Film Preview: "The Last Samurai"
Asia Pacific Arts
"The Japanese martial arts choreography by stunt coordinator Nick Powell (‘The Bourne Identity’) will add a refreshing presence among...recent movies obsessed with kung fu choreography. Powell and his stunt team devised a well-rounded training regiment of Kendo, archery, and hand-to-hand combat." (Originally Published: 11/21/2003; Last DCTKD update: 11/30/0002)
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