The acting, costumes and score in this movie were beyond outstanding. To be immersed in the beautiful Japanese culture of this time period was such a sensory treat. Plus, the way Cruise’s character sought redemption was inspiring. What did you enjoy most about this movie? Side note, this film was by far the most difficult to overcome copyright issues. I apologize for how choppy some of the scenes are but alas we are in keeping with the way of Samurai. 🗡️ If you’re enjoying Movie Date With Kate please subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/@moviedatewithkate?si=Knk0g1vJm3wRX1DS
Sorry to hear of the copyright issues. Seems to be a problem for a great many You Tube movie/music reactors. The video quality is still very good and you show the film in full screen aspect ratio. Thanks for a great channel. Appreciate you.
if you enjoyed the history, def def check out Master and Commander (the far side of the world) probably the most accurate "life aboard a ship" in the Napoleonic era, portrade in a movie!
The movie was inspired by and losely based on the satsuma rebellion of 1877 led by saigo takamori. It was effectively brought to an end at the battle of mount shiroyama where just 500 samurai faced off against 30,000 imperial troops who demanded their surrender. But surrender not really being their way the samurai said no! At one point in the battle and under heavy fire the samurai charged the enemy and got within sword range of imperial soldiers who had no such skill. However saigo was mortally wounded and commited sepuku shortly after. It finally ended when the rest of the remaining samurai drew their swords and charged. In the end all 500 samurai were lost while the imperial army suffered only about 30 in turn. Sabaton also did a song about this battle. (Which could be worth a reaction video too)
*300* The movie is (very loosely) based on the historic Battle of Thermoplyae in 480 BC. As you can imagine, they added a huge amount of fantastical elements to the historical narrative. While the Spartan training portrayed in the movie is broadly accurate in its brutality, they left some things out. The boys in training were deliberately underfed, so that they'd learn how to survive on their own. While stealing was not forbidden, getting caught while stealing was punished viciously. Also, one of the last things a Spartan had to do before they completed their training in "the Agoge" was to murder a Helot, which was one of the slaves the Spartans kept. In fact, the Helots were one of the main reasons the Spartans were so militaristic, the Helots actually outnumbered the Spartans, and they were worried about a slave uprising. As for the Spartans, a major inaccuracy was what the Spartans are wearing. In real life they did not run around bear chested wearing nothing but leather speedos, though the red cloaks are accurate. They would have worn Bronze body armor known as a cuirass, bronze armor on their legs called greaves, a bronze helmet, and a large wood and bronze shield. Their primary weapon was an 8 foot spear and they carried a short sword as a secondary weapon. In fact most of the Greeks were to a certain extent, equipped in this manner, and it was one of the reasons the small force of Greeks did so well against the massive Persian army. The Persians were generally equipped with much lighter armor and generally fought in a much more skirmishing style. They were very unprepared for the much more face to face up close and personal combat the Greeks favored. The movie is right that there were only 300 Spartans present, but there were also 4000-7000 other Greeks from various City States also defending the pass with them, but acting under Spartan command. As far as the Persians go, there were no monsters in their army, just men. Even the Immortals, who did actually exist were ordinary men, The name Immortals came from the fact that there were always 10,000 of them. If they lost men in combat, their numbers were always restored to 10,000. As far as the numbers go, the Greek Historian Herodotus, who was the first to write about the battle, puts their numbers as over a million. Historians to this day debate this claim, that perhaps it was an exaggeration. Some Historians place the Persian numbers as low as 100,000-200,000 men, which, to be fair would still massively outnumber the Greeks. The fact that the Spartan army was barred from marching at the beginning due to a religious festival did happen, but what went down with the Oracle went a little differently, according to Herodotus. He states that the Oracle predicted that either Sparta would fall, or Sparta would lose one of its Kings. Leonidas thought the king the Oracle referred to was him, (Sparta was ruled by two kings,) and so led 300 Spartans to Thermoplyae. Initially, the battle went very well for the Greeks, with the Greek infantry holding the narrow mountain pass against the Persian army. They were aided in this endeavor by an Allied Greek Navy led by the Athenian fleet who, despite being outnumbered, held the Artemesium straight against the Persian Navy. This prevented Xerxes from landing Persian forces behind the Greeks by sea. Ultimately though, the Greek position was betrayed by a man named Ephialtes, however he was not a Spartan. Herodotus describes him as a local goat herder who showed the Persians the goat path that led behind the Greek position. The name Ephialtes later came to mean nightmare in Greek. The Greeks did get wind of it before it was too late though, so Leonidas ordered the bulk of the Greek army to retreat, while he would stay behind with the 300 Spartans to act as a rear guard, buying time for the rest of the Army to retreat. 700 Greeks from the City State of Thespia, and 400 Thebans also chose to remain behind for the rear guard. They were all killed to the last man. After the battle, the Persian Navy would be decisively defeated by the Athenian/ Greek navy at Salamis, and later the Persian army would be decisively defeated at Platea by a Spartan/ Greek army as the movie portrayed. This ended Xerxes attempt to conquer Greece. A well known epitaph, attributed to the Poet Simonides was placed on a stone at the site of the battle. Roughly translated it states "Go tell the Spartans, strangers passing by, that here, obedient to their laws, we lie." Unfortunately, the original stone does not survive, but a new one was placed there in 1955.
The Last Samurai is one of those films that evokes such emotions that I can never get through without shedding some tears. Hans Zimmer deserves so much credit for the score
@@MovieDateWithKate yes! unexpectedly early on, the village wooden sword practice exchange was fraught with so much emotion of being knocked down but getting back up and his adult opponent's disdain for him over, I Imagine, the loss of his friend, the husband of the leader's sister! It just all played out so dramatically with no words and the crescendoing music that wasn't overwhelming the audience but actually earned it by conveying the depths of emotion under the sleeve on both sides. AND initially the fallen samurai's son's emotions toward Algren!
@@MovieDateWithKate hey Kate, just came across your channel and had to say I absolutely loved your reaction. Would really like to see your reaction to Ninja Assassin. No one has reacted to it so it would be nice to finally see someone react to it. Its made by the directors of the matrix
It's actually disgusting just how much great music Zimmers has made. I sincerely hope far future generations look back on Zimmers the way we look back on people like Bach and Mozart.
Thank you so freaking much for not talking constantly, especially during important parts. Reactors love to talk the whole time now and they have no idea what is going on. Finally, a reactor I can watch again!
So this is my first time watching her and as I do with all reactors I scroll through the comments during the preamble, so I've not actually seen any reaction from her yet. However. This. absolutely this. People so often get "reaction" confused with "commentary" and it drives me nuts! Looking forward to watching this now!
Thanks a lot for your comment! That’s really awesome to hear you can watch along & it’s a good balance of reaction and letting the movie play. I’m pleased! 😌 See you at the next movie date!
@@SparkyAllMighty Absolutely. So many reaction channels are full of nitpicks and corny jokes. They're trying so hard to think of a joke every 10 seconds that they couldn't follow the story and character development. So many people mistake nitpicks for critique. There's one reactor that complained that the robbers in Home Alone were too dumb. I'm like "Bro this is a kids comedy, if the robbers were smart we wouldn't have a movie. Why are you applying adult drama logic to a kids comedy?".
Really nice you think so. I’ve only watched a few of his but this movie was something special. Every scene was majestic. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, and for watching :)
This is probably one of my favorite movies ever definitely top three but even though Cruise is great in this it is his pretty standard role. I much prefer him as Vincent in Collateral playing the bad guy.
I'm glad you started this channel. You are much more thoughtful, empathic, and contemplative than some other reaction channel hosts I've seen. It is genuinely engaging to go along these journeys.
What a stunning compliment to read. I am smiling so much. Thank you for taking the time to write that to me. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the channel and I’m pleased I started it too. I’m really enjoying myself and feel part of a community on here :) :)
Another day, Kate has made my day! This film, for my taste, is quite unknown, considering how absolutely masterful it seems to me. The story, the OST, the characters... and that ending with Katsumoto saying... "Perfect...they are all perfect" (about the blossoming). It's truly wonderful. "The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one and it would not be a wasted life"
Having watched this dozens of times, it finally dawned on me that perhaps Katsumoto, when he stated at his death “they are all perfect”, had the profound realization that everything is perfect in its imperfection, including everyone of us.
Yes, that’s a nice thought. Maybe looking around the battle field, he considered how everyone’s fate greeted them and they died fighting heroically, and that in itself was enough and ‘perfect’. It’s nice to think about these things :)
Katsumoto's last words were his uttering the final lines of his up till then unfinished poem. The poem about being able to spend a lifetime searching for the perfect blossom and that it not being a wasted life. "They are ALL perfect"
I think he was referring to what they talked about before, going your whole life without seeing the "perfect" blossom of those trees. But he had the realization every single one he ever saw was always perfect.
Cheers to the only reactor on UA-cam who knew who Billy Connolly was! And to the only person who really understood it. What a rare gem you are. Thank you for the lovely reaction. You wouldn't be in need of a misplaced Scotsman from the US would you? Lol From a fellow Japanofile
Your comment made me smile heaps! I adore Billy. We used to watch his shows as a family and I remember his stories about taking his son fishing and saying, “Look son, there’s flying fish!” And his son threw his head to the sky and goes, “where?!” Haha. Thanks so much for the compliment. I’m quite content thank you, but I appreciate the offer. Till the next reaction :)
I just love Hiroyuki Sanada in this movie...coming over that hill on his horse like a god of war...and then after he gets knocked off Ujio is just a whirling dervish of death. And after Ujio is shot, shrugging off his men, spitting blood, and going back into the fray... This movie is one of my favorites. I'm not a huge Tom Cruise fan, but this movie is so much more than him. It's beautiful.
I just love how you've described the battle with Hiro being so brave and fearless. I appreciate his character all the more now. Totally agree with you about Tom Cruise - I haven't watched many of his films as I'm not mad about him but this movie was stunning and he shone in it :) Thank you so much for watching!
You earned yourself a new sub. I like rewatching my favourite movies in the form of a reaction to just experience it another way. Part of enjoying the experience is vibing with the person who reacts. Most of the other reactors I see make it too much about themselves with excessive commentary that's not even relevant and fake reaction but yours were genuine and lovely! Your actual appreciation of the scenes and music is shared equally :)
29:11 The topknot is such a central element of Samurai culture, having it cut off like that is like the worst insult, so when Nobutada cries out like that, it’s like he’s begging his ancestors' forgiveness for having allowed himself to be dishonoured like that. Heartbreaking scene.
That’s a fab suggestion. I’ve watched Glory once, years ago. I’m considering doing movies I’ve watched before as an audio commentary for the channel. Full length, but just my voice & have it as a file for listening along to. Just an idea of mine. It’s a great film! I remember loving the scarecrow moment with the fake soldiers! :)
@@MovieDateWithKate I think you're thinking of "The Patriot" with Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger. "Glory" stars Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, and Morgan Freeman and is set during the American Civil War. A brilliant, moving film (It is Edward Zwick, after all) that tells a straightforward story while also deftly including dozens of points and observations about the nature of the war and the complexities of American society at the time. It was also Denzel's first Oscar win.
Kate, you have swiftly become my favorite reactor. I’m really enjoying rewatching my favorite movies with you. I love your appreciation for dialogue, cinematography, and emotion.
The Battle of Thermopylae in 480B.C. with King Leonidas & his 300 against King Xerxes & his Persian Army was not "Greek Mythology" but "Greek History". The movie "300" while done in Frank Miller's graphic novel style takes artistic license with History, it is based upon the historical Battle of Thermopylae. I believe that you would enjoy reacting to the movie.
the amount of chills i get on the rainy fight scene is immense, the score in this film, along with the story and everything, hits the PERFECTION. awsome reaction
Thank you very much for your reaction to this movie!.Everyone who has been on the battlefield goes through their own reincarnation of the soul..This is one of my few favorite movies.And I am grateful to you for reacting to it!.God bless you in your life !
Loved your comment and what you said about reincarnation after being on the battlefield. That’s pretty neat, if partly tragic. But part of your own destiny. Thank you so much for watching :)
Fully agree with you. The production must have been booming for this one. It just came off as smooth and sweeping and tremendously entertaining. I really want Edward Zwick to make a new movie haha.
Great review! As a long time Kendo and Iaido practitioner, this is one of my favorite movies. (Yes, it's not historically accurate, but still a great movie) No mind is mu shin, a mental state where you only exist in the here and now and training takes over. You focus your eyes beyond the opponent, called enzan no metsuke. The wooden sword is bokken or bokutoh. The helmet is kabuto. Tom Cruise did a great job showing the training he went through. His character arc is so powerful. Wonderful review.
Many thanks indeed! The character of Nathan definitely had an awesome & inspiring character arc. Thank you so much for teaching me more about the Japanese words! :) that’s very cool to learn. Thanks for watching.
First time on the channel. Congratulations on nearly 6K subscribers! The Last Samurai is one of my favorites! What an amazing film! The acting and story are top notch! And the score by Hans Zimmer of course! 🎶 You mentioned the interactions between Nathan and Taka were very believable and tastefully done. I strongly agree. Their interactions were so powerful and emotional! Taka: The way of Samurai is difficult for children. He misses his father. Nathan: And he is angry because I am the cause of that. Taka: No. He is angry because he fears you will die as well. Two other quality films you should react to are "The Green Mile" (1999 - Tom Hanks, Michael Clark Duncan) and "Arrival" (2016 - Amy Adams, Ian Donnelly, Forest Whitaker). They are both AMAZING (wonderful acting and story-telling 📽) and are in my Top Five of All Time list. A lovely reaction! Subscribed.
Thanks so much for your ace message! I’m really pleased you’ve subscribed, thank you! I’m delighted with the number of subscribers so far. Lucky me!! ☺️ really appreciate your suggestions as well. Forest Whittaker is a wonderful actor, I really like him. I’ll check them out. Thanks again! :)
I remember first seeing Hiroyuki Sanada back in 2002 in an amazing Japanese film called "Twighlight Samurai". It is one of the finest samurai films ever made and the first part of a trilogy. That movie is a must watch. I must also say I truly enjoy your reactions they really just make me so happy. My favorites of yours so far are "The Exorcist" and "Sleepy Hollow". Here's to many more, keep up the amazing movie journey. Take care and have an amazing week.
Thank you very much indeed for your brilliant comment & support! I’ll have to watch Twilight Samurai for sure. Really happy to hear you’re enjoying my videos. I hope to do more sweeping dramas in the future like this one :) have a super week too!
Kate, if i wasn't subbed already, your sensitive and caring reaction to this film would have cinched it for me!!! btw, your inner guy came out along with your tears when the Gattlin guns opened fire!!!! you are gorgeous!!! see you at the next movie!!!
The movie ties in well with the series Shogun, this period was the end of Shogun rule in Japan, and the end of Japanese isolationism. The emperor was only 15 when he ascended to power and led Japan to adopt a new constitution and installed parliamentary rule, and solidified Japan's independence. The practical usefulness of the Samurai may have come to an end with the existence of a new Japanese military, but the honor, tradition, and discipline represented by the Samurai continued through out Japanese society.
For sure, I really sense that the honour and discipline displayed is very much prevalent in Japanese society today, from the little I know. I expect if I ever visited it would be tangible, even, the traditions they follow. (I hope to go some day).
I absolutely love the interactions with the children throughout this movie I guess at the end of the day we all are looking for a small measure of peace. Absolutely love everything about this movie
Loved your comment. And I wholeheartedly agree. They were the sweetest. May we all feel peace in our hearts and minds, and not ask for too much to be content with :) it was a glorious movie.
Ohhh 🥹 no I didn’t. I didn’t realise that was the end of a Haiku. I just thought he’d thought of his last line for the Poem (how could I have missed that?!) lol. Makes it even more beautiful. Thanks so saying so :)
Actually, his poem was, “The tigers eyes are like my own.” The “Perfect. They are all perfect.” Is referencing what he said before that “You could spend your entire life looking for a perfect blossom, and it would not be a wasted life.”
This is one of those films I said I would never watch. Not a fan of Tom Cruise. A friend of mine made me watch this movie many years ago and I was shocked. The story and all the actors were amazing, including Mr. Cruise. One of my favorite movies. Without a doubt my favorite Tom Cruise character. Thanks for the reaction. Great reaction to a great movie. Epic movie.
I’m so glad they persuaded you to watch it. 😊 I’m not naturally drawn to Tom Cruise either as an actor but he was just fantastic in the movie. I thought he respected his character and put his all into the film. So pleased you enjoyed it as well, thanks for liking my video :)
Kate, Your considerable enthusiasm for the Japanese culture tells me you need to visit Japan, sooner rather than later. Well done. I thoroughly enjoyed your commentary throughout this reaction. I've never seen this movie, but your editing and commentary enabled me to follow along with ease. You're so much fun, Thomas
Hi Thomas, Such a lovely comment to receive! Thanks a lot. Really cool you’d never watched it before either so we could experience watching it together for the first time. I would LOVE to visit Japan; I think they have the cherry blossom festival in festival in April time. That would be simply awesome. Many thanks for watching my video! :) Take care till next time! :)
You don’t get movies like this anymore. The beauty of the cinematography, the smart dialogue, and masses of extras for realistic looking battle scenes. They truly don’t make them like they used to
Turn of the millennium - Saving Private Ryan, The Matrix, Gladiator, Lord of the Rings, The Last Samurai. The early 00s were truly something special, not just in movies but music too.
Every point you made I completely agree with. It was beautiful to watch but I really felt that way as well & felt kind of sad. Still, at least we can enjoy the excellent ones now on repeat. :)
So so true, the music was peak!! 🎵 I listen to the whole gladiator soundtrack often at work when I have to concentrate lol. Liza Gerrard said she wrote the lyrics to ‘Now We Are Free’ using her own language that she started using aged twelve or so to communicate with God in her own way.. just so beautiful.
Absolutely wonderful reaction, your reactions are priceless !! The spiritual awakening you mentioned, I’m a very spiritual person but that whole setting was intriguing. Some might say the culture of Japan is totally different and that was the way of the samurai but when the terrible accident happened to Japan in March of 2011, the people had very little food and water . They had to stand in line hoping to get a small ration and yet men was stepping aside for women to get served. The younger people would step aside for the elderly. To that degree, it would not have happened that way in the United States. So much respect among the citizens ! The statement you made at the beginning,” hustle hustle baby almost made me fall out of my chair ! lol
Thank you so much! I’m a very spiritual person myself and so I enjoyed watching Cruise embody that part in his role. It was a nice addition to the storyline, and made his decision at the end to fight with the Samurai all the more genuine. Yes, that’s such a true point about how Japan behaved after the tsunami hit them. They will always strive for harmony & respect of others. Plus, they built their roads and homes back up so so quickly after that natural disaster. They’re a resilient culture, it seems. In the best way.
I absolutely love the serenity in your way of reacting. Loads of reactors here on youtube talk and talk for the sake of reacting. I prefer ppl taking in movies and only talk when needed so much more. new subscriber here!
What a great message to read! Thanks for saying so. I’m absolutely delighted you’ve subscribed. Really encouraging to hear for my new channel so thank you :) see you at the next movie date!
Movie Dates with Kate are always great. Edward Zwick directed it. Filming actually took place in New Zealand in the Taranaki region because of its forest and farmland, as well as it most resembles Mount Fuji. The story is set in 1876, which is slightly over a decade after the American Civil War, as well as the assassination of President Lincoln. There was a mostly Japanese cast and American production crew. Tom Cruise did his own stunts in the movie. The film was based on the stories of Eugène Collache and Jules Brunet, both French Imperial Guard officers. The European role in the westernization of Japan needs to be emphasized as much as that of the American one.
That’s so cool! Thank you for knowing all that and sharing your knowledge. Very apt it was filmed in New Zealand. 🏞️ So much space for everything to not be interrupted. Thank you for watching my video!
Cruise’s character Nathan Algren is a veteran of the Native American Indian War, who comes to see the parallels between what he witnessed during his time in the military & how the Japanese Government went about wiping out the Samurai & their way of life. The American Indian Wars, also known as the American Frontier Wars, and the Indian Wars, were fought by European governments and colonists in North America, and later by the United States government and American settlers, against various Native American tribes. These conflicts occurred in the United States from the time of the earliest colonial settlements in the 17th century until the early 20th century. The various wars resulted from a wide variety of factors, the most common being the desire of settlers and governments for Indian tribes' lands. As settlers spread westward across the United States after 1780, armed conflicts increased in size, duration, and intensity between settlers and various Indian tribes. The climax came in the War of 1812, when major Indian coalitions in the US Midwest and the US South fought against the United States and lost. Conflict with settlers became less common and was usually resolved by treaties between the federal government and specific tribes, which often required the tribes to sell or surrender land to the United States. These treaties were frequently broken by the US government. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 authorized the US government to force Indian tribes to move from east of the Mississippi River to the west on the American frontier, especially to Indian Territory which became Oklahoma. As settlers expanded onto the Great Plains and the Western United States, the nomadic and semi-nomadic Indian tribes of those regions were forced to relocate to reservations. The impact of the wars & the forced relocation of tribes, decimated their populations. The number of Native Americans dropped to below half a million in the 19th century because of Eurasian diseases such as influenza, pneumonic plagues, and smallpox, in combination with conflict, forced removal, enslavement, imprisonment, and outright warfare with European newcomers reduced populations and disrupted traditional societies. Sadly there are no true number for those who were killed in the years from 1609 to 1924 when the The Apache Wars ended in 1924 and brought the American Indian Wars to a close. I can highly recommend reading the incredibly moving ‘Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee’.
Thank you so much for sharing with me the truth of the history of the United States. Just tragic. I would really like to watch ‘bury my heart at wounded knee’. Thanks again for taking the time to share what you know. I greatly appreciate it.
Just a beautiful, borderline perfect movie. Seeing it now always reminds me of my father who also loved it. They just don't make movies like this anymore. They don't make media like this at all. Characters globetrotting in a historical, pre-modern setting and experiencing a foreign culture is one of my all time favorite tropes. When done well it always feels magical and it could have not been done better in this movie. I actually did not know this was directed by the same person who directed Legends of the Fall. That's one of my favorite movies as well. People in your comments recommended Dancing With Wolves and i subscribe to that as well, love that movie. This was a fun video, thanks. Oh one fun fact about this movie in case it was not mentioned: In the scene where Algren and Katsumoto are riding back to the Samurai line and dismount, Algren's horse kicks an extra standing there right in the balls, full blast. They left that in the movie. I seriously hope that armor came with a codpiece cause...ouch.
That’s so good to know!!! Haha painful indeed!!! Wow. That’s so lovely you like Legends of the Fall too. Thank you for watching the movie with me. Just so spot on, they don’t make them like this anymore! It was such a joy to watch.
The samurai at the end were cut down by a Gatling gun which is not semi-automatic. It was a forerunner to the modern machine gun, especially the rotary cannon type like the M-134 Minigun, the M-61 Vulcan and the GAU-8 Avenger that adorns the nose of the A-10 Warthog. And yes, this was Tom Cruise’s best role.
Great answer, I scrolled through to see if anyone would have helped her with that bit. The M134 went by the GAU-17 for us, it took forever to load the munitions for such a fast run through. 2k rounds per min left trigger.. 4k with the right. It had a sight but you just moved the "dust ball of carnage" onto target. Good day to you Amtrak7394~
Not sure if this is necessarily his best role, but it is definitely good. Maglomania, Born On The Fourth Of July, Jerry Maguire, Eyes Wide Shut, Collateral, Minority Report to name a few contenders of the top of my head.
The man who played Bob was Seizo Fukumoto, a very highly-respected actor who mostly played period dramas. Sadly he passed away in 2020 from lung cancer. The eldest of the two boys is Sosuke Ikematsu, and is also a prolific actor: working in both movies and TV. Recently he played the lead in _Shin Kamen Rider,_ a very popular Japanese superhero franchise. Ken Watanabe -- the man playing Katsumoto -- is absolutely brilliant in _Tokyo Vice:_ an adapted autobiography revolving around the 90s _Yakuza._ Interestingly enough, both Hiroyuki Sanada and Seizo Fukumoto started acting in the same year -- 1965. Given his recent successes in _Shogun,_ he is now undoubtedly one of Japan's most accomplished actors and TV show producers.
The Japanese people as a whole adore Tom. He went to Japan reportedly 2 yrs before filming so he could immerse himself in the culture. He took to learning Japanese, and Kenjutsu, the Art of Japanese Sword fighting. The loss of a Samurai's Top Knot is considered the height of embarrassment if not his Honor and shameful to the point of Hara Kiri. This is one of my personal Top 10 Films though I have likely close to 75 if not more which are also great just not quite as. I've always felt a close or very warm feeling for most things Japanese. I hope before I reach the end of my long brown road t visit one day.
Oh wow!! So he said no to them. Gosh! I’m sure there are some films that depict The Battle of Little Bighorn. I wouldn’t mind watching one of those. I’m glad you wrote down his name because in the film I thought Nathan said the man’s name was ‘Custard’ haha (my bad hearing!).
Doesn't it make you ponder what you would be thinking of in his position. He displays such harmony and hope and optimism for the most heart-breaking moment, even knowing death is upon him. So sad, but beautiful. An amazing ending for him.
@@MovieDateWithKate "You could spend your life looking for one (perfect blossom) and it would not be a wasted life." He did. It was not wasted. We can only hope for such fortune. (or get to looking!)
Wholeheartedly agree with you - that’s what came across so clearly to me. It was his respect for his character. He just gave it everything and let his talent and intuition, I think, to play the role take over. Bravo Cruise on this one!! :)
@@MovieDateWithKate really, it's Nathan's character arc that makes the movie for me. We're introduced to a man who is so haunted by the sins of his past that he spends as much time inside a bottle as he can. For the few hours a day that he’s sober, he’s a pitch man for a rifle manufacturer, selling the very model of gun that he used to murder women and children. His life has no purpose and he feels no honor in his sense of self. But Fate comes along and says, “You have the chance to change your destiny. The road you will travel will be incredibly hard, but in the end, you will find not merely acceptance, but belonging and love in a culture where honor is one of the highest virtues. I can’t offer you redemption, but I can offer you peace and purpose.” Many actors could have played that role and played it well. Cruise had the good sense to recognize the significance of Nathan Aldridge and chose to play him with great nuance and sensitivity. To me the sign of a good actor is when you forget the actor and only see the character. Cruise doesn’t always do that in his roles, but he absolutely did it here.
30:57 It's a tiny detail, but I like how Nathan mouths "No mind" to himself right before the fight. Also, your wide-eyed, bloodthirsty glee made the scene even better. 😄 34:10 General Sir Edmund Allenby (later Viscount Allenby) actually did exactly that-in devising his plan for his 1918 Battle of Megiddo, he used the same strategy (a maneuver through the Musmus Pass) as Pharaoh Thutmose III almost 3,400 years prior. It worked, too; Allenby read his military history, and the other side didn't.
😂 Sometimes I look like I’m capable of a gleeful murder when I watch back on my expressions haha!! That’s extraordinary he copied a successful war plan devised over 3,000 years ago. Love that!! That should be part of a campaign for local libraries. Read your books, kids!
I enjoyed watching this with you, Miss Kate. And,if you don't mind my saying, I love your beautiful accent and proper English. You speak as beautifully as you are to behold. I was raised in East Texas, and my family taught me to respect the English language. However, I love to speak with my native southern drawl. Merry Christmas from the mountains of Utah. Much Love, Daniel
Thank you Daniel for your kind words and lovely compliments you pay me. The mountains of Utah sound mesmerising. I bet they look majestic in all seasons. Thanks for watching my reaction to this epic movie. I really enjoyed getting lost in it. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
You're one of my most favorite new movie reactors. If you're not doing voice acting for posh received pronunciation (and maybe more) you should do! What a treat.
Oh thank you, that’s so lovely to hear. Not acting, but I was thinking to do an audio commentary for full length films I’ve already watched and loved. So, just me talking about it and taking through it with my mic on. Then I’ll put the audio files on my patreon (i hope for that to go up this week). It can be a listen along with the film for people. Just an idea :) Thanks so much for the compliment! Take care, till next time.
That’s awesome praise to receive. I’m so glad I managed to give a good balance of commentary along with just enjoying the film. It was beautiful and powerful; a treasure of a movie, I’d say. Really happy you enjoyed our movie date.
Well Kate, gotta say the experience with you definitely is an order of magnitude better than so many others out there. Hate that it's taken this long to find you, but look forward to more reactions as we go. You are one Classy Lady. That rotary cannon was an original style Gatling gun. The military uses something like it even to this day. Fewer barrels, much higher rate of fire and power.
What nice praise to read! Thank you!! Well my channel is just a month old so I’m trying to create some good reactions leading up to the new year. I’m really enjoying it! Thank you for highlighting that was in fact a Gatling gun :) See you at the next movie date!
I saw this in theaters when it came out. Own it on DVD. Couldn't begin to tell you how many times I've watched this movie. And yet EVERY time the army bows in respect I lose it.
Same, I just lost it at that scene. I felt in deep in my heart. So cool you've got the DVD. I miss that lovely comfort feeling of putting the DVD into the player and you know you're going to love it for the umpteenth time. :)
You mentioning archery in movies reminds me, I was a extra in *_Game of Thrones_* as a "Bolton soldier" in the big battle during season six that was filmed in Northern Ireland and there was about two hundred of us. The guy that trained the extras to be archers in *_Braveheart_* also trained our guys. I wasn't chosen as an archer, but as a swordsman I did have to learn ten different sword strikes and blocks. I fractured my elbow. 🙄
The wheel-mounted guns used in the last battle scene may be Gatling guns, which were an early form of machine gun invented in the 1860s. Since this movie was set sometime after 1876 (the year of the Battle of the Little Bighorn), that would be factually plausible. This period saw several such advances in firepower, which tilted the battlefield balance toward defensive tactics and away from concentrated infantry or cavalry attacks. The end result was the trenches of World War 1, which represented an extreme imbalance in favor of static, entrenched troops with machine guns and artillery.
The soundtrack in this movie is fantastic, and I think the casting was spot on, costuming and location scouting was excellent. Honestly I thought this was one of the most respectful movies when it comes to placing Western characters in a Japanese setting, the focus is on the Samurai and Algren finds closure and redemption from his experiences with them, rather than just being the generic white saviour trope. Considering a lot of Japanese viewers like this film I think they did a good job with it. And I completely agree, that dressing scene was so tastefully done and intimate. The "they are all perfect" line I think invokes the concept of wabi-sabi, where the very quality of impermanence and imperfection is in fact, true perfection. Every blossom is imperfect, but therefore unique and existing for a short amount of time, and there is beauty to be found in that unique moment of viewing, no blossom is perfect, but for that reason every blossom is perfect.
Really enjoyed reading your comment. Just so spot on with what you said about many Japanese liking the film. I have to agree too with you, that the idea that Cruise’s character felt a rebirth and serenity around them, this allowed the storytelling to be so much more than a white saviour complex. Thanks so much for watching my video.
I watched that in the cinema and I must have been too young to appreciate how good it is. watching this recap/review after seeing shogun adds a lot to the interpersonal interactions that this movie did so similar to shogun which I believe is quite accurate.
UA-cam gave me this as a suggestion as I love seeing reactions to 'The Last Samurai' ... and as a fellow Brit it was the instant recognition of comedy legend Billy Connolly that won me over for the watch! .... subscribed! Totally agree by the way: not only is this just a beautiful film, but is - to my mind - Tom Cruise's absolute best performance ... I believe the prep he put in was insane!
Aww what a super comment to read! Thank you!! And cheers for subscribing as well :) yes, you’re right, I’ve learned from the comments that Tom spent months in Japan perfecting his diction and martial arts. Go Tom!!
Thank you so much indeed!! That’s a fantastic suggestion. I think I’ll love it. I’ve only watched Kevin Costner in ‘Hidden Figures’ so it’ll be nice to see him act as a younger man.
@@MovieDateWithKate And right after that, "Snow Falling on Cedars": Ethan Hawke in one of his best roles. About how the Japanese-Americans were treated during WWII and a childhood love denied by racists. You're gonna need lots of hankies.
Yet another excellent review! I agree with you about this being Tom Cruise's best role. Another underrated film of his is Collateral - a great performance and you can sense the effort and craft that he put into the character (a hitman!) as well as the stunts. Jamie Foxx is excellent in it as well. Keep the reviews coming, I feel sure that you will continue to build an appreciative following!
Thank you so much for your support! And I haven’t watched that one :) could be very good for the channel next year. Many thanks indeed. See you at the next movie date.
Lol. The video kept getting flagged for copyright. I decided to just throw a random 2 second long black screen at the start to test if it changed anything. As soon as I did that it passed copyright and I was too scared to go back in and edit "custom text" out 😜 Editing or removing any part of that text had a chance of bringing the copyright back. That's how inconsistent it is. 🙄 So it was either leave a weird title card at the beginning or risk hours of extra work and stress. I think I made the correct decision 😀
The film may not be historical accurate, but it depicts very well the ending of an "era", the era of the samurai, a culture of thousands of years ended by the doing of man chasing progress, money, possesion and some other unworthy causes! The movie itself was a masterpiece, the directing, the musicscore, the actors..., it all fitted "perfect"! And there is a lesson to be learned as well for those who see it, I myself have seen it a dozen times I think and it still keeps mee captivated and in a certain emotional state, if I had a list of best movies it would be with the first three tho I don't know in wich place..., it could very well be the first! And for you Kate..., a very wel reaction, keep up the good works ;)
I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction to this great film, Kate. As you said, it was the meeting different ways of combat, the ancient and the modern, technology making it easier to kill, but without the bravery and honour of the old ways. Sorry to learn of your chanting neighbour.
Thank you so much for saying so. Yes, it was a powerful message within the film, if a sad one. I really appreciate you watching and enjoying the channel.
Japan is a beautiful place. I spent my last two years in the Navy stationed aboard a ship homeported in Sasebo, Japan. I loved the place. Amazing, deep history and fascinating culture and customs. I would love to go back.
This was by far the best reaction to this fantastic movie. You deserve far more than 7k subs, so I subscribed. Your comments were thoughtful, insightful, and extremely sensitive to the subject matter. I believe that Cruise's character is loosely based on a French soldier of fortune. In historical fact, America was not involved in Japan's military development. Their navy would be built by Britain and their army was trained and based on the German model. I believe the French also sold them artillery. Great review.
Brilliant knowledge you’ve shared here. I didn’t know that about Germany influencing their military; really good to know. Thank you for your kind comment and support for my new channel :) Cheers for subscribing!!
Movie Date With Kate: thank you for a wonderful 'reaction'. You said what you felt, what you thought needed to be said, without any incessant chatter... well done. I'm not a Tom Cruise fan but the role/character I've enjoyed most was his Jack Reacher role(s), I'm a fan of Lee Childs and his Jack Reacher books (even though Tom Cruise does not resemble Jack Reacher in the novels). Still, enjoyed your reaction and I'll tune in for more of your 'reactions'. One last thought... I think you'd really enjoy a great movie, with incredible performances by Frank Sinatra, Burt Lancaster and Montgomery Clift, about three soldiers in US Army before WW II (and their women/ relationships). (Winner of eight Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, Writers Guild of America Award for Best Writen Drama, Directors Guild of America Award for Best Directing of a Feature Film + others). Please give it a try, I'm betting you'll be pleased!😮... pleasant dreams, pleasant journey!
Thanks so much for the lovely comment and super film recommendation. I’ve not watched ‘From here to Eternity’ but I think I’ll like it immensely. So many awards - wow! I’ve not watched any Jack Reacher films.. maybe I should next year. I’m trying to read a bit more John Le Carre these days. Did you ever watch the BBC miniseries of ‘The Night Manager’? I don’t know if you can watch it where you are in the world but it’s definitely worth checking out. (Season 2 is being made right now). 😊
I guess I discovered you, because you reacted to one of my favourite movies of all time. It has everything in it. The music, the shots of the landscape and the way of the samurai. Because I have seen it so often I could enjoy whatch you enjoying it. Great comments, good cut. Where are you coming from, if I may ask ? Cause when I close my eyes I hear Keira Knightly. And good luck and much sucess with your channel.
I'm so pleased you've discovered my channel. The movie was truly AWESOME! Thanks for your kind words. I'm happy you enjoyed my edit. I'm from the West Country in England. Though, I did a lot of poetry and drama recitals as a girl so I don't have the farmer accent :) But it can come out after a few ciders haha. Thanks for the well wishes for the channel!
The acting, costumes and score in this movie were beyond outstanding. To be immersed in the beautiful Japanese culture of this time period was such a sensory treat. Plus, the way Cruise’s character sought redemption was inspiring. What did you enjoy most about this movie?
Side note, this film was by far the most difficult to overcome copyright issues. I apologize for how choppy some of the scenes are but alas we are in keeping with the way of Samurai. 🗡️
If you’re enjoying Movie Date With Kate please subscribe to the channel:
youtube.com/@moviedatewithkate?si=Knk0g1vJm3wRX1DS
Sorry to hear of the copyright issues. Seems to be a problem for a great many You Tube movie/music reactors. The video quality is still very good and you show the film in full screen aspect ratio. Thanks for a great channel. Appreciate you.
Thank you for all the effort in getting past the copyright just for our viewing pleasure! The editing and uploading alone, would be my downfall 100%
if you enjoyed the history, def def check out
Master and Commander (the far side of the world) probably the most accurate "life aboard a ship" in the Napoleonic era, portrade in a movie!
The movie was inspired by and losely based on the satsuma rebellion of 1877 led by saigo takamori. It was effectively brought to an end at the battle of mount shiroyama where just 500 samurai faced off against 30,000 imperial troops who demanded their surrender. But surrender not really being their way the samurai said no!
At one point in the battle and under heavy fire the samurai charged the enemy and got within sword range of imperial soldiers who had no such skill. However saigo was mortally wounded and commited sepuku shortly after. It finally ended when the rest of the remaining samurai drew their swords and charged. In the end all 500 samurai were lost while the imperial army suffered only about 30 in turn.
Sabaton also did a song about this battle. (Which could be worth a reaction video too)
*300*
The movie is (very loosely) based on the historic Battle of Thermoplyae in 480 BC. As you can imagine, they added a huge amount of fantastical elements to the historical narrative. While the Spartan training portrayed in the movie is broadly accurate in its brutality, they left some things out. The boys in training were deliberately underfed, so that they'd learn how to survive on their own. While stealing was not forbidden, getting caught while stealing was punished viciously. Also, one of the last things a Spartan had to do before they completed their training in "the Agoge" was to murder a Helot, which was one of the slaves the Spartans kept. In fact, the Helots were one of the main reasons the Spartans were so militaristic, the Helots actually outnumbered the Spartans, and they were worried about a slave uprising.
As for the Spartans, a major inaccuracy was what the Spartans are wearing. In real life they did not run around bear chested wearing nothing but leather speedos, though the red cloaks are accurate. They would have worn Bronze body armor known as a cuirass, bronze armor on their legs called greaves, a bronze helmet, and a large wood and bronze shield. Their primary weapon was an 8 foot spear and they carried a short sword as a secondary weapon. In fact most of the Greeks were to a certain extent, equipped in this manner, and it was one of the reasons the small force of Greeks did so well against the massive Persian army. The Persians were generally equipped with much lighter armor and generally fought in a much more skirmishing style. They were very unprepared for the much more face to face up close and personal combat the Greeks favored. The movie is right that there were only 300 Spartans present, but there were also 4000-7000 other Greeks from various City States also defending the pass with them, but acting under Spartan command.
As far as the Persians go, there were no monsters in their army, just men. Even the Immortals, who did actually exist were ordinary men, The name Immortals came from the fact that there were always 10,000 of them. If they lost men in combat, their numbers were always restored to 10,000. As far as the numbers go, the Greek Historian Herodotus, who was the first to write about the battle, puts their numbers as over a million. Historians to this day debate this claim, that perhaps it was an exaggeration. Some Historians place the Persian numbers as low as 100,000-200,000 men, which, to be fair would still massively outnumber the Greeks.
The fact that the Spartan army was barred from marching at the beginning due to a religious festival did happen, but what went down with the Oracle went a little differently, according to Herodotus. He states that the Oracle predicted that either Sparta would fall, or Sparta would lose one of its Kings. Leonidas thought the king the Oracle referred to was him, (Sparta was ruled by two kings,) and so led 300 Spartans to Thermoplyae. Initially, the battle went very well for the Greeks, with the Greek infantry holding the narrow mountain pass against the Persian army. They were aided in this endeavor by an Allied Greek Navy led by the Athenian fleet who, despite being outnumbered, held the Artemesium straight against the Persian Navy. This prevented Xerxes from landing Persian forces behind the Greeks by sea. Ultimately though, the Greek position was betrayed by a man named Ephialtes, however he was not a Spartan. Herodotus describes him as a local goat herder who showed the Persians the goat path that led behind the Greek position. The name Ephialtes later came to mean nightmare in Greek. The Greeks did get wind of it before it was too late though, so Leonidas ordered the bulk of the Greek army to retreat, while he would stay behind with the 300 Spartans to act as a rear guard, buying time for the rest of the Army to retreat. 700 Greeks from the City State of Thespia, and 400 Thebans also chose to remain behind for the rear guard. They were all killed to the last man.
After the battle, the Persian Navy would be decisively defeated by the Athenian/ Greek navy at Salamis, and later the Persian army would be decisively defeated at Platea by a Spartan/ Greek army as the movie portrayed. This ended Xerxes attempt to conquer Greece. A well known epitaph, attributed to the Poet Simonides was placed on a stone at the site of the battle. Roughly translated it states "Go tell the Spartans, strangers passing by, that here, obedient to their laws, we lie." Unfortunately, the original stone does not survive, but a new one was placed there in 1955.
The Last Samurai is one of those films that evokes such emotions that I can never get through without shedding some tears. Hans Zimmer deserves so much credit for the score
You said it!!! Hans Zimmer made the hairs on my neck stand up and my eyes sting with emotion! He’s a wonder!
@@MovieDateWithKate yes! unexpectedly early on, the village wooden sword practice exchange was fraught with so much emotion of being knocked down but getting back up and his adult opponent's disdain for him over, I Imagine, the loss of his friend, the husband of the leader's sister! It just all played out so dramatically with no words and the crescendoing music that wasn't overwhelming the audience but actually earned it by conveying the depths of emotion under the sleeve on both sides. AND initially the fallen samurai's son's emotions toward Algren!
Kates first comment = "the music just gave me chills...."
This is one of Hans Zimmers best scores... love it!
Completely agree. It was God like.
@@MovieDateWithKate hey Kate, just came across your channel and had to say I absolutely loved your reaction. Would really like to see your reaction to Ninja Assassin. No one has reacted to it so it would be nice to finally see someone react to it. Its made by the directors of the matrix
It's actually disgusting just how much great music Zimmers has made. I sincerely hope far future generations look back on Zimmers the way we look back on people like Bach and Mozart.
Thank you so freaking much for not talking constantly, especially during important parts. Reactors love to talk the whole time now and they have no idea what is going on. Finally, a reactor I can watch again!
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👌🏻
@@JOakes-qv5zg That’s absolutely one of the reasons I like her so much. No unnecessary dialogue.
So this is my first time watching her and as I do with all reactors I scroll through the comments during the preamble, so I've not actually seen any reaction from her yet. However. This. absolutely this. People so often get "reaction" confused with "commentary" and it drives me nuts! Looking forward to watching this now!
Thanks a lot for your comment! That’s really awesome to hear you can watch along & it’s a good balance of reaction and letting the movie play. I’m pleased! 😌 See you at the next movie date!
@@SparkyAllMighty Absolutely. So many reaction channels are full of nitpicks and corny jokes. They're trying so hard to think of a joke every 10 seconds that they couldn't follow the story and character development. So many people mistake nitpicks for critique. There's one reactor that complained that the robbers in Home Alone were too dumb. I'm like "Bro this is a kids comedy, if the robbers were smart we wouldn't have a movie. Why are you applying adult drama logic to a kids comedy?".
I’ve seen every movie the Cruise has been in. I’d rate this as his very best work. The story and Cinematography was perfect.
Really nice you think so. I’ve only watched a few of his but this movie was something special. Every scene was majestic. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, and for watching :)
This is probably one of my favorite movies ever definitely top three but even though Cruise is great in this it is his pretty standard role. I much prefer him as Vincent in Collateral playing the bad guy.
I'm glad you started this channel. You are much more thoughtful, empathic, and contemplative than some other reaction channel hosts I've seen. It is genuinely engaging to go along these journeys.
What a stunning compliment to read. I am smiling so much. Thank you for taking the time to write that to me. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the channel and I’m pleased I started it too. I’m really enjoying myself and feel part of a community on here :) :)
Another day, Kate has made my day! This film, for my taste, is quite unknown, considering how absolutely masterful it seems to me. The story, the OST, the characters... and that ending with Katsumoto saying... "Perfect...they are all perfect" (about the blossoming). It's truly wonderful.
"The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one and it would not be a wasted life"
Your comment is perfect! That was lovely to read. Thank you so much! ☺️🌸
Loved your reaction. Thanks!
Thank you so much for the donation to the channel! That’s massively appreciated and I’m so glad you enjoyed my reaction. Thank you again, Anthony. ☺️🥰
“The way of the samurai is no longer necessary.” “What could be more necessary” 💯🔥❤️
Chills!!! 🔥🔥🔥
Having watched this dozens of times, it finally dawned on me that perhaps Katsumoto, when he stated at his death “they are all perfect”, had the profound realization that everything is perfect in its imperfection, including everyone of us.
Yes, that’s a nice thought. Maybe looking around the battle field, he considered how everyone’s fate greeted them and they died fighting heroically, and that in itself was enough and ‘perfect’. It’s nice to think about these things :)
Katsumoto's last words were his uttering the final lines of his up till then unfinished poem. The poem about being able to spend a lifetime searching for the perfect blossom and that it not being a wasted life. "They are ALL perfect"
I think he was referring to what they talked about before, going your whole life without seeing the "perfect" blossom of those trees. But he had the realization every single one he ever saw was always perfect.
Cheers to the only reactor on UA-cam who knew who Billy Connolly was! And to the only person who really understood it. What a rare gem you are.
Thank you for the lovely reaction. You wouldn't be in need of a misplaced Scotsman from the US would you? Lol
From a fellow Japanofile
Your comment made me smile heaps! I adore Billy. We used to watch his shows as a family and I remember his stories about taking his son fishing and saying, “Look son, there’s flying fish!” And his son threw his head to the sky and goes, “where?!” Haha. Thanks so much for the compliment. I’m quite content thank you, but I appreciate the offer. Till the next reaction :)
@@MovieDateWithKate spoken like a true lady. Kudos 💪
Nobutada's sacrifice and acknowledging it's his time is one of the most moving if not the most of any in cinema
I just love Hiroyuki Sanada in this movie...coming over that hill on his horse like a god of war...and then after he gets knocked off Ujio is just a whirling dervish of death. And after Ujio is shot, shrugging off his men, spitting blood, and going back into the fray... This movie is one of my favorites. I'm not a huge Tom Cruise fan, but this movie is so much more than him. It's beautiful.
I just love how you've described the battle with Hiro being so brave and fearless. I appreciate his character all the more now. Totally agree with you about Tom Cruise - I haven't watched many of his films as I'm not mad about him but this movie was stunning and he shone in it :) Thank you so much for watching!
You earned yourself a new sub. I like rewatching my favourite movies in the form of a reaction to just experience it another way. Part of enjoying the experience is vibing with the person who reacts. Most of the other reactors I see make it too much about themselves with excessive commentary that's not even relevant and fake reaction but yours were genuine and lovely! Your actual appreciation of the scenes and music is shared equally :)
I’m so glad you’re enjoying my reactions and how I connect with the movie. That’s awesome you’ve subscribed! Cheers!
29:11 The topknot is such a central element of Samurai culture, having it cut off like that is like the worst insult, so when Nobutada cries out like that, it’s like he’s begging his ancestors' forgiveness for having allowed himself to be dishonoured like that. Heartbreaking scene.
Thank you for explaining it so well. It was awful and I felt violated on his behalf just watching it. A necessary part of the story though.
@ Same. Later, he died with more honour in his pinky than that piece of crap Omura had in his whole body.
Zwick also did Glory. Incredible Civil War movie based on Mass. 54th.
That’s a fab suggestion. I’ve watched Glory once, years ago. I’m considering doing movies I’ve watched before as an audio commentary for the channel. Full length, but just my voice & have it as a file for listening along to. Just an idea of mine. It’s a great film! I remember loving the scarecrow moment with the fake soldiers! :)
@@MovieDateWithKate I think you're thinking of "The Patriot" with Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger. "Glory" stars Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, and Morgan Freeman and is set during the American Civil War. A brilliant, moving film (It is Edward Zwick, after all) that tells a straightforward story while also deftly including dozens of points and observations about the nature of the war and the complexities of American society at the time. It was also Denzel's first Oscar win.
Kate, you have swiftly become my favorite reactor. I’m really enjoying rewatching my favorite movies with you. I love your appreciation for dialogue, cinematography, and emotion.
Thanks so much for the ace compliment!! I really appreciate you watching along with me :)
The Battle of Thermopylae in 480B.C. with King Leonidas & his 300 against King Xerxes & his Persian Army was not "Greek Mythology" but "Greek History". The movie "300" while done in Frank Miller's graphic novel style takes artistic license with History, it is based upon the historical Battle of Thermopylae. I believe that you would enjoy reacting to the movie.
Sounds awesome!! Yes, thank you for correcting me. That’s something I’d really like to see. :)
“I like to think he may have at last found some small measure of peace, that we all seek, and few of us ever find.”
Poignant and beautiful. We must all do our best to find that feeling for ourselves. To be content with not a lot. 💛
Timothy Spall's narration....great. I started to notice him after seeing Secrets and Lies.
the amount of chills i get on the rainy fight scene is immense, the score in this film, along with the story and everything, hits the PERFECTION. awsome reaction
Thank you so much! The music was OUTSTANDING 🥳
The soundtrack to this movie is A+, 100%. Top tier amazing.
Also the cinematography and acting and shot composition...
I so thoroughly agree with you!
This will always be my favorite movie of all time. I cry everytime and i've seen it... probably 50-60 times.
It’s a masterpiece and stirs something in you. I love that you love it so much.
@@MovieDateWithKate Makes you wish that they still existed today!
I really enjoy your reactions, Miss Kate.
"Perfect, they are all perfect."
Thank you so so much 😊 that’s made me smile.
Thank you very much for your reaction to this movie!.Everyone who has been on the battlefield goes through their own reincarnation of the soul..This is one of my few favorite movies.And I am grateful to you for reacting to it!.God bless you in your life !
Loved your comment and what you said about reincarnation after being on the battlefield. That’s pretty neat, if partly tragic. But part of your own destiny. Thank you so much for watching :)
this is prob my favorite roll tommy boy has done, he really did good and the whole cast and production is a masterclass in film.
Fully agree with you. The production must have been booming for this one. It just came off as smooth and sweeping and tremendously entertaining. I really want Edward Zwick to make a new movie haha.
Great review! As a long time Kendo and Iaido practitioner, this is one of my favorite movies. (Yes, it's not historically accurate, but still a great movie)
No mind is mu shin, a mental state where you only exist in the here and now and training takes over. You focus your eyes beyond the opponent, called enzan no metsuke. The wooden sword is bokken or bokutoh. The helmet is kabuto.
Tom Cruise did a great job showing the training he went through. His character arc is so powerful.
Wonderful review.
Many thanks indeed! The character of Nathan definitely had an awesome & inspiring character arc. Thank you so much for teaching me more about the Japanese words! :) that’s very cool to learn. Thanks for watching.
First time on the channel. Congratulations on nearly 6K subscribers! The Last Samurai is one of my favorites! What an amazing film! The acting and story are top notch! And the score by Hans Zimmer of course! 🎶
You mentioned the interactions between Nathan and Taka were very believable and tastefully done. I strongly agree. Their interactions were so powerful and emotional!
Taka: The way of Samurai is difficult for children. He misses his father.
Nathan: And he is angry because I am the cause of that.
Taka: No. He is angry because he fears you will die as well.
Two other quality films you should react to are "The Green Mile" (1999 - Tom Hanks, Michael Clark Duncan) and "Arrival" (2016 - Amy Adams, Ian Donnelly, Forest Whitaker). They are both AMAZING (wonderful acting and story-telling 📽) and are in my Top Five of All Time list.
A lovely reaction! Subscribed.
Thanks so much for your ace message! I’m really pleased you’ve subscribed, thank you! I’m delighted with the number of subscribers so far. Lucky me!! ☺️ really appreciate your suggestions as well. Forest Whittaker is a wonderful actor, I really like him. I’ll check them out. Thanks again! :)
After all these years it is still my favorite movie of all times. Thank you very much for your video. Greetings from Germany, Thomas
Thanks Thomas! I’m so pleased you enjoyed my reaction!
I remember first seeing Hiroyuki Sanada back in 2002 in an amazing Japanese film called "Twighlight Samurai". It is one of the finest samurai films ever made and the first part of a trilogy. That movie is a must watch. I must also say I truly enjoy your reactions they really just make me so happy. My favorites of yours so far are "The Exorcist" and "Sleepy Hollow". Here's to many more, keep up the amazing movie journey. Take care and have an amazing week.
Thank you very much indeed for your brilliant comment & support! I’ll have to watch Twilight Samurai for sure. Really happy to hear you’re enjoying my videos. I hope to do more sweeping dramas in the future like this one :) have a super week too!
He also played Lord Toranaga (sp?) in the new Shogun mini-series. I also saw him in the TV show "The Last Ship". Excellent actor in my opinion.
Kate, if i wasn't subbed already, your sensitive and caring reaction to this film would have cinched it for me!!! btw, your inner guy came out along with your tears when the Gattlin guns opened fire!!!! you are gorgeous!!! see you at the next movie!!!
When the imperial soldiers all bowed at the end and lowered the flags it was incredible, the modern country honoring it past warriors.
Totally totally agree!!! That was the most moving part. It was the best scene for me, actually. So somber and filled with so much meaning. Beautiful!
Lovely reaction!! Always appreciated the healing process here and the offered hope of peace.
Thank you :)
The movie ties in well with the series Shogun, this period was the end of Shogun rule in Japan, and the end of Japanese isolationism. The emperor was only 15 when he ascended to power and led Japan to adopt a new constitution and installed parliamentary rule, and solidified Japan's independence. The practical usefulness of the Samurai may have come to an end with the existence of a new Japanese military, but the honor, tradition, and discipline represented by the Samurai continued through out Japanese society.
For sure, I really sense that the honour and discipline displayed is very much prevalent in Japanese society today, from the little I know. I expect if I ever visited it would be tangible, even, the traditions they follow. (I hope to go some day).
I've watched many, many reactions to this movie. This is far and away the best so far.
What high praise indeed!! Thank you. ☺️
I absolutely love the interactions with the children throughout this movie
I guess at the end of the day we all are looking for a small measure of peace. Absolutely love everything about this movie
Loved your comment. And I wholeheartedly agree. They were the sweetest. May we all feel peace in our hearts and minds, and not ask for too much to be content with :) it was a glorious movie.
Idk if you noticed, but Katsumoto finished his poem at the end.
5 syllables - “they are all perfect”
Ohhh 🥹 no I didn’t. I didn’t realise that was the end of a Haiku. I just thought he’d thought of his last line for the Poem (how could I have missed that?!) lol. Makes it even more beautiful. Thanks so saying so :)
Actually, his poem was, “The tigers eyes are like my own.”
The “Perfect. They are all perfect.” Is referencing what he said before that “You could spend your entire life looking for a perfect blossom, and it would not be a wasted life.”
This is one of those films I said I would never watch. Not a fan of Tom Cruise. A friend of mine made me watch this movie many years ago and I was shocked. The story and all the actors were amazing, including Mr. Cruise. One of my favorite movies. Without a doubt my favorite Tom Cruise character. Thanks for the reaction. Great reaction to a great movie. Epic movie.
I’m so glad they persuaded you to watch it. 😊 I’m not naturally drawn to Tom Cruise either as an actor but he was just fantastic in the movie. I thought he respected his character and put his all into the film. So pleased you enjoyed it as well, thanks for liking my video :)
Kate,
Your considerable enthusiasm for the Japanese culture tells me you need to visit Japan, sooner rather than later.
Well done. I thoroughly enjoyed your commentary throughout this reaction. I've never seen this movie, but your editing and commentary enabled me to follow along with ease. You're so much fun, Thomas
Hi Thomas,
Such a lovely comment to receive! Thanks a lot. Really cool you’d never watched it before either so we could experience watching it together for the first time. I would LOVE to visit Japan; I think they have the cherry blossom festival in festival in April time. That would be simply awesome. Many thanks for watching my video! :) Take care till next time! :)
Loved your reaction to this classic movie. Looking forward to watching more of your reactions to the great movies!
Thanks so very much!!
You don’t get movies like this anymore. The beauty of the cinematography, the smart dialogue, and masses of extras for realistic looking battle scenes. They truly don’t make them like they used to
Turn of the millennium - Saving Private Ryan, The Matrix, Gladiator, Lord of the Rings, The Last Samurai. The early 00s were truly something special, not just in movies but music too.
Every point you made I completely agree with. It was beautiful to watch but I really felt that way as well & felt kind of sad. Still, at least we can enjoy the excellent ones now on repeat. :)
So so true, the music was peak!! 🎵 I listen to the whole gladiator soundtrack often at work when I have to concentrate lol. Liza Gerrard said she wrote the lyrics to ‘Now We Are Free’ using her own language that she started using aged twelve or so to communicate with God in her own way.. just so beautiful.
Everything about this film is pure. I love it all. They don't make them like this anymore unfortunately. Thank you for such a wonderful reaction vid.❤
Really true! So pure, wonderfully moving, effort went into it, and it’s like it wanted to leave a legacy. :) thanks for watching!
Absolutely wonderful reaction, your reactions are priceless !! The spiritual awakening you mentioned, I’m a very spiritual person but that whole setting was intriguing. Some might say the culture of Japan is totally different and that was the way of the samurai but when the terrible accident happened to Japan in March of 2011, the people had very little food and water . They had to stand in line hoping to get a small ration and yet men was stepping aside for women to get served. The younger people would step aside for the elderly. To that degree, it would not have happened that way in the United States. So much respect among the citizens !
The statement you made at the beginning,” hustle hustle baby almost made me fall out of my chair ! lol
Thank you so much! I’m a very spiritual person myself and so I enjoyed watching Cruise embody that part in his role. It was a nice addition to the storyline, and made his decision at the end to fight with the Samurai all the more genuine. Yes, that’s such a true point about how Japan behaved after the tsunami hit them. They will always strive for harmony & respect of others. Plus, they built their roads and homes back up so so quickly after that natural disaster. They’re a resilient culture, it seems. In the best way.
@@MovieDateWithKate
👍. Their culture is very aspiring ! :)
love this film...excellent review ...i knew you would cry ,😢i.ll be looking out for more of your reviews...keep em coming....
Thank you! Cheers for supporting my channel :)
I absolutely love the serenity in your way of reacting. Loads of reactors here on youtube talk and talk for the sake of reacting. I prefer ppl taking in movies and only talk when needed so much more. new subscriber here!
What a great message to read! Thanks for saying so. I’m absolutely delighted you’ve subscribed. Really encouraging to hear for my new channel so thank you :) see you at the next movie date!
I love to see other people who cry hardest when the soldiers start to honor the fallen samurai. That's the part that hits me the hardest.
Oh yeah!! That got me right in the heart! ♥️
Movie Dates with Kate are always great. Edward Zwick directed it. Filming actually took place in New Zealand in the Taranaki region because of its forest and farmland, as well as it most resembles Mount Fuji. The story is set in 1876, which is slightly over a decade after the American Civil War, as well as the assassination of President Lincoln.
There was a mostly Japanese cast and American production crew. Tom Cruise did his own stunts in the movie. The film was based on the stories of Eugène Collache and Jules Brunet, both French Imperial Guard officers. The European role in the westernization of Japan needs to be emphasized as much as that of the American one.
That’s so cool! Thank you for knowing all that and sharing your knowledge. Very apt it was filmed in New Zealand. 🏞️ So much space for everything to not be interrupted. Thank you for watching my video!
Cruise’s character Nathan Algren is a veteran of the Native American Indian War, who comes to see the parallels between what he witnessed during his time in the military & how the Japanese Government went about wiping out the Samurai & their way of life.
The American Indian Wars, also known as the American Frontier Wars, and the Indian Wars, were fought by European governments and colonists in North America, and later by the United States government and American settlers, against various Native American tribes. These conflicts occurred in the United States from the time of the earliest colonial settlements in the 17th century until the early 20th century.
The various wars resulted from a wide variety of factors, the most common being the desire of settlers and governments for Indian tribes' lands.
As settlers spread westward across the United States after 1780, armed conflicts increased in size, duration, and intensity between settlers and various Indian tribes. The climax came in the War of 1812, when major Indian coalitions in the US Midwest and the US South fought against the United States and lost.
Conflict with settlers became less common and was usually resolved by treaties between the federal government and specific tribes, which often required the tribes to sell or surrender land to the United States. These treaties were frequently broken by the US government.
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 authorized the US government to force Indian tribes to move from east of the Mississippi River to the west on the American frontier, especially to Indian Territory which became Oklahoma. As settlers expanded onto the Great Plains and the Western United States, the nomadic and semi-nomadic Indian tribes of those regions were forced to relocate to reservations.
The impact of the wars & the forced relocation of tribes, decimated their populations.
The number of Native Americans dropped to below half a million in the 19th century because of Eurasian diseases such as influenza, pneumonic plagues, and smallpox, in combination with conflict, forced removal, enslavement, imprisonment, and outright warfare with European newcomers reduced populations and disrupted traditional societies.
Sadly there are no true number for those who were killed in the years from 1609 to 1924 when the The Apache Wars ended in 1924 and brought the American Indian Wars to a close.
I can highly recommend reading the incredibly moving ‘Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee’.
Thank you so much for sharing with me the truth of the history of the United States. Just tragic. I would really like to watch ‘bury my heart at wounded knee’. Thanks again for taking the time to share what you know. I greatly appreciate it.
The deeds of the 300 Spartans and the sacrifice they made were so great that they echoed throughout Eternity!!!
Love your reactions, ma'am. You always get the intent of the writer(s). Keep 'em coming.
Thank you! ☺️ that’s nice to know.
Great reaction Kate 🤗. I just realized when he was fighting he got stabbed in the right shoulder but she is stiching up the left shoulder lol
Thanks so much! :) lol that’s so smart you noticed it. Maybe she got in an extra stab wound when he wasn’t looking. This one’s for my husband! 🔪🧵🪡
Just a beautiful, borderline perfect movie. Seeing it now always reminds me of my father who also loved it. They just don't make movies like this anymore. They don't make media like this at all.
Characters globetrotting in a historical, pre-modern setting and experiencing a foreign culture is one of my all time favorite tropes. When done well it always feels magical and it could have not been done better in this movie.
I actually did not know this was directed by the same person who directed Legends of the Fall. That's one of my favorite movies as well. People in your comments recommended Dancing With Wolves and i subscribe to that as well, love that movie.
This was a fun video, thanks.
Oh one fun fact about this movie in case it was not mentioned: In the scene where Algren and Katsumoto are riding back to the Samurai line and dismount, Algren's horse kicks an extra standing there right in the balls, full blast. They left that in the movie. I seriously hope that armor came with a codpiece cause...ouch.
That’s so good to know!!! Haha painful indeed!!! Wow. That’s so lovely you like Legends of the Fall too. Thank you for watching the movie with me. Just so spot on, they don’t make them like this anymore! It was such a joy to watch.
Easily one of the Best movies I've ever seen and always will be on my top 10
Love that! It was sweeping and exciting :D
Ujiro is top tier character growth
That line "to many mind" is almost an easter egg - Top Gun - "Don't think, do"
Well thought of 😊
The samurai at the end were cut down by a Gatling gun which is not semi-automatic. It was a forerunner to the modern machine gun, especially the rotary cannon type like the M-134 Minigun, the M-61 Vulcan and the GAU-8 Avenger that adorns the nose of the A-10 Warthog. And yes, this was Tom Cruise’s best role.
Thank you so much for knowing about that and in such awesome detail. Knowledge is on fire!! Thank you for sharing & commenting :) And for watching :)
@@MovieDateWithKate You're welcome. Happy to do so. Looking forward to your upcoming reactions to Band of Brothers.
Great answer, I scrolled through to see if anyone would have helped her with that bit. The M134 went by the GAU-17 for us, it took forever to load the munitions for such a fast run through. 2k rounds per min left trigger.. 4k with the right. It had a sight but you just moved the "dust ball of carnage" onto target. Good day to you Amtrak7394~
Not sure if this is necessarily his best role, but it is definitely good.
Maglomania, Born On The Fourth Of July, Jerry Maguire, Eyes Wide Shut, Collateral, Minority Report to name a few contenders of the top of my head.
@@fastertove don't forget Maveric!!!!
The man who played Bob was Seizo Fukumoto, a very highly-respected actor who mostly played period dramas. Sadly he passed away in 2020 from lung cancer.
The eldest of the two boys is Sosuke Ikematsu, and is also a prolific actor: working in both movies and TV. Recently he played the lead in _Shin Kamen Rider,_ a very popular Japanese superhero franchise.
Ken Watanabe -- the man playing Katsumoto -- is absolutely brilliant in _Tokyo Vice:_ an adapted autobiography revolving around the 90s _Yakuza._
Interestingly enough, both Hiroyuki Sanada and Seizo Fukumoto started acting in the same year -- 1965. Given his recent successes in _Shogun,_ he is now undoubtedly one of Japan's most accomplished actors and TV show producers.
Thank you so much for sharing these notes about the characters! Such a talented cast all round. Tokyo Vice would be a cool one to watch!
The Japanese people as a whole adore Tom. He went to Japan reportedly 2 yrs before filming so he could immerse himself in the culture. He took to learning Japanese, and Kenjutsu, the Art of Japanese Sword fighting. The loss of a Samurai's Top Knot is considered the height of embarrassment if not his Honor and shameful to the point of Hara Kiri. This is one of my personal Top 10 Films though I have likely close to 75 if not more which are also great just not quite as. I've always felt a close or very warm feeling for most things Japanese. I hope before I reach the end of my long brown road t visit one day.
How wonderful to learn! I knew he must have dedicated so much time to perfecting his role. It really showed in the film. This makes me happy. :)
George Custer said, "Gatling guns will slow us down". He and over 261 of his men were slaughtered at The Battle of the Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876
Oh wow!! So he said no to them. Gosh! I’m sure there are some films that depict The Battle of Little Bighorn. I wouldn’t mind watching one of those. I’m glad you wrote down his name because in the film I thought Nathan said the man’s name was ‘Custard’ haha (my bad hearing!).
"They are all...perfect"
Breaks me every time
Doesn't it make you ponder what you would be thinking of in his position. He displays such harmony and hope and optimism for the most heart-breaking moment, even knowing death is upon him. So sad, but beautiful. An amazing ending for him.
@@MovieDateWithKate "You could spend your life looking for one (perfect blossom) and it would not be a wasted life."
He did. It was not wasted. We can only hope for such fortune. (or get to looking!)
Definitely Cruise’s best role. He clearly had a ton of respect for his character and played it expertly.
Wholeheartedly agree with you - that’s what came across so clearly to me. It was his respect for his character. He just gave it everything and let his talent and intuition, I think, to play the role take over. Bravo Cruise on this one!! :)
@@MovieDateWithKate really, it's Nathan's character arc that makes the movie for me. We're introduced to a man who is so haunted by the sins of his past that he spends as much time inside a bottle as he can. For the few hours a day that he’s sober, he’s a pitch man for a rifle manufacturer, selling the very model of gun that he used to murder women and children. His life has no purpose and he feels no honor in his sense of self. But Fate comes along and says, “You have the chance to change your destiny. The road you will travel will be incredibly hard, but in the end, you will find not merely acceptance, but belonging and love in a culture where honor is one of the highest virtues. I can’t offer you redemption, but I can offer you peace and purpose.” Many actors could have played that role and played it well. Cruise had the good sense to recognize the significance of Nathan Aldridge and chose to play him with great nuance and sensitivity. To me the sign of a good actor is when you forget the actor and only see the character. Cruise doesn’t always do that in his roles, but he absolutely did it here.
30:57 It's a tiny detail, but I like how Nathan mouths "No mind" to himself right before the fight. Also, your wide-eyed, bloodthirsty glee made the scene even better. 😄
34:10 General Sir Edmund Allenby (later Viscount Allenby) actually did exactly that-in devising his plan for his 1918 Battle of Megiddo, he used the same strategy (a maneuver through the Musmus Pass) as Pharaoh Thutmose III almost 3,400 years prior. It worked, too; Allenby read his military history, and the other side didn't.
😂 Sometimes I look like I’m capable of a gleeful murder when I watch back on my expressions haha!! That’s extraordinary he copied a successful war plan devised over 3,000 years ago. Love that!! That should be part of a campaign for local libraries. Read your books, kids!
I've watched this movie hundreds of times and I never caught that detail of him mouthing "No mind" Thank you @andrewharrison5288
You have a big heart hon and it shows, love the reactions :) keep it up, can’t wait to see where you take it!
That’s nice of you to say. Thank you :)
Such a wonderful reaction again. Thank you.
Thank you! :)
excited aout this reaction as a first nations (native americn) this one always hit close to me
Thank you so much for watching! That’s really cool to know too. I’m glad you can take more from this film in that way.
I enjoyed watching this with you, Miss Kate. And,if you don't mind my saying, I love your beautiful accent and proper English. You speak as beautifully as you are to behold. I was raised in East Texas, and my family taught me to respect the English language. However, I love to speak with my native southern drawl. Merry Christmas from the mountains of Utah.
Much Love,
Daniel
Thank you Daniel for your kind words and lovely compliments you pay me. The mountains of Utah sound mesmerising. I bet they look majestic in all seasons. Thanks for watching my reaction to this epic movie. I really enjoyed getting lost in it. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
@MovieDateWithKate : )
I watched this movie many times but watching it again with you kate was a treat!
I’m so pleased :)
You're one of my most favorite new movie reactors. If you're not doing voice acting for posh received pronunciation (and maybe more) you should do! What a treat.
Oh thank you, that’s so lovely to hear. Not acting, but I was thinking to do an audio commentary for full length films I’ve already watched and loved. So, just me talking about it and taking through it with my mic on. Then I’ll put the audio files on my patreon (i hope for that to go up this week). It can be a listen along with the film for people. Just an idea :) Thanks so much for the compliment! Take care, till next time.
Really enjoyed your reaction to this movie. It's one of Cruise's very best.
One of my favorite movies. Yours was one of my favorite reactions. Insightful and not distracting. I enjoyed the movie date.
That’s awesome praise to receive. I’m so glad I managed to give a good balance of commentary along with just enjoying the film. It was beautiful and powerful; a treasure of a movie, I’d say. Really happy you enjoyed our movie date.
Definitely his best role he's a true student of acting
❤🧡💛💚Congrats, you really feel that, loved your reaction and on point commentaries
Thank you for your kind praise. That's awesome of you to say. I'm happy you enjoyed watching.
yeah it was cool. i live in Japan and can verify Tom's accent in Japanese was spot on. surprisingly good in fact. love that movie.
Nice!!!
Well Kate, gotta say the experience with you definitely is an order of magnitude better than so many others out there. Hate that it's taken this long to find you, but look forward to more reactions as we go. You are one Classy Lady. That rotary cannon was an original style Gatling gun. The military uses something like it even to this day. Fewer barrels, much higher rate of fire and power.
What nice praise to read! Thank you!! Well my channel is just a month old so I’m trying to create some good reactions leading up to the new year. I’m really enjoying it! Thank you for highlighting that was in fact a Gatling gun :) See you at the next movie date!
I saw this in theaters when it came out. Own it on DVD. Couldn't begin to tell you how many times I've watched this movie. And yet EVERY time the army bows in respect I lose it.
Same, I just lost it at that scene. I felt in deep in my heart. So cool you've got the DVD. I miss that lovely comfort feeling of putting the DVD into the player and you know you're going to love it for the umpteenth time. :)
You mentioning archery in movies reminds me, I was a extra in *_Game of Thrones_* as a "Bolton soldier" in the big battle during season six that was filmed in Northern Ireland and there was about two hundred of us. The guy that trained the extras to be archers in *_Braveheart_* also trained our guys. I wasn't chosen as an archer, but as a swordsman I did have to learn ten different sword strikes and blocks. I fractured my elbow. 🙄
That’s absolutely brilliant!! What a great experience although I’m sorry you messed up your elbow. Nice to be included in such epic sagas!
The wheel-mounted guns used in the last battle scene may be Gatling guns, which were an early form of machine gun invented in the 1860s. Since this movie was set sometime after 1876 (the year of the Battle of the Little Bighorn), that would be factually plausible. This period saw several such advances in firepower, which tilted the battlefield balance toward defensive tactics and away from concentrated infantry or cavalry attacks. The end result was the trenches of World War 1, which represented an extreme imbalance in favor of static, entrenched troops with machine guns and artillery.
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge:)
Lovely reaction. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on this beautiful film. New subscriber. I'm looking forward to more.
That’s so wonderful you’ve subscribed! Thank you for supporting my new channel. Many more to come :)
The soundtrack in this movie is fantastic, and I think the casting was spot on, costuming and location scouting was excellent.
Honestly I thought this was one of the most respectful movies when it comes to placing Western characters in a Japanese setting, the focus is on the Samurai and Algren finds closure and redemption from his experiences with them, rather than just being the generic white saviour trope. Considering a lot of Japanese viewers like this film I think they did a good job with it.
And I completely agree, that dressing scene was so tastefully done and intimate.
The "they are all perfect" line I think invokes the concept of wabi-sabi, where the very quality of impermanence and imperfection is in fact, true perfection. Every blossom is imperfect, but therefore unique and existing for a short amount of time, and there is beauty to be found in that unique moment of viewing, no blossom is perfect, but for that reason every blossom is perfect.
Really enjoyed reading your comment. Just so spot on with what you said about many Japanese liking the film. I have to agree too with you, that the idea that Cruise’s character felt a rebirth and serenity around them, this allowed the storytelling to be so much more than a white saviour complex. Thanks so much for watching my video.
Haha Kate chopped up in a samurai way. Touche with that line. I salute you 👏 bravo
Haha why thank you! Or in the words of Mr Graham, ‘Capital!’ Haha
@MovieDateWithKate haha speechless again, something your neighbour seems incapable of doing by the sounds of it
I watched that in the cinema and I must have been too young to appreciate how good it is. watching this recap/review after seeing shogun adds a lot to the interpersonal interactions that this movie did so similar to shogun which I believe is quite accurate.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it in the same way I did. I understand more the importance of honour after watching Shogun :)
Yet another fantastic reaction. This movie is truly a great one, everything was on point 😊
UA-cam gave me this as a suggestion as I love seeing reactions to 'The Last Samurai' ... and as a fellow Brit it was the instant recognition of comedy legend Billy Connolly that won me over for the watch! .... subscribed!
Totally agree by the way: not only is this just a beautiful film, but is - to my mind - Tom Cruise's absolute best performance ... I believe the prep he put in was insane!
Aww what a super comment to read! Thank you!! And cheers for subscribing as well :) yes, you’re right, I’ve learned from the comments that Tom spent months in Japan perfecting his diction and martial arts. Go Tom!!
The next logical choice should be, "Dances with Wolves!" Great reactions beautiful!
2nd this
Thank you so much indeed!! That’s a fantastic suggestion. I think I’ll love it. I’ve only watched Kevin Costner in ‘Hidden Figures’ so it’ll be nice to see him act as a younger man.
@@MovieDateWithKate And right after that, "Snow Falling on Cedars": Ethan Hawke in one of his best roles. About how the Japanese-Americans were treated during WWII and a childhood love denied by racists. You're gonna need lots of hankies.
@@MovieDateWithKate And right after that Legends of the Fall
Great reaction! If you're gonna watch Dances With Wolves, please watch the extended version if you can! It shows so much more to the story!
Great review! Keep them coming
Thank you! Will do :)
Welcome to the team. One of the best films I seen.
Thank you!! It was beautiful and moving.
Yet another excellent review! I agree with you about this being Tom Cruise's best role. Another underrated film of his is Collateral - a great performance and you can sense the effort and craft that he put into the character (a hitman!) as well as the stunts. Jamie Foxx is excellent in it as well. Keep the reviews coming, I feel sure that you will continue to build an appreciative following!
Agreed. Collateral was an atypical role for Cruise and he owned it.
Thank you so much for your support! And I haven’t watched that one :) could be very good for the channel next year. Many thanks indeed. See you at the next movie date.
I love the 'custom title' at the beginning!
Lol. The video kept getting flagged for copyright. I decided to just throw a random 2 second long black screen at the start to test if it changed anything.
As soon as I did that it passed copyright and I was too scared to go back in and edit "custom text" out 😜
Editing or removing any part of that text had a chance of bringing the copyright back. That's how inconsistent it is. 🙄
So it was either leave a weird title card at the beginning or risk hours of extra work and stress. I think I made the correct decision 😀
The film may not be historical accurate, but it depicts very well the ending of an "era", the era of the samurai, a culture of thousands of years ended by the doing of man chasing progress, money, possesion and some other unworthy causes! The movie itself was a masterpiece, the directing, the musicscore, the actors..., it all fitted "perfect"! And there is a lesson to be learned as well for those who see it, I myself have seen it a dozen times I think and it still keeps mee captivated and in a certain emotional state, if I had a list of best movies it would be with the first three tho I don't know in wich place..., it could very well be the first! And for you Kate..., a very wel reaction, keep up the good works ;)
I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction to this great film, Kate. As you said, it was the meeting different ways of combat, the ancient and the modern, technology making it easier to kill, but without the bravery and honour of the old ways.
Sorry to learn of your chanting neighbour.
Thank you so much for saying so. Yes, it was a powerful message within the film, if a sad one. I really appreciate you watching and enjoying the channel.
@@MovieDateWithKateThank you, I'm sorry for the delay in replying.
Japan is a beautiful place. I spent my last two years in the Navy stationed aboard a ship homeported in Sasebo, Japan. I loved the place. Amazing, deep history and fascinating culture and customs. I would love to go back.
How awesome you got to spend a decent amount of time there :)
Great to see you again. Movie with a true story.
Thank you for watching! It’s just fascinating. I loved it, even more so knowing the battle was real, like you say :)
Awesome coolest funniest amazing and lovely reaction every time 🎉❤
Thank you very much!!
This will always be one of my top 5 films. Maybe in the top 2
Very nice job Kate. Glad you found the film enjoyable too.
Many thanks!! Yeah, I loved this one. 🌄🗡️🇯🇵
Another great reaction Kate. Well done.
Thanks so much. I’m glad you enjoyed it :)
This was by far the best reaction to this fantastic movie. You deserve far more than 7k subs, so I subscribed. Your comments were thoughtful, insightful, and extremely sensitive to the subject matter. I believe that Cruise's character is loosely based on a French soldier of fortune. In historical fact, America was not involved in Japan's military development. Their navy would be built by Britain and their army was trained and based on the German model. I believe the French also sold them artillery. Great review.
Brilliant knowledge you’ve shared here. I didn’t know that about Germany influencing their military; really good to know. Thank you for your kind comment and support for my new channel :) Cheers for subscribing!!
Ken Watanabe's performance is outstanding😭
I wholeheartedly agree. Just embodied it.
Movie Date With Kate: thank you for a wonderful 'reaction'. You said what you felt, what you thought needed to be said, without any incessant chatter... well done. I'm not a Tom Cruise fan but the role/character I've enjoyed most was his Jack Reacher role(s), I'm a fan of Lee Childs and his Jack Reacher books (even though Tom Cruise does not resemble Jack Reacher in the novels). Still, enjoyed your reaction and I'll tune in for more of your 'reactions'.
One last thought... I think you'd really enjoy a great movie, with incredible performances by Frank Sinatra, Burt Lancaster and Montgomery Clift, about three soldiers in US Army before WW II (and their women/ relationships). (Winner of eight Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, Writers Guild of America Award for Best Writen Drama, Directors Guild of America Award for Best Directing of a Feature Film + others). Please give it a try, I'm betting you'll be pleased!😮... pleasant dreams, pleasant journey!
Thanks so much for the lovely comment and super film recommendation. I’ve not watched ‘From here to Eternity’ but I think I’ll like it immensely. So many awards - wow! I’ve not watched any Jack Reacher films.. maybe I should next year. I’m trying to read a bit more John Le Carre these days. Did you ever watch the BBC miniseries of ‘The Night Manager’? I don’t know if you can watch it where you are in the world but it’s definitely worth checking out. (Season 2 is being made right now). 😊
I guess I discovered you, because you reacted to one of my favourite movies of all time. It has everything in it. The music, the shots of the landscape and the way of the samurai.
Because I have seen it so often I could enjoy whatch you enjoying it. Great comments, good cut.
Where are you coming from, if I may ask ? Cause when I close my eyes I hear Keira Knightly.
And good luck and much sucess with your channel.
I'm so pleased you've discovered my channel. The movie was truly AWESOME! Thanks for your kind words. I'm happy you enjoyed my edit. I'm from the West Country in England. Though, I did a lot of poetry and drama recitals as a girl so I don't have the farmer accent :) But it can come out after a few ciders haha. Thanks for the well wishes for the channel!
Shogun was just a phenomenal series overall, but Hiroyuki Sanada is just a legendary actor in my opinion.
I was honestly transported that entire mini series. Anna Sawai who plays Mariko Sama stole my heart as well.