Last Samurai - Spoiler/Oscar Discussion

[noel]

**** Spoilers! If you haven't seen the movie, turn back now! ****







Am I the only one that thought that Nathan Algren (Cruise) living through the gattling gun onslaught where all of the other samurai were killed completely diminished the movie? Honestly, up until that point, there were some minor, minor details that I didn't really care for, but the movie was well on its way to being the year's best (I still think RotK has the potential to beat it). I was disappointed that in a movie that was relatively realistic, I suddenly had to suspend disbelief for this one part. I believe it would have been far better to have the photographer, or even Omura's man (the first to take his hat off and bow after the battle) speak to the emperor, and perhaps pass along Algren's journal or something. Am I alone here? Can someone rationalize this for me?

(A lot of the rest of this is Oscar discussion, and since RotK isn't out yet, it's all subjective. I'll need to see that movie, and the performances therein before I come to any specific conclusions about Oscar picks, but going on what I've seen so far this year...)

In recent years of Cruise's career, it seems he's often been looking for Best Actor roles. The Last Samurai is no exception. I looked throughout the movie for a scene, or an overall feeling that this would indeed be the movie, but he just fell short. He was far more deserving of Best Actor for his performance in Jerry Maguire where he was stellar. Please don't misinterpret. His role as Algren was played spectacularly and I am certainly not saying he did a bad job, or had a poor performance, but I don't think it was a Best Actor performance. In many ways, I think Russel Crowe, an actor I don't really care for, is more deserving of 'Best Actor' for his performance in Master And Commander, a movie that in my opinion had a mediocre story when compared to the story in The Last Samurai.

It didn't help Cruise that in every seen that featured the samurai lord, Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe), Watanabe out-acted him. I think it will be a real shame if Watanabe doesn't get best supporting actor. I loved his expression, and his presence on the screen. I can't imagine that role being played any better.

This is all just my opinion, but I'm curious to see the thoughts of the rest of you.

[Keverian FireCry]

In many ways, I think Russel Crowe, an actor I don't really care for, is more deserving of 'Best Actor' for his performance in Master And Commander, a movie that in my opinion had a mediocre story when compared to the story in The Last Samurai.

I agree, but I wouldn't be suprised if both are nominated for best actor. They both did very well, Crowe brings any character he plays to life so amazingly. He's got multiple oscars in his future for sure.

It didn't help Cruise that in every seen that featured the samurai lord, Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe), Watanabe out-acted him. I think it will be a real shame if Watanabe doesn't get best supporting actor. I loved his expression, and his presence on the screen. I can't imagine that role being played any better.

I totally agree, I loved Katsumoto and Ken Watanabe played him spectacularly. He certainly deserves best supporting actor, I haven't seen a better casting than that, ever.

[Truant]

As to the howitzer scene. Algren took two bullets to the right arm/shoulder, and his horse took two as well i think. He/his horse went down before he had 6 - 8 bullets in his chest like the other heroes.

It's believable. The howitzer would be shooting small rounds, and he took the one wound to the right thigh.


Loved the movie btw.