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02 November 2007
The Last Samurai
CASTKen Watanabe - Katsumoto
Tom Cruise - Captain Nathan Algren
Tom Cruise - Captain Nathan Algren
Tony Goldwyn - Colonel Bagley
Masato Harada - Omura
Shichinosuke Nakamura - Emperor Meiji
Shin Koyamada - Nobutada
Hiroyuki Sanada - Ujio
Timothy Spall - Simon Graham
Seizo Fukumoto - the Silent Samurai a.k.a. Bob
Koyuki - Taka
Billy Connolly - Sergeant Zebulon Gant
CINEMATOGRAPHY
The whole movie was a beautiful piece to capture. Every scene was a photographer's dream scenario. The people, activities, landscape and every thing that has breath as well as those that have none were too wonderful to capture.
My personal favourite scenes, with regards to photography, were the sun's illuminating rays, the horses with their strong legs ready for battle, the mountains, the green fields, Taka plowing the field, the swordsman, the swords, the samurai during their moments of training, and the sakura or cherry blossoms at the time when Katsumoto-san held his last breath. I am not even sure if I have the complete list. I would love to take pictures as much as I can find in this movie.
The transition of scenes was also not mediocre. I have nothing but praise for the cinematography of this movie. If there is any flaw found by other people yet I have overlooked, then let it be known.
The movie has an ambience of what someone would feel depending on where he stands. During the first battle of the civil army and the samurai, it was cold. It may be externally cold, but it was also internally cold. It reminded me of General Maximus in The Gladiator.
MUSIC
A movie without music background is like a body without spirit. There was a scene when Algren fought with Ujio. It was raining and the music just added to the melancholic mood of the situation.
COSTUME
In my humble opinion, the American officers' uniform were too simple. I am aware that there was no need to flaunt the medals and honours during trainings and battles, but it was so plain. I am aware that Americans have concern about ranks yet it was not shown in the movie.
It was easy to spot who were the commoners in the movie. The peasants were even obvious. The clothes the nihonjin or Japanese wore were simple, like what it is ought to be. This is not a negative comment.
The whole movie was a beautiful piece to capture. Every scene was a photographer's dream scenario. The people, activities, landscape and every thing that has breath as well as those that have none were too wonderful to capture.
My personal favourite scenes, with regards to photography, were the sun's illuminating rays, the horses with their strong legs ready for battle, the mountains, the green fields, Taka plowing the field, the swordsman, the swords, the samurai during their moments of training, and the sakura or cherry blossoms at the time when Katsumoto-san held his last breath. I am not even sure if I have the complete list. I would love to take pictures as much as I can find in this movie.
The transition of scenes was also not mediocre. I have nothing but praise for the cinematography of this movie. If there is any flaw found by other people yet I have overlooked, then let it be known.
The movie has an ambience of what someone would feel depending on where he stands. During the first battle of the civil army and the samurai, it was cold. It may be externally cold, but it was also internally cold. It reminded me of General Maximus in The Gladiator.
MUSIC
A movie without music background is like a body without spirit. There was a scene when Algren fought with Ujio. It was raining and the music just added to the melancholic mood of the situation.
COSTUME
In my humble opinion, the American officers' uniform were too simple. I am aware that there was no need to flaunt the medals and honours during trainings and battles, but it was so plain. I am aware that Americans have concern about ranks yet it was not shown in the movie.
It was easy to spot who were the commoners in the movie. The peasants were even obvious. The clothes the nihonjin or Japanese wore were simple, like what it is ought to be. This is not a negative comment.
The samurai armours worn in the movie were simple yet detailed. I find them beautiful and a symbol of valour. But there was one armour that stood out. It was the armour of Katsumoto's son. I wonder if it was exclusive for archers. I find it uncanny.
I don't want to write any further...
music:
Brian Doerksen - Faithful Father
Brian Doerksen - Faithful Father
10:06 Posted in Screen | Permalink | Email this