The Spirit of "The Last Samurai" by Amy

In the movie ‘The Last Samurai,’ the main actor of this movie is Tom Cruise. There are some other Japanese actors and actresses, who are Koyuki and Watanabe Ken. I watched this movie at the theater with my mother in the Chinese New Year. At first, I thought the story was boring. The plot was so calm that I could not put myself in the movie. However, after Algran, the American solder acted by Tom Cruise, meets the samuris leaded by Katsumoto, acted by Watanabe Ken, the story became more and more attractive. Therefore, I started to indulge myself in this story.

In ‘The Last Samurai’, the character Tom Cruise plays is a soldier who loses his soul in a tragedic war. In that fight, he kills as many people as he could. Even though he is honored by the president, he feels sorry for the innocent residents who have been murdered by him. Therefore, when the president sends him to Japan to help the emperor of fighting against the samurais, he considers it as a regular job and feels lazy to do. However, after being caught by the samurais, he lives with them, finding out the spirit of the samurais. He is deeply touched by their spirit, which is so pure and so respectable. In the end of this movie, he gives up his position. He becomes one of the samurais and puts on the armor, which used to be wore by Koyuki’s husband who is killed by Tom Cruise at the beginning of the movie, to fight against the soldiers.

The movie depicts the spirit of samurais vividly. Samurais have their dignity which could not be offended. When knowing there is no chance for them to win, they would rather to commit suicide instead of surrendering to the enemies. Besides, they are loyal. Once they choose their leader, they will follow him until they lose their lives. My favorite character of this movie is Katsumoto, the leader of the samurais acting by Watanabe Ken. The situation of Katsumoto is difficult. He is forced to give up his position due to Meiji Restoration government. Moreover, the prime minister eagers to kill all of the samurais. Therefore, even though Katusmoto is still loyal, he has to flee to a deep mountain where is hard for the soldiers to fight with him. The ending of Katsumoto is sad. He is a good leader with warm heart and wisdom. He doesn’t betray the other samurais. Instead, he leads them, protecting them until the end. Besides, his death brings the new life to the samurais. Since the emperor is also touched by the spirit of the samurais, he decides not to kill the remaining samurais. The spirit of samurais is preserved.

In my opinion, "The Last Samurai" is truly a good movie. The director not only provides the audiences the beautiful scenery of Japan, but also gives the audiences a chance to know the spirit of samurais. I believe o one would feel regret after watching this movie.