The Last Samurai Essay - 746 Words

â€Å"The Last Samurai† is a film centered around the idea of journeying physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally. We witness these journeys not only through observations of a character going through a personal transformation but a whole culture around him who is likewise in turmoil. This film allows us to join in on an adventure and journey of the character, the world he enters and the people he meets. The story is based on a time just after the Civil War, a time when the modern western world which had just encroached upon the American West, condemning the Native American, began to engulf traditional Japan as well. The purpose of this film is to give a voice to these people, to share in their struggles and experiences and be†¦show more content†¦This idea of a physical journey is easily conveyed through the use of scenery. We get to witness the extent of the physical journey by viewing the changing environment. This technique is something that not only highlights the actual physical journey, but the extent of the changes that the protagonist is going through in relation to his changing situations. This technique is achieved most effectively by the camera shots used, in particular the use of cinematography and indeed panning. Throughout the film we are taken on the heroic journey of the powerful character of Captain Nathan Algren, a person who travels a great distance, literally and figuratively to find himself and his values. Captain Algren emerges as a truly tormented figure, a man who has lost faith, an extremely vulnerable figure, not your typical stock movie hero. He is a lost soul searching to find his way. Edward Zwick allows you to witness this journey through his use of gradual development throughout the film. As the character discovers, so do you and so on. You are therefore just that bit closer personally to each of the characters, and their journey. Edward Zwick the director has used the technique of characterisationShow MoreRelatedThe Last Samurai: Hollywood and Orientalism2947 Words   |  12 Pagesorientalism that is potentially planted in the sub-consciousness of the viewers. (Scurry 9) In other words, Orientalism knows influences its audience sometimes without them even realizing or recognizing they are being influenced. In the film The Last Samurai we see the embodiment of many orientalist characteristics. First, the film has typical â€Å"Japonerserie† stereotypes. Second, it has the typical white male protagonist savior who has superior abilities and authority over characters of a differenceRead MoreThe Last Samurai By Captain Nathan Algren1750 Words   |  7 PagesI have chosen to talk about the movie The Last Samurai. This is a movie that takes places in Japan, with Captain Nathan Algren as one of the main characters. He was hired to lead an attack against a rebellion of Samurais, who were opposing to the use of firearms. 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He was the surprise winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. In 1990, he accepted the Academy Award for Lifetime. Kuorosawa contributed Japanese history, culture, and society through this movie to audiences. (Film)