Last Samurai, The (Widescreen) (US)

Set in the late 1870s, this epic film depicts the beginnings of the modernization of Japan
Certificate: R
Running Time: 154 mins
Retail Price: $29.95
Release Date:
Content Type: Movie

Synopsis:
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 (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.

Special Features:
Audio Commentary with Edward Zwick Director
Deleted Scenes: "The Beheading" (Behind the Beheading) & Algren and Katsumoto
Documentary: "History vs. Hollywood: THE LAST SAMURAI"
Featurettes: 1. "Tom Cruise: A Warrior`s Journey" 2. "Edward Zwick: Director`s Video Journal" 3. "A World of Design: Production Design with Lilly Kilvert" 4. "Silk and Armour: Costume Design with Ngila Dickson" 5. "Imperial Army Basic Training: From Soldier to Samurai The Weapons" 6. "Tokyo and Kyoto Red Carpet Premieres"
"Making an Epic: A Conversation with Edward Zwick"
DVD-ROM Features