Last Samurai-post screening opinion

[David Coscina 3]

I'm just back from having seen The Last Samurai. It's a beautifully shot, well acted, tightly edited film. And thankfully Zimmer's score blends into the film reasonably well. I don't change my opinion of the quality of the music as its own entity- it's still an average score. But the film itself is one of the best I've seen in a long time. I read the script a few weeks ago and was worried that the filmmakers would alter the story for the worse which is what usually happens to great projects. Luckily, they cleaned up the clunky first act and delivered a solid film.

Cruise's performance surprised me. Reading the script, I had a certain idea of how he'd approach the role of Lt. Algren. He surpassed my expectations. The Katsumoto character played by Ken Wantanabe was alittle harder to appreciate, at least in his preliminary exchanges with Algren. As the film progresses, he settles into the role quite well (I believe this is his first English speaking role). The cinematography is stunning as are the set designs and costumes. The attention to minute details was paramount in the authenticity of the film.

Zimmer's score in the film is more atmospheric and focuses on the quieter moments from the soundtrack. "A Hard Teacher" features some harmonic variations on the third most Asian sounding theme that Zimmer came up with which underscores Algren's immersion into the ways of the samurai life and Japanese culture during his time in the village.

What doesn't work well are his anthemic sections that sound right out of Gladiator or worse, Crimson Tide. On the soundtrack they're much worse as they have no context but they are mishandled even in the framework of the film. A scene between Algren and a fierce and stoic samurai called Ujio is hindered by this electronic, Euro-anthem when it would have worked better either with a solo instrument or not being scored at all. When you see the film, you will know what scene I'm talking about.

The more somber renditions of the second theme, the one that basically alternates between tonic-dominant and tonic-perfect 4th, underline the tragedy of the samurai's plight without seeming to be overly contrived. I got the sense that Zwizk or Zimmer were trying to force the viewer to empathize more with the samurai when the acting was good enough to evoke those feelings.

Last Samurai is a first rate film. It's story has some historical underpinnings, some truly genuine humor, a central character that is truly interesting to watch grow to appreciate the rich culture of the samurai, and one of the most poetic, beautiful conclusions I've ever seen in a film. I would rate this film a solid 9/10. Had there been a more sublime score, it would have garnered a perfect 10.

[Morn 7]

What doesn't work well are his anthemic sections that sound right out of Gladiator or worse, Crimson Tide. On the soundtrack they're much worse as they have no context but they are mishandled even in the framework of the film. A scene between Algren and a fierce and stoic samurai called Ujio is hindered by this electronic, Euro-anthem when it would have worked better either with a solo instrument or not being scored at all. When you see the film, you will know what scene I'm talking about.

Sounds like a Zimmer scored film to me...

[Rogue_Leader 2]

This film's plotline is a Dances With Wolves rip off.

[Justin 2]

Atleast you think it is consider you haven't actually seen the film.

Justin -Wonder if Rogue is a Pre-Cog.

[Rogue_Leader 2]

Atleast you think it is consider you haven't actually seen the film.

Justin -Wonder if Rogue is a Pre-Cog.

Hey I didn't say the movie sucked. Its probably a decent film, but the plotline is the EXACT SAME DEAL as Dances with Wolves.