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Reviews
The Last Samurai (2003)
conflict between cultures--best weapon wins
It has been true throughout history, that when two opposing cultures clash the one with the most modern weapons wins. This film tells the story of which weapon may truly be the best. Tom Cruise produces and stars in a film which could have been a cliche of a burnt out soldier drowning in booze hired to train a foreign army in "modern" warfare. It could have been bloody battles and explosions. It was neither. It was more.
Captured by the Samurai early in the film he is taken in order for the leader to "learn and study" his enemy.It is apparent to everyone watching the film that Cruise's fate is to be death at the hand of the man Cruise believes his bodyguard. But over the long winter, Cruise develops a curiosity about his captors, their method of fighting, their beliefs developing a respect for the Samurai and their leader. Stockholm syndrome in the 19th century? If so, the film goer is also subject to it, enthralled by the storytelling and performances. Paired with Cruise in a interesting yin/yang relationship is Ken Wantanabe as the Samurai leader. Wantanabe's acting skills duel well with Cruise. Over the winter, Cruise barges into the training and bruisingly gains enough skill to encourage betting among the Samuri as to how long he will last in a bout. While there is a gory climatic battle scene, most of the film is preparing for war, planning for war, practicing for war and finally engaging in war between two elements of Japan's culture. Bows and arrows and swords against howitzers and gatling guns. The victory does not result as one might surmise.
Tom Cruise disappears totally into his character probably earning an Oscar nod by doing so.
Where the Heart Is (2000)
Interesting mix of characterizations.
Frain goes believably from beast to prince of men. Ashley Judd's character finally grows up before all her kids beat her to it; Stockard Channing sparkles life into her characterization; Portman's character lets go of her stupidity without losing her resilience. A character driven drama/comedy that is Worth watching. Good Date movie.
Prince of Central Park (2000)
New York's Central Park is the Star.
This is worth watching just to see Keitel in his outrageous mode. His part is small but as usual, one can't take their eyes off of him. Spoiler? At the end of the movie, he offers real hope for the future of one gang banger, whether the banger wishes it or not--always an interesting characterization from this man. I'll watch anything with Keitel in it so perhaps I'm not objective enough for this movie. I thought Turner was convincing as the grieving, self-tortured, mother. With Moriarty in it as well it was the battle of the sultry voices and both cast a bit off type which added interest to the plot. I'm glad they made the movie. And it has Central Park--so who wouldn't enjoy it for the scenery alone? The fairy tale of a boy on his own in the park, escaping from a less than caring foster care giver will not be believable in this day of dangerous nut balls, but suspend belief a little and join the fantasy of a preteen coming of age.