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The Last Samurai Movie Cast, Plot and Everything to Know

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Last modified: Dec. 22, 2008

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The Last Samurai

Release Date: Friday, December 5, 2003

Director: Edward Zwick

Starring: Tom Cruise Timothy Spall Billy Connolly Tony Goldwyn Ken Watanabe

R Action N/A

  • 3.63 / 5.0
56% 44%

Plot – What's the story about?

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Plot
Set in the late 1870s, this epic film depicts the beginnings of the modernization of Japan, as the island nation evolved past a feudal society, as symbolized by the eradication of the samurai way of life. We see all this happen from the point of view of an alcoholic Civil War veteran turned Winchester guns spokesman, Captain Woodrow Algren (Tom Cruise), who arrives in Japan to train the troops of the emperor, Meiji, as part of a break away from the long-held tradition of relying on employed samurai warriors to protect territories, as the emperor's new army prepares to wipe out the remaining samurai warriors. When Algren is injured in combat and captured by the samurai, he learns about their warrior honor code from their leader, Katsumoto, which forces him to decide which side of the conflict he actually wants to be on.
Action Adventure Drama Historical

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Who stars in The Last Samurai – Cast List

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Who is making The Last Samurai – Crew List

A look at The Last Samurai behind-the-scenes crew and production team. The film's director Edward Zwick last helmed Jack Reacher: Never Go Back and Defiance.

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Production – What we know about the The Last Samurai

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Movie Filming Timeline: Production Status Updates

Completed

Changed The Last Samurai movie production status. The movie is ready for release.

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Additional Information

Parent Rating
R Restricted for strong violence, battle sequences
Runtime
N/A
Tagline
Not available
Also known as
Not available
Language
English
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The Last Samurai Trailers and Clips

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The Last Samurai Release Date: When was the film released?

The Last Samurai was released in on Friday, December 5 , 2003. There were three other movies released on the same date, including Honey, Forget Baghdad: Jews and Arabs - The Iraqi Connection and Prisoner of Paradise.

The Last Samurai DVD & Blu-ray Release Date

The Last Samurai is scheduled to be released on DVD and Blu-ray on . Availability may vary by region. Pre-order your copy of The Last Samurai today on Amazon.

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  • United States

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On DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Release

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  • No digital purchase or rental options are available yet.


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  • Added the soundtrack release date of November 25, 2003

  • Added the DVD release date of May 4, 2004

New trailer

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die Official Trailer #2

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