i little question. You dont like movies? Or like movies but not what you saw in this youtube videdos? because this movie is old, and i ask myself why you never see it before until now. Im curious.
it creeps them out that the american just does not quit same thing happened in ww2 with japanese officers occurred n it freaked them out. the wannabe samurai
Fun Fact for those who don't know. Hiroyuki Sanada (The actor playing Ujio) had a stunt performance with Tom Cruise to safely strike at his neck during his first day of capture. Tom Cruise wanted to make it authentic, and convinced the producers and Hirouki Sanada to swing at his neck with an actual katana. Hiroyuki is a master in his field for sword and martial training and agreed to the terms being a dare devil himself. When Hiroyuki swung the sword at Tom Cruise's neck, he did stop on queue, but not soon enough to were he clipped the side of Tom's neck causing a bleed (the blood on Tom's neck was in fact his own blood). What amazed Hiroyuki during this dangerous stunt, was that during the swing and after contact was made with Tom Cruise's neck is that TOM never flinched, completely staying in character the whole time. This stunt performance was put into the film uncut.
Wow. Seen this movie a dozen times and never knew that. Thanks for sharing. Somehow, it doesn't surprise me since Tom Cruise is a total badass and a pro.
General Hasegawa did not betray the samurai, he simply chose to serve the Emperor over joining Katsumoto's rebellion. Both parties were still samurai, and in a way Katsumoto still served the Emperor because he believed he didn't fight the Emperor but the foreign invaders trying to change the way of Japan. It's complicated politics.
Yeah, she seemed to think the samurai were a faction rather than a class of society. The samurai mostly fought each other. of course, during the Sengoku Jidai that's all they did.
The Last Samurai would have done so well if it wasn’t released so close to LOTR:ROTK. Such a great movie. One of the best from Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe.
It must've done pretty good in Europe since I remember that it was A Big Deal and Memoirs of Geisha would have not been made if it did not generate interest and money. I even remember an exhibition that was solely for the movie (marketed with it) where in a museum were actual old timy katana's, whole armor sets, garments and all that. It was so cool to see. Also I do also remember that Master and Commander was the one kinda unfortunatelly hazing into the background because of The Return of The King and The Last Samurai. Ofcourse it's very regional.
Because they didn't actualy watch the film. They misunderstand "The last samurai" like the word Samurai is English, its not. Samurai is plural, all Japanese words don't have plural.
while i liked gladiator, troy, kingdom of heaven, and alexander, the Last Samurai was the one that really hit me like Braveheart. total masterclass in everything from production to acting.
I was hoping you would watch this. I think this is Cruise's best work, but Ken Watanabe and the rest of the supporting cast all give performances as good or better than his. The production, the score, the way it was shot, everything about this film is first rate. I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy.
Well this and Collateral. In the latter I have always tought that the guy is propably irl somewhat.. let's say unemotive for real for real and mimics them. So why would he makes a perfect assasin psychopath 😅😂 He is so convincing and that's fine, it's acting, but already in 90's Bale said he prepped for the role in American Psycho by Tom's interviews and I bet he had met him. There is a lot to it why I think this, but anyway it also does make him a perfect cold manipulative no emotion assasin in a movie. It also would explain why he has done so little amount of villains even if he shines as them (since if his frontal lobe is not really firing normally, as him you would be as him dettered from roles like that so people do not put two and two together). Even for Tropic Thunder he did it only with heavy make up and with levity by also demanding dancing. The make up making you not think of Him, many did not even realize it is him. Dude abandoned his kid, hangeg out as best buddies with a cult leader who is a menace to others, all kinda things/stories/rumors that are not normal. Also if you would have mimiced feelings your whole life, that's acting. He also was Great in Magnolia, but it is a side-role.
One of my favorite elements to this movie is Katsumoto mentioning to Nathan that one can spend a lifetime looking for the perfect blossom and it would not be a wasted life; and then in the end he sees them falling and realizes that 'they are all perfect'.
And it's his death poem, it's the last line. You could spend a lifetime looking for the perfect blossom, and it would not be a life wasted. They are perfect. They are All perfect.
The orginal figure of Katsumoto in the movies was the one figure of the 3, that overthrown the Shogunate government of Japan, and reinstated the Emperor as the supreme governor of the country. Then the 3 figure started infighting. Katsumoto was a more conservative faction leader, and after failing to impose his vision in the new imperial government, he started a rebellion, and all the samurais that were not happy with the reforms, joined him. To summarize, He lose the war and forced to commit seppuku or harakiri. Later he was pardoned by the emperor Meiji. Greetings from a taiwanese Argentinean ❤
It’s sad that they don’t make these kinds of movies anymore. Braveheart. Gladiator. The last samurai. The patriot. I feel like I just watch movies now. I don’t feel them.
i think most of the really great film storytellers have moved to prestige television, since miniseries give them more time to work with. there's some really good stuff from the big cable networks these last couple of years!
@@michadegraaf4570how does the Patriot not belong in a list of movies that make one feel something? That entire movie was exceptional in regards to character emotion
There will never be any more good high budget films. The IQ of the average viewer is too low now and so every big blockbuster will just be a marvel and starwars garbage
11:19 in reality, the samurai used guns from the very point the Portuguese brought it to Japan in 1543, and they had very high proportion of firearms in their armies almost comparable to the European armies. Samurai were not dumb to not use such an innovative weapon, they adopted and put firearms to good use.
Correct. This whole concept of the Japanese being completely new to the firearm is really the only gripe I have about this movie. Nobunaga Oda was the one that introduced the arquebus matchlock into his armies when he got a shipwrecked shipment of them off the coast of Tanegashima. One of the most legendary samurai of all time was the one to introduce firearms and “modern warfare” not Imperial officers during Meiji’s time.
From what I’ve read, in the late 16th century, Japan was the world’s largest producer and user of firearms, but eventually ‘moved towards the restriction and reduction of armaments’. During the Tokugawa era, they ‘abandoned their study and development of firearms’, so having to purchase advanced foreign weapons, as depicted in the film, would seem to have been necessary.
This was Ken Watanabe’s first Hollywood movie. This dude crushed it. To me he is the star of this movie. Tom was at the top of his game too mind you. But this guy in a different language than his own is the brightest star.
The end of this movie reminds me of the Japanese during the Battle off Samar in World War 2. An Imperial Japanese Navy fleet of 23 ships (including the battleship Yamato) attacked a US carrier group defended by just 7 small destroyers. The USS Johnston charged the superior Japanese fleet, disappearing into the smokescreen and emerging to fight them in close quarters. After 3 hours of fighting, the heavily damaged Johnston had spearheaded the sinking of several larger enemy ships and the successful defense of the carriers. As it sank, the crew of a retreating Japanese vessel saluted them for their skill and bravery, tossing life jackets and rations to the American sailors.
Have watched dozens of reactions to this movie, this is my favorite. You got the humor, felt the sads, and got the good ending. Sure your life is full of those in movie, romance, honor, loving friends, etc! Have you watched Tom young before Top Gun? Watch All The Right Moves, he's a HS football player that needs to get scholarship for college. His acting got him his Maverick job in Top Gun. Wasn't known much before this movie, but you see him same in feelings in it as this, decades after. So beautiful 🤩
29:27 All samurai women were trained to use a knife, which they kept on themselves, both to protect themselves and their children, as well as to kill themselves rather than be captured (and consequently be tortured and r*ped). No surprise, then, that Taka knows her way around a knife. (Also, Japanese samurai women were trained in the naginata, which is something like a sword blade at the end of a staff, and didn't need as much brute strength to use compared to swords. Since women are weaker then men, the naginata was the favored weapon of Japanese samurai women when going up against men with swords.) Samurai is a caste in Japan. You are thus either born into it or not. Also, the ending satisfies both Japanese and Western audiences, in that the Japanese protagonist dies (which is expected in Japan), while the Western protagonist lives (which is expected in the West). Great reaction to a great movie!
If you liked The Last Samurai you should probably watch more of Zwick's work. There's "Glory"(1989) and "Blood Diamond" (2006). These two and The Last Samurai are my favourite Zwick's movies.
Ujio's nod at Algren when their sparring match ended in a draw is one of the most underappreciated and powerful gestures in the film. It stands in stark contrast to the common, outward stoicism of the Japanese. In that sliver of a moment, Ujio is relaying to Algren not only that he has been accepted, but that he feels a tremendous amount of pride and appreciation for Algren's progress on levels that go beyond just learning how to use the katana. My eyes water every time I see that nod and what Ujio communicates with the look in his eyes. The journey to Algren's acceptance into Katsumoto's "tribe" is fully paid off in that small moment at the end of the sparring scene.
@@gingerbaker_toad696Why is Legend of the Fall a "guilty pleasure?" I've heard that before. It's an absolute masterpiece. What is there to be ashamed of? Because it's Brad Pitt? I don't understand.
You might enjoy "Letters From Iwo Jima". Clint Eastwood directed, and Kenji Watanabe (Katsumoto) played General Kuribayashi, the Japanese commander of the island. Another fantastic performance.
Letters from Iwo Jima and Flags Of Our Fathers, both directed by Clint Eastwood, both movies show the battle of Iwo Jima but from opposing perspectives. It's honestly pretty genius by Clint to do companion films that are both extremely good for their own reasons but tie together brilliantly as well.
I just found you recently. I just wanna say that it has been a pleasure to see your reactions. A girl so feminine watching war movies is something very pleasurable for me. Thank You. Keep going
Another interesting fact - The Last Samurai mixes both American Western and older Japanese cinema; In American Westerns, the hero has a redemption arc and survives, but often is injured. In older Japanese cinema, the hero(es) always dies in the end honorably. In this file, the Japanese heroes all died while the American lived. The Last Samurai is my favorite movie. Also, watch for the poor guy who gets kicked in the nuts by a horse.
It doesn't mix cinema so much since its a true story (for the most part) so the result of the battle for the Samurai was pretty set. The whole Tom Cruise character (which I do believe is based on a french general training the Japanese) joining them and all that I think is dramatisation.
@@Tconl "for the most part" - no it's not. The movie, while great is a romanticization of the Satsuma Rebellion, Boshin War etc. It's far from the real history.
@@maverick8697 For the event and such yes it is. The reasons and exact happenings ofc are not. The Samurai ofc got decimated and didn't have a "great" fight like in the movie.
Beautiful commentary. Love to hear the POV of an actor. Did you make the connection of Cpt. Algren being the white tiger from the vision in the beginning? I'm sure you did. Love that mystical aspect of this film.
You may recognize Ken Watanbe from Inception, Batman Begins, Memoirs Of A Geisha, and The Unforgiven. You may recognize Hiroyuki Sanada from Ring, and the tv series Lost to name a few.
32:40 Emperor Meiji was the greatest Japanese Emperor. He pried the power away from the Shoguns and established Imperial power over Japan. Modernized Japan in Western model, developed the economy. They become the first Asian nation to defeat a European power (Russia) in conventional battle in the modern time (Russo-Japanese war of 1904-05).
@@PROVOCATEURSK sort of, but it's a bit stretch to say his rule lead to WW2. To be precise his reign played an important part in the events leading to Japanese actions, there's no denying that, but there are several other factors that directly played into the occurance of the Asia-Pacific theatre of WW2. One blaming Meiji and his modernisation of Japan and policies entirely for WW2 is like blaming Jesus being born leading to the Crusades happening.
British model in terms of Navy, Prussian model in terms of army - French model at first, but later changed to Prussian after the French lost to Prussia in the late 1900's. The United States also had a role, they opened up Japan for trade, but it was the british, French and the Prussians that trained their armies thinking they could be a vasall state - instead Japan went rogue and had a modern army all of a sudden.
This film's story is partially based on truth. A French officer by the name of Jules Brunet was sent as an envoy for the Court of Napoleon II. He was overseeing the modernisation of the Japanese military. Eventually he came to admire the Samurai and their rebellion and joined them in their fight. He was welcomed back in France with respect for his actions. Katsumoto is based off Saigö Takamori, and the last battle here is loosely based off the Battle of Shiroyama, in which the Samurai did actually use guns, unlike this film.
The Patriot is my 3rd favorite film of all time. The Last Samurai is my 5th favorite film of all time. Please react to The Patriot next, Heath Ledger and Mel Gibson together are phenomenal
In case you didn't realize Colette the battle Nathan and Katsumoto were talking about in the final battle of the men dying to the last was the 300 movie
I'm not sure if you made the connection, and I believe you have reacted to "300", so the battle of Thermopylae that he talks about in this movie is what is portrayed in the movie "300". When I traveled to Japan the traditional Japan that would have existed right before this movie is truly what I would have liked to experience, so you touch as close to it as you can. I'm not sure if you read what happened prior to this event in history. The US fleet (The Perry Expedition) steams into Edo harbor and forces Japan to trade with the outside world and open itself to their influence, finally ending their policy of isolationism after 220 years in their attempt to retain their cultural heritage.
@Colette, looking forward to seeing your reaction to Last of the Mohicans which is set about 20 years before the American Revolution, during the "7 Years' War", a.k.a. "the French & Indian War" (which comes up in The Patriot too for Mel Gibson's character). It's so good, and a lot of the same vibes as this movie. Also, Danial-Day Lewis, who plays the main character, is one of the last classic, traditional method actors, and it shows. Later he would go on to play Abraham Lincoln in the Spielberg biopic.
If you want to delve into more of the Eastern culture, there are countless movies that display it. Consider "heaven and earth" 1990, "zaitoich" from 1948-2010, "7 samurai" 1954, or even Chinese movies, "ip man" 2008-2019, "fearless" 2006. I mentioned these because they are rich in their respective countries as well as entertaining. Many many more to choose from.
I’m seeing Hans Zimmer next Thursday. I’m really hoping to hear “The Way of the Sword.” The score is during the final battle and when Algren takes Katsumoto’s life out of honor.
No shame in shedding tears at this. I'm nearly 53 years old, and it moves me to tears every single time. I've seen Marine Corps combat veterans weep unashamedly at the end of this film. The scene where Taka dresses Algren in her husband's armor, is far more romantic and sensual, than any nude love scene. Katsumoto is based upon a historical figure, Saigō Takamori. He was a leader in the Satsuma Rebellion against Emperor Meiji's social reforms. He fell at the Battle of Shiroyama. He is viewed as Japan's quintessential modern hero.
Very heartfelt and sensitive commentary, young woman. I enjoyed your reaction very much. I first saw this movie years ago when it was first released down here in Australia and it affected me greatly then. It still does. Thank you for sharing this video and your commentary. Cheers from this old Aussie bloke. I will be looking for some more of your film commentaries in future. 👏👍⭐️🫶🤠❤️🌹🦘🐨🇦🇺😍🤩
In my opinion this is Tom Cruise's best movie. I love this movie. When I first saw this movie, it made me interested in the Samurai and the Japanese culture. Every time I watch this movie the last 20 minutes or so of the movie always make me cry. The loss of life all over the so-called progress it is shameful, a waste of life and the possible loss of history and culture.
Being raised in a religiously zealous family, I rejected it. However, you're right in that there are environments that seem spiritual. Only in nature do I find the possibility of a higher power.
Katsumoto is played by Japanese actor Ken Watanabe, who indeed gave us a stellar performance in this film. He gave us another stellar performance in the film "Letters from Iwa Jima," set during WWII and the battle for said island against the Americans. Film ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reaction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you want to watch an epic war film, add Glory to your list. Matthew Broderick (his best performance), Carry Lewes (Ewes or Lewes I forget... the guy from Princess Bride), Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington and some other names I am probably forgetting. It's a true story as well. Pretty sure it won a few oscars too.
8:20 I bet when you said “the old vs the new” you had no idea how iconic that line would be by the end of the movie. His sword says “I belong to the warrior in whom the old ways have joined the new” and I think it’s beautiful that you had already acknowledged that waaaaaay before you get to that scene.
One of my favorite movies. It is important to realize that the Samurai are somewhat idealized here to promote empathy. They could be cruel overlords of the feudal system that was Japan. I encourage you to read or watch Shogun if you are interested to learn more. Having said this, like all cultures, it is important to remember the best of one’s past as this movie does instead of discarding all in the presumption that we could be who we are without the contributions of each era. Great react…thank you.
Can I convince you to do a reaction video on Terminator 1 and Terminator 2, original cut. Both are rated over 91% and T-2 is my favorite of all time. It is surprisingly a funny movie for an action film
Honestly ... Katsumoto actor ... CRUSHED that role!!! ❤ "What happened to the warriors of thermopylae?" "Dead. To the last man." That grin of 2 samurai knowing what their fate holds.
27:31 being a fireman of 26 years ifourth God many many times. Been in some real bad places more than a few times was at ground Zero after it all happened and thats when i most found him. Not from tht department but when i went there for last final search you find yourself thanking that you weren't there. Also I remember watching those brave souls going down the street during 9/11 and you could see it in every firemans face that they had given threee souls to God ever get a chance to watch any video of those brave firemen walking down the street towards those towers to go in everyone should. Anyway yes ive thought about a higher power many times and thank him after and before every fire call. Rest in peace to the Brave men and women that gave everything they had fo those they didn't know. Peace be with everyone.
Not sure if you saw my suggestion but I suggested The Last Samurai under your 300 or Troy reaction, maybe you were already planning to watch this, but I’m glad you did anyway. Since you enjoyed this I think you much find The Pacific and Band of Brothers to be rich stories with a strong connection to our country’s history. They aren’t movies tho, they’re “limited series” so 10 episodes, but because they were made in this format, you get a lot more details about WW2 that a movie would have to leave out and gloss over. For movies there’s also 1917, Enemy at the Gates. I know many people rank Saving Private Ryan near the top of WW2 movies but I’d say Band of Brothers and the Pacific are even better, I think it was the format that I found to be a good match for this specific topic. I thought it was cool you really grasped a detail that MANY people get wrong, which is that it was Katsumoto that was the “Last Samurai” not Nathan Algren, technically he wasn’t even a samurai. Ken Watanabe really killed this performance, I thought Hiroyuki Sanada was great as well and you can tell he brought his expertise in samurai and authentic Japanese culture to both this movie and Shogun. I do wish Shogun was more of a limited series like BoB and Pacific, but it’s still a great show.
Hi Collete, my war movies recommendations are : Schindler's List ( Spielberg); Flag of our fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima ( Clint Eastwood) these two are complementary to each other.
Guy playing katsumoto"Ken Watanabe" sure is the best cast for that character. Hes like the most famous Japenese actor back in Japan. And hes VERY humble in real life. Hes a awsome guy, he donated/helped alot of people after the tsunamis Japan had a few years back. And he owns a resturant or café in one of the places that got the most affected by the tsunamis. Another great movie with him is Inception,
A couple of underrated yet really good movies you should check out Colette are Hildago, 3:10 to Yuma, Road to Paloma, Outlaw King, Sweet Girl, Lucky Number Sleven,
No, Samurai who joined the military weren't traitors or cowards. All people, including the Samurai class had differing views on the modernization of Japan- despite this, every samurai, no matter which "side" they chose were doing so in service to the emperor (in therefore: Japan). After the Samurai class ended, the Japanese culture began to overromanticize the Samurai culture and values (what we now consider as "Bushido" aka the "warrior way") , and bastardized the values which led Japan to become more and more imperial in their conquests across Asia, committing many atrocities. During the edo period (1600s-1800s) japan was very peaceful, and the Samurai were becoming less relevant in a peaceful society. many of them took up arts and other endeavors. The common perspective of samurai today is very very VERY romanticized. Many japanese martial arts today follow a lot of Samurai-esque philosophies for self improvement, but Bushido has the potential to become very toxic when trying to implement it in a large group setting (ie. a whole nation that wishes to become an imperial power). Some Samurai adapted with the times, and used their privileged to become scholars, diplomats, government officials, and even join the army. And some Samurai were suspicious of these new western values coming in.
If you like Samurai movies of course you got Shogun for a series that sweeped the Emmys. And anything from Akira Kurosawa like Seven Samurai and my favorite of his Ran. I saw Ran in the theaters and it was truly epic.
44:00 I've watched this movie many times, but when I watched it with my wife she had a take on that scene that made me reconsider. Taka is dressing a warrior in her husband's armor, she not dressing Nathan. She is dressing her husband, as she did so many times. It's a habit. She loves the image of the man wearing the armor, not necessarily the person itself. I thought that was a powerfull image. btw Ken Watanabe, who plays Katsumoto, is a wonderfull actor. btw 2 this story is loosely based on Jules Brunet, a real french artillery officer who refused orders to come back home when the rebellion began and sided with the samurais with some other western soldiers. When the rebelion was crushed France was asked to punish him. They said he was demoted and then sacked for good image, but he was kept around and a few years later was still in the french military.
Awesome film! One of my favorites. While you're on this epic binge, Edward Zwick, the director is pretty underrated and has some straight BANGERS under his belt! Glory, Blood Diamond, Legends of the Fall to name a few!
Ed has done great stuff, has a real way with words and combat. He also was behind the true type story movie, Glory, Denzel won his 1st Oscar for, and tv show west wing.
Minority Report, Jerry McGuire, The Firm, Rainman, Risky Business, Born on the Fourth of July.... He has so many good films its hard to count them all!
@@No_lie_eli Edge of tomorrow where he goes from being a complete coward to a full action hero who gets the Babe ! . Talk about character development.!
The Last Samurai isn't 100% historical, it's inspired by historical events and there were a French officer that had a similar role to Cruise here - but he didn't become a samurai himself in real history - instead he and his company switched sides and fough with the Samurai using their French rifles and uniforms. Also, the Samurai used guns - not swords - in real history at that time. There was an earlier conflict, a civil war between the samurai and the Imperialists - where the last Samurai in that conflict charged with their swords upon which all of them died. So the movie takes inspiration from two different historical events, whilst at the same time changing things up a bit to better suit the American audience. Like changing the main character from French to American, or giving the samurai swords instead of guns.
Ujio, Sanada Hiroyuki stars in Shogun, and just won an Emmy. He is a very skilled martial artist and actor. Hope you can visit Japan one day soon Colette! (Kisses were not a thing is Japan, Taka probably didn't know its meaning)
I definitely recommend the new shogun series! The samurai that didn't like Nathan was played by hiroyuki sanada and he plays the lead Japanese character in that show
Its not like i watched it in theatres... I watched on my laptop and I forgot where i actually was. I felt i was inside the movie. The cinematography, the music, the captivating storyline and acting got me. U should watch Edward Zwick's other movie Blood diamond if u haven't. Its also as amazing as this one.
Great Reaction Colette... It was enjoyable. Please watch the films you mentioned that you have on your list. Yes, they are heart breaking at times, however there is almost always a cost to freedoms or protections. By opening your heart to them will only make your heart stronger once you understand "a heart is a heavy burden" Howl's Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones later animated by Hayao Miyazaki ~ Great read or watch (I do not think you will be able to react to anything from Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli), Does not mean you should not indulge... Best wishes with your channel~
ive been to Japan 4 times now . everytime i go there i always discover something new , its a beautiful country .. not once on my trips have i encountered anything negative out there , everyone is polite and respectful , this movie and lost in translation were some of the main reasons i decided to try and see the country for myself , Tokyo , Kyoto , Hiroshima , Hamamatsu , YokoHama , Enoshima , i have visted so many places there . i hope you go to Japan someday as well and experience the beautiful culture there and hello from Canada
You notice That before the final battle, Katsumoto referred to Omura as Mister Omura, rather than Omura-san. The "san" suffix indicates honor. To leave it off, is to accuse Omura of having no honor. Omura later proved it, by refusing to end his life on Katsumoto's sword.
Hello Colette. I think you would love Japanese history. The Samurai and the " Code of Bushido " is fascinating. I enjoyed your reaction, well done Sister. Also I too for many years lost my faith in the Lord. It took loosing everything I ever owned due to PTSD. I just saw too much death up close while trying my best to save lives, add 10 near death experiences of my own 4 while on the job. I lost the love of my life because I broke and one of children to a terminal illness, and spent 12 years just trying not to end my own life to spare my family the pain of it. The Lord allowed me to destroy myself and take myself down to nothing so he could finally make something useful out of me again. Now my faith is unshakable because I walk with the Lord and he with me. God Bless You. 🙏📿
Important factor about Japan opening up to the rest of the world; it was done at gunpoint. The US navy sailed in to Tokyo harbor, and basically said "open your ports to trade with the west, or we will open fire and obliterate your cities until you reconsider."
If not mentioned yet, the flag Nathan used as a weapon had a White Tiger on it. That is what Kazimoto saw in his vision, and I think a big reason Nathan was spared. What does it mean, this connection, thinks Kazimoto...
funct fact, this film was partly inspired by the french officer jules brunet, sent by the emperor napoleon III to train the shogun's army and participate in the creation of the republic of ezo
A small measure of peace...the song that haunted me by the moment i watched this movie,i love all your reactions Colette,you are smart and kind hearted and none the less beautiful 🤗😘
I think the scene when she is dressing him is much more sentual than any love making scene. It made me feel stuff that's bin buried for a long time. I have watched this movie several times. Great stuff !
Historically the Japanese did not want American officers. They wanted Prussian officers to train the troops. The character Cruise is based, is historical, but on French officers and not Americans.
well not just that but that the Samurai were up in arms about 'loss of privilege'===the merchant classes were formerly the bottom of the social order, and if a Samurai so desired it, he could kill one in the street. Now the Merchant class is ascendant. I dunno if Zwick thinks men like 'Omura' are actually bad, but Zwick come across as a stereotypical 'handwringing bleeding heart'.
Hi , also consider "soldier" , starring Kurt Russell. I think he has three lines in it , you as an actress might really appreciate it and his performance . Thanks
Japan is absolutely epic. If you are remotely interested in the culture, I recommend an extended visit. I was fortunate to get to stay there for ~6 months during my second deployment for the US Navy. The people will bend over backwards to accommodate you. I often joke that "Southern hospitality" feels like a hate crime compared to the hospitality of the Japanese. On a few occasions, I stopped to ask for directions, and had people offer to drive me where I wanted to go. People don't touch things that don't belong to them. We had a few Marines/Sailors lose wallets at train stations, and come back days later to find them untouched. People rarely lock their bikes up, or lock their doors. People just respect other people's space in a way that we don't in the US. I got to visit the site where Katsumoto's temple was filmed (Engyō-ji, Mt. Shosha). It was raining, almost no one was there, and it was breathtaking! Aside from the natural beauty of the land (like the Naruto whirlpools - yes, that is an actual place, not just the name of an anime), the architecture, etc., there is just a lot of crazy WTF shit in Japan that makes it so worth it. There is a Burning Mountain Festival in early spring, which is exactly what it sounds like - they set the mountain on fire. I can't recommend seeing a kabuki performance highly enough! I've seen shows on Broadway, and kabuki blew that away by miles! There are only a handful of stages in the world set up for kabuki (they use trapdoors for sudden wardrobe changes, or to have characters disappear while the audience is distracted). They also use a "hana-machi" (flower road), which is a raised walkway leading from the back of the theater to the stage, parting the audience. Sometimes actors will appear or depart from there. They even had moving sets which mimicked the effect of a camera zoom for a scene where an emperor was looking off into the distance. The whole thing is accompanied by musicians hidden behind panels to the side of the stage. For the show I saw, the main character transforms into a kitsune (fox spirit) at the end, and ascends into heaven. The actor was on wires, flying over the audience, and showering us with sakura petals. It was surreal! By far the most immersive performance I've ever seen. Plan well ahead, and be prepared to pay. Tickets can be a bit pricey.
Kagura performances are also very good and are performed everywhere, so more readily available. My grandnephew’s father is a member of a Kagura troupe in Hiroshima.
Got injured? You can check out Morgan and Morgan by clicking this link! www.forthepeople.com/Colette
i little question. You dont like movies? Or like movies but not what you saw in this youtube videdos? because this movie is old, and i ask myself why you never see it before until now. Im curious.
I have a recommendation for a movie, why don't you continue the ones of jurassic park trilogy movies.
it creeps them out that the american just does not quit same thing happened in ww2 with japanese officers occurred n it freaked them out. the wannabe samurai
Check out ip man
@jbwade5676 dude you are weird.
Fun Fact for those who don't know. Hiroyuki Sanada (The actor playing Ujio) had a stunt performance with Tom Cruise to safely strike at his neck during his first day of capture. Tom Cruise wanted to make it authentic, and convinced the producers and Hirouki Sanada to swing at his neck with an actual katana. Hiroyuki is a master in his field for sword and martial training and agreed to the terms being a dare devil himself.
When Hiroyuki swung the sword at Tom Cruise's neck, he did stop on queue, but not soon enough to were he clipped the side of Tom's neck causing a bleed (the blood on Tom's neck was in fact his own blood). What amazed Hiroyuki during this dangerous stunt, was that during the swing and after contact was made with Tom Cruise's neck is that TOM never flinched, completely staying in character the whole time. This stunt performance was put into the film uncut.
Tom Cruise has hung off the side of a flying plane 😂 he’s crazy.
I really respect Tom Cruise for how much of a badass he is but the scientology shit then makes me go "eww"
Wow. Seen this movie a dozen times and never knew that. Thanks for sharing. Somehow, it doesn't surprise me since Tom Cruise is a total badass and a pro.
@@cFull_Rtrd hes not into that anymore or so he says.
i did not know that but it tracks with tom
General Hasegawa did not betray the samurai, he simply chose to serve the Emperor over joining Katsumoto's rebellion. Both parties were still samurai, and in a way Katsumoto still served the Emperor because he believed he didn't fight the Emperor but the foreign invaders trying to change the way of Japan. It's complicated politics.
Yeah, she seemed to think the samurai were a faction rather than a class of society. The samurai mostly fought each other. of course, during the Sengoku Jidai that's all they did.
I would highly recommend Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) 🤔
YES!
No...so boring....
Completely agree, a great movie.
Good movie :)
@@philg.5151tell me you are basic without saying so...
The Last Samurai would have done so well if it wasn’t released so close to LOTR:ROTK. Such a great movie. One of the best from Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe.
Same as Master and Commander
@@Akaeus yeah, it was a great year for real masterpieces. We have none of that nowadays. Only woke shit, bad writing, no love for detail and no ideas.
Not happy for me
It must've done pretty good in Europe since I remember that it was A Big Deal and Memoirs of Geisha would have not been made if it did not generate interest and money. I even remember an exhibition that was solely for the movie (marketed with it) where in a museum were actual old timy katana's, whole armor sets, garments and all that. It was so cool to see.
Also I do also remember that Master and Commander was the one kinda unfortunatelly hazing into the background because of The Return of The King and The Last Samurai. Ofcourse it's very regional.
a lot of people think this movie is a white savior movie. nope. algern didn't save the samurai. the samurai saved him.
Because they didn't actualy watch the film. They misunderstand "The last samurai" like the word Samurai is English, its not. Samurai is plural, all Japanese words don't have plural.
I actually don't think I've seen that opinion very often at all. Probably only the terminally online people spouting it
Just can’t enjoy a movie everyone has to bring political stuff into it
I like white savior movies
@@jbwade5676not really
while i liked gladiator, troy, kingdom of heaven, and alexander, the Last Samurai was the one that really hit me like Braveheart. total masterclass in everything from production to acting.
Your emotional intelligence and human warmth impress me more and more, Colette. Also your understanding of honor and duty. A big kiss for you.
I love reactors that make an effort to follow the character development and the plot. Many reaction channels are just full of nitpicks and bad jokes.
A comment I’ve been wanting to post, her reactions are unlike any others, she adds a real human element, and makes these war movies very emotional.
"They are all...perfect." This is my favourite movie, I know it by heart. Glad you enjoyed it, best of luck with your channel!
This is one of my favorite movies of all time! This is a true masterpiece. So glad you discovered it.
I was hoping you would watch this.
I think this is Cruise's best work, but Ken Watanabe and the rest of the supporting cast all give performances as good or better than his.
The production, the score, the way it was shot, everything about this film is first rate.
I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy.
Well this and Collateral. In the latter I have always tought that the guy is propably irl somewhat.. let's say unemotive for real for real and mimics them. So why would he makes a perfect assasin psychopath 😅😂 He is so convincing and that's fine, it's acting, but already in 90's Bale said he prepped for the role in American Psycho by Tom's interviews and I bet he had met him. There is a lot to it why I think this, but anyway it also does make him a perfect cold manipulative no emotion assasin in a movie. It also would explain why he has done so little amount of villains even if he shines as them (since if his frontal lobe is not really firing normally, as him you would be as him dettered from roles like that so people do not put two and two together). Even for Tropic Thunder he did it only with heavy make up and with levity by also demanding dancing. The make up making you not think of Him, many did not even realize it is him. Dude abandoned his kid, hangeg out as best buddies with a cult leader who is a menace to others, all kinda things/stories/rumors that are not normal. Also if you would have mimiced feelings your whole life, that's acting. He also was Great in Magnolia, but it is a side-role.
One of my favorite elements to this movie is Katsumoto mentioning to Nathan that one can spend a lifetime looking for the perfect blossom and it would not be a wasted life; and then in the end he sees them falling and realizes that 'they are all perfect'.
And it's his death poem, it's the last line. You could spend a lifetime looking for the perfect blossom, and it would not be a life wasted.
They are perfect. They are All perfect.
Katsumoto's actor is Ken Watanabe. He steals the show in every single movie he's in. He was FANTASTIC in the WWII film Letters from Iwo Jima.
The orginal figure of Katsumoto in the movies was the one figure of the 3, that overthrown the Shogunate government of Japan, and reinstated the Emperor as the supreme governor of the country.
Then the 3 figure started infighting. Katsumoto was a more conservative faction leader, and after failing to impose his vision in the new imperial government, he started a rebellion, and all the samurais that were not happy with the reforms, joined him.
To summarize, He lose the war and forced to commit seppuku or harakiri.
Later he was pardoned by the emperor Meiji.
Greetings from a taiwanese Argentinean ❤
This movie is my all time favorite and I cry each time I see it. It was a pleasure to watch it along with you. Greetings from Germany, Thomas.
It’s sad that they don’t make these kinds of movies anymore. Braveheart. Gladiator. The last samurai. The patriot.
I feel like I just watch movies now. I don’t feel them.
i think most of the really great film storytellers have moved to prestige television, since miniseries give them more time to work with. there's some really good stuff from the big cable networks these last couple of years!
With all due respect, but The Patriot doesnt belong in that list 😀
@@michadegraaf4570how does the Patriot not belong in a list of movies that make one feel something? That entire movie was exceptional in regards to character emotion
it's on purpose. they intentionally are making spiritually and emotionally bankrupt films
There will never be any more good high budget films. The IQ of the average viewer is too low now and so every big blockbuster will just be a marvel and starwars garbage
11:19 in reality, the samurai used guns from the very point the Portuguese brought it to Japan in 1543, and they had very high proportion of firearms in their armies almost comparable to the European armies. Samurai were not dumb to not use such an innovative weapon, they adopted and put firearms to good use.
There were samurai that refused to use rifles and those were defeated by the ones that used rifles.
Correct. This whole concept of the Japanese being completely new to the firearm is really the only gripe I have about this movie. Nobunaga Oda was the one that introduced the arquebus matchlock into his armies when he got a shipwrecked shipment of them off the coast of Tanegashima. One of the most legendary samurai of all time was the one to introduce firearms and “modern warfare” not Imperial officers during Meiji’s time.
From what I’ve read, in the late 16th century, Japan was the world’s largest producer and user of firearms, but eventually ‘moved towards the restriction and reduction of armaments’. During the Tokugawa era, they ‘abandoned their study and development of firearms’, so having to purchase advanced foreign weapons, as depicted in the film, would seem to have been necessary.
During the Satsuma Rebellion the rebels stopped using fire arms (and artillery) only because they've run out of ammunition.
@@Blackflame24 New to firearms no but they were still using matchlocks, what was new was the "Modern" rifles and tactics.
You picked the perfect film to transport you to a place and culture you’ve never seen! Masterpiece
This is honestly my favorite movie of all time from the story telling to the honor to the respect. 100% grade A+ movie
This was Ken Watanabe’s first Hollywood movie. This dude crushed it. To me he is the star of this movie. Tom was at the top of his game too mind you. But this guy in a different language than his own is the brightest star.
I always loved the soundtrack to this movie 🙌
@@jbwade5676 LOL 🤭
The end of this movie reminds me of the Japanese during the Battle off Samar in World War 2. An Imperial Japanese Navy fleet of 23 ships (including the battleship Yamato) attacked a US carrier group defended by just 7 small destroyers. The USS Johnston charged the superior Japanese fleet, disappearing into the smokescreen and emerging to fight them in close quarters. After 3 hours of fighting, the heavily damaged Johnston had spearheaded the sinking of several larger enemy ships and the successful defense of the carriers. As it sank, the crew of a retreating Japanese vessel saluted them for their skill and bravery, tossing life jackets and rations to the American sailors.
Supported by the Destroyer Hoel and Destroyer Escort Samuel B. Roberts.
Have watched dozens of reactions to this movie, this is my favorite. You got the humor, felt the sads, and got the good ending. Sure your life is full of those in movie, romance, honor, loving friends, etc!
Have you watched Tom young before Top Gun? Watch All The Right Moves, he's a HS football player that needs to get scholarship for college. His acting got him his Maverick job in Top Gun. Wasn't known much before this movie, but you see him same in feelings in it as this, decades after.
So beautiful 🤩
29:27 All samurai women were trained to use a knife, which they kept on themselves, both to protect themselves and their children, as well as to kill themselves rather than be captured (and consequently be tortured and r*ped). No surprise, then, that Taka knows her way around a knife. (Also, Japanese samurai women were trained in the naginata, which is something like a sword blade at the end of a staff, and didn't need as much brute strength to use compared to swords. Since women are weaker then men, the naginata was the favored weapon of Japanese samurai women when going up against men with swords.)
Samurai is a caste in Japan. You are thus either born into it or not.
Also, the ending satisfies both Japanese and Western audiences, in that the Japanese protagonist dies (which is expected in Japan), while the Western protagonist lives (which is expected in the West).
Great reaction to a great movie!
If you liked The Last Samurai you should probably watch more of Zwick's work. There's "Glory"(1989) and "Blood Diamond" (2006). These two and The Last Samurai are my favourite Zwick's movies.
Movie : Letters From Iwo Jima.
Actor: Ken Watanabe ,aka Katsumoto.
He also is in the movie, Memoirs of a Geisha.
Ujio's nod at Algren when their sparring match ended in a draw is one of the most underappreciated and powerful gestures in the film. It stands in stark contrast to the common, outward stoicism of the Japanese. In that sliver of a moment, Ujio is relaying to Algren not only that he has been accepted, but that he feels a tremendous amount of pride and appreciation for Algren's progress on levels that go beyond just learning how to use the katana. My eyes water every time I see that nod and what Ujio communicates with the look in his eyes. The journey to Algren's acceptance into Katsumoto's "tribe" is fully paid off in that small moment at the end of the sparring scene.
Edward Zwick has made some very good movies. You should definitly check out 'Legends of the Fall' and 'Blood Diamond' if you haven't already.
Blood Diamond is a phenomenal movie.
Legends of the Fall is my biggest guilty pleasure movie ❤
I forgot he Directed "Legends of the Fall" I LUV that movie..... I watch it couple times a year......
Loved blood Diamond.
"I'm from Rhodesia."
"You mean Zimbabwe."
"Rhodesia"
@@gingerbaker_toad696Why is Legend of the Fall a "guilty pleasure?" I've heard that before. It's an absolute masterpiece. What is there to be ashamed of? Because it's Brad Pitt? I don't understand.
The "Shogun" series has a deeper explanation of Japanese politeness
You might enjoy "Letters From Iwo Jima". Clint Eastwood directed, and Kenji Watanabe (Katsumoto) played General Kuribayashi, the Japanese commander of the island. Another fantastic performance.
Letters from Iwo Jima and Flags Of Our Fathers, both directed by Clint Eastwood, both movies show the battle of Iwo Jima but from opposing perspectives. It's honestly pretty genius by Clint to do companion films that are both extremely good for their own reasons but tie together brilliantly as well.
I just found you recently. I just wanna say that it has been a pleasure to see your reactions. A girl so feminine watching war movies is something very pleasurable for me. Thank You. Keep going
Another interesting fact - The Last Samurai mixes both American Western and older Japanese cinema; In American Westerns, the hero has a redemption arc and survives, but often is injured. In older Japanese cinema, the hero(es) always dies in the end honorably. In this file, the Japanese heroes all died while the American lived. The Last Samurai is my favorite movie. Also, watch for the poor guy who gets kicked in the nuts by a horse.
It doesn't mix cinema so much since its a true story (for the most part) so the result of the battle for the Samurai was pretty set. The whole Tom Cruise character (which I do believe is based on a french general training the Japanese) joining them and all that I think is dramatisation.
@@Tconl "for the most part" - no it's not. The movie, while great is a romanticization of the Satsuma Rebellion, Boshin War etc. It's far from the real history.
@@maverick8697 For the event and such yes it is. The reasons and exact happenings ofc are not. The Samurai ofc got decimated and didn't have a "great" fight like in the movie.
Beautiful commentary. Love to hear the POV of an actor. Did you make the connection of Cpt. Algren being the white tiger from the vision in the beginning? I'm sure you did. Love that mystical aspect of this film.
You may recognize Ken Watanbe from Inception, Batman Begins, Memoirs Of A Geisha, and The Unforgiven. You may recognize Hiroyuki Sanada from Ring, and the tv series Lost to name a few.
Don't forget a little tv show called Shogun.
32:40 Emperor Meiji was the greatest Japanese Emperor. He pried the power away from the Shoguns and established Imperial power over Japan. Modernized Japan in Western model, developed the economy. They become the first Asian nation to defeat a European power (Russia) in conventional battle in the modern time (Russo-Japanese war of 1904-05).
His rule lead to WW2...
@@PROVOCATEURSK sort of, but it's a bit stretch to say his rule lead to WW2. To be precise his reign played an important part in the events leading to Japanese actions, there's no denying that, but there are several other factors that directly played into the occurance of the Asia-Pacific theatre of WW2. One blaming Meiji and his modernisation of Japan and policies entirely for WW2 is like blaming Jesus being born leading to the Crusades happening.
@@jbwade5676 I wasn't even here on earth... I was in a galaxy far far away....🥺
British model in terms of Navy, Prussian model in terms of army - French model at first, but later changed to Prussian after the French lost to Prussia in the late 1900's. The United States also had a role, they opened up Japan for trade, but it was the british, French and the Prussians that trained their armies thinking they could be a vasall state - instead Japan went rogue and had a modern army all of a sudden.
@@DarthVader-ig6ci Perhaps you feel you're being..... treated unfairly?
It would be unfortunate if I had to leave a garrison outside your house.
This film's story is partially based on truth. A French officer by the name of Jules Brunet was sent as an envoy for the Court of Napoleon II. He was overseeing the modernisation of the Japanese military. Eventually he came to admire the Samurai and their rebellion and joined them in their fight. He was welcomed back in France with respect for his actions. Katsumoto is based off Saigö Takamori, and the last battle here is loosely based off the Battle of Shiroyama, in which the Samurai did actually use guns, unlike this film.
I don't believe the Samurai use guns in the battle, but only because they had no ammunition.
My favorite movie of them all< I'm glad you watched it.
The Patriot is my 3rd favorite film of all time. The Last Samurai is my 5th favorite film of all time. Please react to The Patriot next, Heath Ledger and Mel Gibson together are phenomenal
To knowingly hurl yourself against insurmountable odds, knowing full well that you won't survive, is the highest ideal of the Samurai.
@@jbwade5676 what is?
In case you didn't realize Colette the battle Nathan and Katsumoto were talking about in the final battle of the men dying to the last was the 300 movie
I'm not sure if you made the connection, and I believe you have reacted to "300", so the battle of Thermopylae that he talks about in this movie is what is portrayed in the movie "300". When I traveled to Japan the traditional Japan that would have existed right before this movie is truly what I would have liked to experience, so you touch as close to it as you can. I'm not sure if you read what happened prior to this event in history. The US fleet (The Perry Expedition) steams into Edo harbor and forces Japan to trade with the outside world and open itself to their influence, finally ending their policy of isolationism after 220 years in their attempt to retain their cultural heritage.
@Colette, looking forward to seeing your reaction to Last of the Mohicans which is set about 20 years before the American Revolution, during the "7 Years' War", a.k.a. "the French & Indian War" (which comes up in The Patriot too for Mel Gibson's character). It's so good, and a lot of the same vibes as this movie. Also, Danial-Day Lewis, who plays the main character, is one of the last classic, traditional method actors, and it shows. Later he would go on to play Abraham Lincoln in the Spielberg biopic.
As always, I enjoy watching your reactions to a film I've watched a dozen times. Thank you Colette!
If you want to delve into more of the Eastern culture, there are countless movies that display it. Consider "heaven and earth" 1990, "zaitoich" from 1948-2010, "7 samurai" 1954, or even Chinese movies, "ip man" 2008-2019, "fearless" 2006. I mentioned these because they are rich in their respective countries as well as entertaining. Many many more to choose from.
I’m seeing Hans Zimmer next Thursday. I’m really hoping to hear “The Way of the Sword.” The score is during the final battle and when Algren takes Katsumoto’s life out of honor.
No shame in shedding tears at this. I'm nearly 53 years old, and it moves me to tears every single time. I've seen Marine Corps combat veterans weep unashamedly at the end of this film.
The scene where Taka dresses Algren in her husband's armor, is far more romantic and sensual, than any nude love scene.
Katsumoto is based upon a historical figure, Saigō Takamori. He was a leader in the Satsuma Rebellion against Emperor Meiji's social reforms. He fell at the Battle of Shiroyama. He is viewed as Japan's quintessential modern hero.
Very heartfelt and sensitive commentary, young woman. I enjoyed your reaction very much. I first saw this movie years ago when it was first released down here in Australia and it affected me greatly then. It still does. Thank you for sharing this video and your commentary. Cheers from this old Aussie bloke. I will be looking for some more of your film commentaries in future. 👏👍⭐️🫶🤠❤️🌹🦘🐨🇦🇺😍🤩
In my opinion this is Tom Cruise's best movie. I love this movie. When I first saw this movie, it made me interested in the Samurai and the Japanese culture. Every time I watch this movie the last 20 minutes or so of the movie always make me cry. The loss of life all over the so-called progress it is shameful, a waste of life and the possible loss of history and culture.
Being raised in a religiously zealous family, I rejected it. However, you're right in that there are environments that seem spiritual. Only in nature do I find the possibility of a higher power.
The 3 parallels: Lawrence of Arabia, Dances with Wolves, The Last Samurai -- All truly special in their own way.
Katsumoto is played by Japanese actor Ken Watanabe, who indeed gave us a stellar performance in this film. He gave us another stellar performance in the film "Letters from Iwa Jima," set during WWII and the battle for said island against the Americans.
Film ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reaction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you want to watch an epic war film, add Glory to your list. Matthew Broderick (his best performance), Carry Lewes (Ewes or Lewes I forget... the guy from Princess Bride), Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington and some other names I am probably forgetting. It's a true story as well. Pretty sure it won a few oscars too.
@ColetteCherry-1 glory to Ukraine cyka
8:20 I bet when you said “the old vs the new” you had no idea how iconic that line would be by the end of the movie. His sword says “I belong to the warrior in whom the old ways have joined the new” and I think it’s beautiful that you had already acknowledged that waaaaaay before you get to that scene.
One of my favorite movies. It is important to realize that the Samurai are somewhat idealized here to promote empathy. They could be cruel overlords of the feudal system that was Japan. I encourage you to read or watch Shogun if you are interested to learn more. Having said this, like all cultures, it is important to remember the best of one’s past as this movie does instead of discarding all in the presumption that we could be who we are without the contributions of each era. Great react…thank you.
How did UA-cam get someone as great as you on reaction videos? You make me laugh so much. Thank you for being so great
Wow, thank you!
Can I convince you to do a reaction video on Terminator 1 and Terminator 2, original cut. Both are rated over 91% and T-2 is my favorite of all time. It is surprisingly a funny movie for an action film
Honestly ... Katsumoto actor ... CRUSHED that role!!! ❤
"What happened to the warriors of thermopylae?"
"Dead. To the last man."
That grin of 2 samurai knowing what their fate holds.
27:31 being a fireman of 26 years ifourth God many many times. Been in some real bad places more than a few times was at ground Zero after it all happened and thats when i most found him. Not from tht department but when i went there for last final search you find yourself thanking that you weren't there. Also I remember watching those brave souls going down the street during 9/11 and you could see it in every firemans face that they had given threee souls to God ever get a chance to watch any video of those brave firemen walking down the street towards those towers to go in everyone should. Anyway yes ive thought about a higher power many times and thank him after and before every fire call. Rest in peace to the Brave men and women that gave everything they had fo those they didn't know. Peace be with everyone.
Not sure if you saw my suggestion but I suggested The Last Samurai under your 300 or Troy reaction, maybe you were already planning to watch this, but I’m glad you did anyway. Since you enjoyed this I think you much find The Pacific and Band of Brothers to be rich stories with a strong connection to our country’s history. They aren’t movies tho, they’re “limited series” so 10 episodes, but because they were made in this format, you get a lot more details about WW2 that a movie would have to leave out and gloss over. For movies there’s also 1917, Enemy at the Gates. I know many people rank Saving Private Ryan near the top of WW2 movies but I’d say Band of Brothers and the Pacific are even better, I think it was the format that I found to be a good match for this specific topic.
I thought it was cool you really grasped a detail that MANY people get wrong, which is that it was Katsumoto that was the “Last Samurai” not Nathan Algren, technically he wasn’t even a samurai. Ken Watanabe really killed this performance, I thought Hiroyuki Sanada was great as well and you can tell he brought his expertise in samurai and authentic Japanese culture to both this movie and Shogun. I do wish Shogun was more of a limited series like BoB and Pacific, but it’s still a great show.
This woman is an absolute living dream.
One of the best reaction channels because not only does she watch the masculine movies, she feels them.
Hi Collete, my war movies recommendations are :
Schindler's List ( Spielberg);
Flag of our fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima ( Clint Eastwood) these two are complementary to each other.
Guy playing katsumoto"Ken Watanabe" sure is the best cast for that character. Hes like the most famous Japenese actor back in Japan. And hes VERY humble in real life. Hes a awsome guy, he donated/helped alot of people after the tsunamis Japan had a few years back. And he owns a resturant or café in one of the places that got the most affected by the tsunamis.
Another great movie with him is Inception,
A couple of underrated yet really good movies you should check out Colette are Hildago, 3:10 to Yuma, Road to Paloma, Outlaw King, Sweet Girl, Lucky Number Sleven,
If you want more historical war movies, I would recommend "Glory" with Matthew Broderick
I believe the theory that he died of his wounds, but the ending scene is his view of what he now believes to be his heaven.
Nice interpretation.
As a long time practioner of kendo and iaido I've always been a big fan of this movie. Thank you so much for sharing this video.
I love this movie so much and I really loved your analysis and reaction to it
No, Samurai who joined the military weren't traitors or cowards. All people, including the Samurai class had differing views on the modernization of Japan- despite this, every samurai, no matter which "side" they chose were doing so in service to the emperor (in therefore: Japan). After the Samurai class ended, the Japanese culture began to overromanticize the Samurai culture and values (what we now consider as "Bushido" aka the "warrior way") , and bastardized the values which led Japan to become more and more imperial in their conquests across Asia, committing many atrocities.
During the edo period (1600s-1800s) japan was very peaceful, and the Samurai were becoming less relevant in a peaceful society. many of them took up arts and other endeavors. The common perspective of samurai today is very very VERY romanticized. Many japanese martial arts today follow a lot of Samurai-esque philosophies for self improvement, but Bushido has the potential to become very toxic when trying to implement it in a large group setting (ie. a whole nation that wishes to become an imperial power).
Some Samurai adapted with the times, and used their privileged to become scholars, diplomats, government officials, and even join the army. And some Samurai were suspicious of these new western values coming in.
I lived in Thailand for 5 years. Closest to spirituality I've come to. I'll return there to retire someday.
I was born in Laos, lived in Thailand before migrating to the US at the age of 5. May move back and live out my golden years with my wife.
@@mikef2811 the people, the culture. It's all amazing!
@@leonel8831 especially the food
@@mikef2811 foreal! I still go vacation there every year.
If you like Samurai movies of course you got Shogun for a series that sweeped the Emmys. And anything from Akira Kurosawa like Seven Samurai and my favorite of his Ran. I saw Ran in the theaters and it was truly epic.
44:00 I've watched this movie many times, but when I watched it with my wife she had a take on that scene that made me reconsider. Taka is dressing a warrior in her husband's armor, she not dressing Nathan. She is dressing her husband, as she did so many times. It's a habit. She loves the image of the man wearing the armor, not necessarily the person itself. I thought that was a powerfull image.
btw Ken Watanabe, who plays Katsumoto, is a wonderfull actor.
btw 2 this story is loosely based on Jules Brunet, a real french artillery officer who refused orders to come back home when the rebellion began and sided with the samurais with some other western soldiers. When the rebelion was crushed France was asked to punish him. They said he was demoted and then sacked for good image, but he was kept around and a few years later was still in the french military.
Awesome film! One of my favorites. While you're on this epic binge, Edward Zwick, the director is pretty underrated and has some straight BANGERS under his belt! Glory, Blood Diamond, Legends of the Fall to name a few!
Ed has done great stuff, has a real way with words and combat. He also was behind the true type story movie, Glory, Denzel won his 1st Oscar for, and tv show west wing.
If you’re asking for a war film...Hacksaw ridge. If you want a war film and an anime, grave of the fireflies.
Colette, I recommend Tom Cruise again in A Few Good Men, Mission Impossible series, Top Gun 1&2 & Tropic Thunder. Awesome movies of him.
After all the other quite standard recommendations, Tropic Thunder is SUCH a curveball 😂😂 but his best role out of those 😅
Tropic Thunder yeah I'd love to see her react to that 😂
Oblivion
Minority Report, Jerry McGuire, The Firm, Rainman, Risky Business, Born on the Fourth of July.... He has so many good films its hard to count them all!
@@No_lie_eli Edge of tomorrow where he goes from being a complete coward to a full action hero who gets the Babe ! . Talk about character development.!
The Last Samurai isn't 100% historical, it's inspired by historical events and there were a French officer that had a similar role to Cruise here - but he didn't become a samurai himself in real history - instead he and his company switched sides and fough with the Samurai using their French rifles and uniforms.
Also, the Samurai used guns - not swords - in real history at that time.
There was an earlier conflict, a civil war between the samurai and the Imperialists - where the last Samurai in that conflict charged with their swords upon which all of them died.
So the movie takes inspiration from two different historical events, whilst at the same time changing things up a bit to better suit the American audience. Like changing the main character from French to American, or giving the samurai swords instead of guns.
One of my favourite movies, the music, setting everything is top class.
Ujio, Sanada Hiroyuki stars in Shogun, and just won an Emmy. He is a very skilled martial artist and actor. Hope you can visit Japan one day soon Colette!
(Kisses were not a thing is Japan, Taka probably didn't know its meaning)
I definitely recommend the new shogun series! The samurai that didn't like Nathan was played by hiroyuki sanada and he plays the lead Japanese character in that show
Its not like i watched it in theatres... I watched on my laptop and I forgot where i actually was. I felt i was inside the movie. The cinematography, the music, the captivating storyline and acting got me.
U should watch Edward Zwick's other movie Blood diamond if u haven't. Its also as amazing as this one.
Great Reaction Colette... It was enjoyable. Please watch the films you mentioned that you have on your list. Yes, they are heart breaking at times, however there is almost always a cost to freedoms or protections. By opening your heart to them will only make your heart stronger once you understand "a heart is a heavy burden" Howl's Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones later animated by Hayao Miyazaki ~ Great read or watch (I do not think you will be able to react to anything from Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli), Does not mean you should not indulge... Best wishes with your channel~
Love your reaction and perceptive analysis…and (respectfully) you’re so beautiful when you cry. New subscriber.
ive been to Japan 4 times now . everytime i go there i always discover something new , its a beautiful country .. not once on my trips have i encountered anything negative out there , everyone is polite and respectful , this movie and lost in translation were some of the main reasons i decided to try and see the country for myself , Tokyo , Kyoto , Hiroshima , Hamamatsu , YokoHama , Enoshima , i have visted so many places there . i hope you go to Japan someday as well and experience the beautiful culture there and hello from Canada
Stunning performance by Ken Watanabe, I became a huge fan of him after watching this movie, he is talented.
In the original story, it was a French officer who went native ...
You notice That before the final battle, Katsumoto referred to Omura as Mister Omura, rather than Omura-san. The "san" suffix indicates honor. To leave it off, is to accuse Omura of having no honor. Omura later proved it, by refusing to end his life on Katsumoto's sword.
After the period films you've covered so far, my next favorites would be The Patriot and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
And the fact that its a true story (for the most part) just enhances the movie even more.
Hello Colette. I think you would love Japanese history. The Samurai and the " Code of Bushido " is fascinating. I enjoyed your reaction, well done Sister. Also I too for many years lost my faith in the Lord. It took loosing everything I ever owned due to PTSD. I just saw too much death up close while trying my best to save lives, add 10 near death experiences of my own 4 while on the job. I lost the love of my life because I broke and one of children to a terminal illness, and spent 12 years just trying not to end my own life to spare my family the pain of it. The Lord allowed me to destroy myself and take myself down to nothing so he could finally make something useful out of me again. Now my faith is unshakable because I walk with the Lord and he with me. God Bless You. 🙏📿
Important factor about Japan opening up to the rest of the world; it was done at gunpoint. The US navy sailed in to Tokyo harbor, and basically said "open your ports to trade with the west, or we will open fire and obliterate your cities until you reconsider."
Colette saying: "Please just kiss her"! Loved it!
If not mentioned yet, the flag Nathan used as a weapon had a White Tiger on it. That is what Kazimoto saw in his vision, and I think a big reason Nathan was spared. What does it mean, this connection, thinks Kazimoto...
funct fact, this film was partly inspired by the french officer jules brunet, sent by the emperor napoleon III to train the shogun's army and participate in the creation of the republic of ezo
@@jbwade5676 of what ?
@ColetteCherry1 mmmh why ? i say something wrong ? or I misunderstood the sentence, my English is not excellent
A small measure of peace...the song that haunted me by the moment i watched this movie,i love all your reactions Colette,you are smart and kind hearted and none the less beautiful 🤗😘
Well aren’t you the sweetest
I read your reply with your funny accent in my mind 🤣🤣🤣
@@ColetteCherry ♥️
Just done now..wow.. blew me away.. definitely gonna watch full film now. Japan is soooooo beautiful.
I think the scene when she is dressing him is much more sentual than any love making scene. It made me feel stuff that's bin buried for a long time. I have watched this movie several times. Great stuff !
Historically the Japanese did not want American officers. They wanted Prussian officers to train the troops. The character Cruise is based, is historical, but on French officers and not Americans.
well not just that but that the Samurai were up in arms about 'loss of privilege'===the merchant classes were formerly the bottom of the social order, and if a Samurai so desired it, he could kill one in the street. Now the Merchant class is ascendant. I dunno if Zwick thinks men like 'Omura' are actually bad, but Zwick come across as a stereotypical 'handwringing bleeding heart'.
It's a commonly done theme ; the soldier goes native. Similar to : dances with wolves , ferngully, and avatar
Haven’t see those movies yet! Need to watch
Hi , also consider "soldier" , starring Kurt Russell. I think he has three lines in it , you as an actress might really appreciate it and his performance . Thanks
Japan is absolutely epic. If you are remotely interested in the culture, I recommend an extended visit. I was fortunate to get to stay there for ~6 months during my second deployment for the US Navy. The people will bend over backwards to accommodate you. I often joke that "Southern hospitality" feels like a hate crime compared to the hospitality of the Japanese. On a few occasions, I stopped to ask for directions, and had people offer to drive me where I wanted to go. People don't touch things that don't belong to them. We had a few Marines/Sailors lose wallets at train stations, and come back days later to find them untouched. People rarely lock their bikes up, or lock their doors. People just respect other people's space in a way that we don't in the US.
I got to visit the site where Katsumoto's temple was filmed (Engyō-ji, Mt. Shosha). It was raining, almost no one was there, and it was breathtaking! Aside from the natural beauty of the land (like the Naruto whirlpools - yes, that is an actual place, not just the name of an anime), the architecture, etc., there is just a lot of crazy WTF shit in Japan that makes it so worth it. There is a Burning Mountain Festival in early spring, which is exactly what it sounds like - they set the mountain on fire.
I can't recommend seeing a kabuki performance highly enough! I've seen shows on Broadway, and kabuki blew that away by miles! There are only a handful of stages in the world set up for kabuki (they use trapdoors for sudden wardrobe changes, or to have characters disappear while the audience is distracted). They also use a "hana-machi" (flower road), which is a raised walkway leading from the back of the theater to the stage, parting the audience. Sometimes actors will appear or depart from there. They even had moving sets which mimicked the effect of a camera zoom for a scene where an emperor was looking off into the distance. The whole thing is accompanied by musicians hidden behind panels to the side of the stage. For the show I saw, the main character transforms into a kitsune (fox spirit) at the end, and ascends into heaven. The actor was on wires, flying over the audience, and showering us with sakura petals. It was surreal! By far the most immersive performance I've ever seen. Plan well ahead, and be prepared to pay. Tickets can be a bit pricey.
Kagura performances are also very good and are performed everywhere, so more readily available. My grandnephew’s father is a member of a Kagura troupe in Hiroshima.
The last Samurai refers to the plural, not one particular person
I visited Wyoming and felt a peace I’ve never felt before. Pure beauty i felt small compared to the history of that place