The Last Samurai

Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise) is an American hired to instruct the Japanese army in the ways of modern warfare in this epic set in the 1870s. Executive produced by Vincent Ward (River Queen) and shot in New Zealand. Nominated for four Oscars, including Best Supporting Actor for Ken Watanabe.

Algren learns to respect the samurai and the honourable principles that rule them. Pressed to destroy the samurai's way of life in the name of modernisation and open trade, Algren decides to become an ultimate warrior himself and to fight for their right to exist.