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The Last Samurai

2003·Movie
2h 34min·R
69
GoodGoodWatch score
IMDb7.8Metacritic558.2Rotten Tomatoes65%83%

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The Last Samurai fingerprint

A , war movie: , but never scary, .

Good for date night · family movie night · friends night

Feel

Story

Look

About

In the face of an enemy, in the heart of one man, lies the soul of a warrior.

Nathan Algren is an American hired to instruct the Japanese army in the ways of modern warfare, which finds him learning to respect the samurai and the honorable principles that rule them. Pressed to destroy the samurai's way of life in the name of modernization and open trade, Algren decides to become an ultimate warrior himself and to fight for their right to exist.
Epic Historical DramaMeiji Restoration ConflictSamurai Honor & CodeCross-Cultural RedemptionVisually Stunning Battle SequencesHaunting Orchestral ScoreTragic Hero's JourneyRomanticized Tradition vs. ModernityEmotional Catharsis

Crew

Directed by:
Edward Zwick, Jayne-Ann Tenggren, Nilo Otero
Written by:
John Logan, John Logan, Edward Zwick
Produced by:
Tom Cruise, Edward Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz
Composed by:
Hans Zimmer, Anna Behlmer, Andy Nelson

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Last Samurai

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Last Samurai legally?

fuboTVHBO MaxMGM+PhiloCinemax

The Last Samurai is included with a subscription to fuboTV, Philo, MGM+, and HBO Max in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Last Samurai worth watching?

69
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes 65%, and Metacritic 55). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Last Samurai rated?

RViolenceDisturbing imagery

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.

How long is The Last Samurai?

2 h 34 min

The Last Samurai runs 2 h 34 min.

Will The Last Samurai make me laugh?

Serious

No. It plays it straight.

Is The Last Samurai plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly character-driven. It leans on character depth and pathos more than on its plot.

Can I half-watch The Last Samurai?

Easy watchDemanding

Yes. It's easy to follow.

Is The Last Samurai good for date night?

and 4 moreDate NightPartner WatchAdultsFamily Movie NightFriends Night

Yes. Our viewing guide lists it for date night. Romance is a big part of it.

Will The Last Samurai scare me?

Not scaryTerrifying

No.

Will I feel good after watching The Last Samurai?

BleakHopeful

Mixed feelings. It balances dark and hopeful moments.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Last Samurai?

Critics60
Audiences81

Not quite. Audiences rate The Last Samurai higher (81) than critics (60). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.

Was The Last Samurai a box office hit?

Budget$140 million
Box office$457 million

Yes. It cost about $140 million to make and earned $457 million worldwide, 3.3 times its budget.

What language is The Last Samurai in?

EnglishJapanese

It was made in English, with some Japanese. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch The Last Samurai?

107ADAEAGAOARATAUAZBBBEBFBGBMBO+93

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Last Samurai in 107 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does The Last Samurai use?

Jerk with a Heart of GoldDeliberate Values DissonanceGallows HumourBadass BookwormYou Are Not Ready"Ass" in AmbassadorRomanticism Versus EnlightenmentArtistic License – ReligionCultured BadassTook a Level in Badass"Run Your Own Race" AesopBulletproof Human Shieldand 203 more

TV Tropes lists 215 storytelling tropes for The Last Samurai, including Jerk with a Heart of Gold, Deliberate Values Dissonance, Gallows Humour.