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The Last Samurai
CAST & DIRECTOR
Directed by Edward Zwick. With Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Timothy Spall.
7.6/10
MOVIHERO RATINGWHAT IT'S ABOUT
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.
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7.6/10
MOVIHERO RATINGYOUR WATCHLISTNathan 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 princ…
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RELEASE SNAPSHOT
Release snapshot for The Last Samurai.
MoviHero lists December 5, 2003 as the release date for The Last Samurai. Edward Zwick is the listed director. The listed cast includes Tom Cruise as Nathan Algren, Ken Watanabe as Moritsugu Katsumoto, Timothy Spall as Simon Graham, Tony Goldwyn as Col. Benjamin Bagley. A trailer and 5 stills are available on this page.
Release dateDecember 5, 2003
GenresDrama · Action · War
Runtime2h 34m
DirectorEdward Zwick
CastTom Cruise as Nathan Algren, Ken Watanabe as Moritsugu Katsumoto, Timothy Spall as Simon Graham, Tony Goldwyn as Col. Benjamin Bagley
TrailerAvailable on this page
Images5 stills
BEFORE YOU PRESS PLAY
Is The Last Samurai right for tonight?
Pacing, attention and emotional impact are estimates from the current MoviHero Watch Profile, not verified scene-by-scene reviews.
How much time should I set aside?
The Last Samurai runs 2h 34m. Allow extra time for breaks.
Is it slow or fast?
The current MoviHero pacing estimate is 4/10: a more patient pace.
Is it a good choice when I am tired?
The attention estimate is 6/10. Expect to follow the story rather than use it as background viewing.
How emotionally intense is it?
The emotional-impact estimate is 8/10, suggesting a stronger emotional experience. This does not tell you whether the ending is happy or sad.
MOVIE RATING
MoviHero Rating
MoviHero Rating: 7.6/10 from 7,883 votes. Updated Nov 4, 2026.
Rating data supplied by TMDB, shown on a 10-point scale. MoviHero audience ratings are calculated separately from scores submitted here.
MOVIHERO AUDIENCE RATING
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WHAT WATCHING IT FEELS LIKE
Watch Profile
Seven estimates of the viewing experience, based on the stored Watch Profile. These are separate from the movie rating and are not verified scene-by-scene assessments.
Pacing4/10
Emotional Impact8/10
Mind-Bending2/10
Scary1/10
Violence7/10
Rewatchability5/10
Attention Required6/10
VIEWER REVIEWS
What viewers say about The Last Samurai
Selected viewer reactions, in their own words. These excerpts reflect individual opinions, not an overall verdict.
Viewer reaction
“Recommended. 'The Last Samurai' features some very cool and entertaining battle sequences, which are shot excellently. The premise itself is attracting, it's acted out astutely…”
Viewer reaction
“"Nathan Algren" (Tom Cruise) is a disenchanted, alcoholic Captain who, post American Civil War, is offered the chance of a fresh, lucrative, start in Japan…”
Viewer reaction
“Edward Zwick's "The Last Samurai" is about two warriors whose cultures make them aliens, but whose values make them comrades.”
Selected review excerpts supplied by TMDB. Opinions belong to their original authors.
WORDS THAT STAY WITH YOU
Memorable lines
Reveal a line containing a spoiler
“I beg your pardon?”
A CLOSER LOOK
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CAST & CREW
The people who make it land.
CHARACTERS IN THIS MOVIE
Follow the character.
Reviewed MoviHero character guides connected to this movie.
otherCol. Benjamin BagleyCol. Benjamin Bagley appears in The Last Samurai (2003).Open character guide otherMoritsugu KatsumotoMoritsugu Katsumoto appears in The Last Samurai (2003).Open character guide otherSimon GrahamSimon Graham appears in The Last Samurai (2003).Open character guide otherNathan AlgrenNathan Algren appears in The Last Samurai (2003).Open character guide otherUjioUjio appears in The Last Samurai (2003).Open character guide
SIMILAR GENRES & STORY THEMES
Keep the night going.
8.6/10
MOVIHERO RATINGScene
2026·Drama · Comedy · Action