The focus of this war-flick falls on Captain Nathan Algren(Tom Cruise), the Aragon of LOTR fame. hehe.. Hailed hero of one too many battles in the 19th century, he's called upon by a Japanese, Omaha who's anxious to bring Western modernisation into Japan, even if it means the erradication of the Samurais.

In one of the early battles, Algren is captured and kept alive to be studied by Samurai leader Katsumoto(Ken Watanabe). Check this guy out! He reminds me of Shogun in the 80s! Katsumoto is trying to defend his homeland and preserve the legend of the Samurais.

Meanwhile Algren is nursed back to health by the Taka(Koyuki), sister of Katsumoto and wife of a Jap warrior he had just killed in battle. Taka shows him great hospitality yet remaining faithful to her deceased husband. Makes me wonder if a mourning widow would have actually done that in real life. You know.. resisting the urge to rub salt into his wounds or poisoning him... :o

It was amusing how Algren knew nothing of the Japanese language, ways or custom except for the word "Sake"! (Japanese wine). A war veteran haunted by killings and other war crimes, he drinks himself (drunk) to sleep. Having to pass 2 months in captivity, he comes to realise the discipline of the Samurai and masters the way of the sword.

Needless to say there is a battle between Western army and the Jap samurais. Very impressive choreography! As to what happens to Algren, I shall not spoil it for you. ;) Though I must say, the final scene of the battle involving Katsumoto and Algren, gets my vote for Most Memorable Scene in any movie since Braveheart.

I'm not normally a fan of war movies, but this one gets many thumbs up from me! Not all the usual hack and slash. A few light moments here and there admist the main theme of "Honour".

Best performance from Tom Cruise in a long while. Maybe now he can rival Maximus(Gladiator) for an Oscar :P

LOTR all over again...

• Aragon = Captain Algren(Tom Cruise), the superhero of war
• Legolas turned Boromir = Katsumoto's son, Nobutada (played by Shin Koyamada)
• Arwen = Taka(Koyuki)
• Though I can't quite pinpoint wat role Katsumoto fits into.. :P

Btw, even if i didn't quite think Tom Cruise would be suitable for this part.. be realistic.. who else could fit the shoes?