Fans say the film is an ‘underrated masterpiece’.
One of the most beautifully crafted’ period drama currently streaming on Netflix features Tom Cruise’s ‘best performance’. While streaming on the platform and also available on HBO Max, The Last Samurai was also recently added to Prime Video’s library.
It means that many film fans have the opportunity to rediscover the title that originally hit cinemas back in 2003. According to its synopsis, the film’s story follows Capt. Nathan Algren, played by Cruise.
He is an American military officer hired by the Emperor of Japan to train the country’s first army in the art of modern warfare.
As the government attempts to eradicate the ancient Samurai warrior class in preparation for more Westernised and trade-friendly policies, Algren finds himself unexpectedly affected by his encounters with the Samurai. This places him in the middle of a struggle between two eras and two worlds.
Fans call it an underrated masterpiece(Image: Warner Bros)
Alongside Cruise, the impressive cast also includes comedian Billy Connolly and Timothy Spall in supporting roles. While Japanese actor Ken Watanabe, who has also starred in Godzilla, Inception and Batman Begins, earned an Oscar nomination for his performance.
While the film only received average reviews in the United States, it still managed to be the number two film behind Finding Nemo at the time. However, it was much better received in Japan, becoming one of the country’s biggest box office hits and considered “a vast improvement over previous American attempts to portray Japan” by critics.
Fans look upon the movie much more favourably, even after all these years. One viewer who watched it again recently posted online: “After rewatching in 2026 I can confidently say they don’t make films like this anymore. Such a good movie that gives you that strange feeling in the back of your throat towards the end. A great script and amazing performances from every single actor.”
Many praise it as one of Cruise’s finest outings, with some claiming he should have also received an Oscar nomination along with his co-star. One person claimed: “One of the top 10 Tom Cruise movies. Superb script. Solid acting. Great production values. Almost flawless in many aspects.”
Someone else agreed: “One of Tom Cruise’s best pieces of acting. An incredible visual experience, the score is second to none, and the beautiful capture of Japanese culture of this time period is unparalleled.”
The epic did spark some debate at the time of its release(Image: Warner Bros)
Even though it received criticism for historical accuracy, many believe it’s still worth watching as a fictionalised version of a time in history. As one person explained: “Historically dubious it may be, but the stunning action scenes and emotional depth make it very hard to resist.”
A viewer commented: “Visually stunning. A classic worth rewatching. Outstanding soundtrack as well. Often misunderstood when people think the title refers to Tom Cruise’s character rather than Katsumoto himself.”
While one person went so far as to say: “Easily my favourite Tom Cruise performance. The cinematography is beyond gorgeous and the momentum never slows. Topped off by a stunning soundtrack by Hans Zimmer, The Last Samurai is an underrated masterpiece.”
The Last Samurai is streaming on Netflix, HBO Max and Prime Video.
