Unlocking the Secrets of Tom Cruise's Epic Samurai Adventure: Revealing One Mind-Blowing Weapon Detail

Jinichi Kawakami, renowned as the last surviving grandmaster of the ninja, evaluates and critiques Tom Cruise's film "The Last Samurai" while also revealing a fascinating weapon insight. Released in 2003 and directed by Edward Zwick, the movie portrays Cruise as Nathan Algren, an American military advisor and veteran of the Civil War, who is sent to Japan with the mission to eradicate the remaining Samurai. Upon being captured in battle, Algren eventually immerses himself in the Samurai culture and becomes a part of their fight, culminating in a noteworthy scene where he and Katsumoto (played by Ken Watanabe) fend off attacking ninjas.

In a recently published Insider video, Kawakami, a practitioner of the Kōka-ryū ninjutsu, scrutinizes the scene depicting the ninja attack from "The Last Samurai," giving it a rating of five out of ten for accuracy. He specifically identifies the utilized stealth tactic as "kamari," which essentially represents a surprise ninja ambush. While the depiction of ninjas employing bows and arrows is accurate, according to Kawakami, the portrayal of star-shaped shurikens is less so. Furthermore, he brings attention to an intriguing detail related to the ninja swords. To delve deeper into his analysis, you can read his commentary or view the video below (the relevant section begins at 1:59).

How Accurate Is The Last Samurai?

Ninjas are adept at maneuvering stealthily, particularly in dimly lit areas or cramped quarters. This is why they prefer wielding a compact, short sword. The deliberate rust on its blade serves the purpose of inflicting severe harm upon their adversaries, leading to festering wounds or even mutilation, maximizing the damage inflicted.

In a similar fashion to many Hollywood movies set in historical periods, The Last Samurai combines elements of truth and fiction. The depiction of the Japanese rebellion in the film is rooted in actual events that took place during the latter half of the 19th century. While the characters portrayed by Cruise and Watanabe are not based on real individuals, they draw inspiration from historical figures. For instance, Cruise's character, Nathan Algran, who faced criticism as a white savior figure in The Last Samurai, finds its inspiration in Jules Brunet, a French soldier who actively participated in the Boshin War on behalf of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Watanabe's character, Katsumoto, in The Last Samurai is based on Saigō Takamori, a samurai warrior who led rebel forces against Japan's new imperial government in the Satsumo Rebellion. Saigō was ultimately killed during the Battle of Tabaruzaka in 1877, which inspired the final battle in the film. The Last Samurai explores the Meiji Restoration, a period of radical change that saw the return of imperial rule in Japan and the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the samurai.

Although certain characters and plot elements are fictionalized, the portrayal of political and social change in The Last Samurai is generally considered accurate. The film's costumes and set design have also received praise for their historical authenticity. While Tom Cruise is now known for his work in the Mission: Impossible franchise, The Last Samurai remains an interesting addition to his resume, despite its deviation from actual history.

Source: Insider