The Last Samurai Japanese Teaser

[Coming Soon!]

Check it out;
http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/l/lastsamurai.php

[Piaro]

Even though it's only a teaser it's still great. I love the score.

[PsYkOoOoO]

Originally posted by Piaro
Even though it's only a teaser it's still great. I love the score.

i thought i heard it elsewhere....anywayz...i looooove the teaser...but tom looks like ethan hunt in MI2...

[breathingone]

man this movie is gonna be awesome......I can't wait to see it.

[Cipher Jo]

nice teaser

[Fanible]

Anyone know why when I download movie trailers for media player, that when it downloads, it downloads something thats only like a few bytes, and it doesn't play anything when you play it.

[PsYkOoOoO]

Originally posted by Fanible
Anyone know why when I download movie trailers for media player, that when it downloads, it downloads something thats only like a few bytes, and it doesn't play anything when you play it.
that happens to me too sometimes...luckily not this time~!!m not sure why too...and it's irritating...why?i thought the only irritating thing bout the teaser was the fact that there were not enough fight scenes...

[Fanible]

Originally posted by PsYkOoOoO
that happens to me too sometimes...luckily not this time~!!m not sure why too...and it's irritating...why?i thought the only irritating thing bout the teaser was the fact that there were not enough fight scenes...

The movies not exactly near completion though.

[PsYkOoOoO]

Originally posted by Fanible
The movies not exactly near completion though.

i know..but i want more~!not just...what we saw....

[Piaro]

Originally posted by PsYkOoOoO
i know..but i want more~!not just...what we saw....

Well I'm sure we'll get more in the actual trailer. This is just a teaser afterall.

[roxx]

There is going to be another trailer released soon. The word is that it will be shown in the theaters with Matrix Reloaded.

[KayTang999]

Originally posted by Piaro
Even though it's only a teaser it's still great. I love the score.

Totally agree!!!

The score is great.

[Radiohead]

looks pretty good.

[PsYkOoOoO]

Originally posted by KayTang999
Totally agree!!!

The score is great.

is it frm the movie itself..?or like the TTT trailer...

[KayTang999]

The score??? I don't know but it sound really good.

[diasyjazz]

thx...although teasers teas too much!! ha. they get me all up and excited and then....more waiting. but that was cool.

and yes--when i tried to open mine in windows media played it took me to winamp- wierd. but i got it to work with real player!!

that score is definately going straight to the top of my soundtrack collection...i love how it builds and then all of a sudden just bursts out with amazing sound!

[Piaro]

Originally posted by roxx
There is going to be another trailer released soon. The word is that it will be shown in the theaters with Matrix Reloaded.

That would be soo cool.

Now that I think about it, it seems logical and possible. WB is distributing Matrix and they distribute The Last Samurai, and Matrix will be seen by many people. So, yeah that would be cool.

Again, have to say that score ROCKS.

[roxx]

Yes, the score is ORIGINAL from the last samurai. That's the first thing they worked on. Not sure who the composer. anyone know??

[gump]

Yes the score sounds amazingly! One of the movies I'm looking most forward too this year. (Besides "The Return of the King" offcourse).

The composer is Hans Zimmer! He's doing Ridley scotts
Matchstick Men & The Last Samurai. At least if he hasn't backed out off the project.

[PsYkOoOoO]

see...thats why i love hans zimmer~~

[KayTang999]

I saw The Ring and Zimmer did the score for that one too, really spooky!

[roxx]

Zimmer also did Rain Man, and what an amazing job he did there.

[necronon99]

need more before i judge this "epic"

[KayTang999]

Yeah, you need to see more to judge if the movie will be good or not.

[necronon99]

more.............

[Cipher Jo]

Some are saying that it might be Oscar material for Cruise.

[KayTang999]

Oh yeah I heard that too, and if he did, well the presentor is Nicole since she just won.

[roxx]

Well I really hope tom Cruise wins for this one. The buzz is for Jude Law, be he sucks. Plus Nicole will be the presenter which will be a little juicy. so

GO CRUISE!!

(Plus he's been badly snubbed and robbed in the past)

[KayTang999]

Well I heard Cold Mountain is good. So who know. Crowe suppose to be good in Master and Commander too. Not to mention Viggo Mortensen for ROTK.

[Cipher Jo]

Yeah this year's Oscars is going to be interesting. Especially for fx

[KayTang999]

ROTK better clean out the or else this is the end of Oscar.

[roxx]

Yes, this year's oscar race is pretty tight, but Cruise's oscar is loooooooooooooonggg over due!

[Rizor]

Cruise deserves an Oscar, but for some reason it doesn't click. Tom Cruise and an Academy Award. The images just don't compliment eachother for some reason. Maybe if he shaved the beard...no. I don't know. Whatever. Just give him the darn thing. Should be juicy...................

[KayTang999]

:lol:

Right sure why not. Now we can see the reaction of his getting that little golden statue from his ex.

[roxx]

I honestly doubt that IF Tom does get nominated, Nicole will be the presenter. We'll see how it goes. He's not going to win one for sure. Come on! If he didn't win one for something so brilliant like Born on the Fourth of July, I really don't have any hope for him.

He'll win one when he's 80 and for a movie in which he was nothing but crap. That will be an insult..

[KayTang999]

ITA!!!

Totally, if he destined to have one, it should be a long time ago.

[roxx]

The greats never win oscars. Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, Marlyn Monroe, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, Tom Cruise etc. never won, yet they are legends.

[Grando]

Yea, but of the actors listed TC has a couple of stand-out performances. I can't think of anything "great" from Ford or Freeman... though over their careers they have been extremely entertaining and consistent.

[Cipher Jo]

We'll see

[KayTang999]

Originally posted by Grando
Yea, but of the actors listed TC has a couple of stand-out performances. I can't think of anything "great" from Ford or Freeman... though over their careers they have been extremely entertaining and consistent.

Ford in Blade Runner and Freeman in Glory.

[Mat]

Cruise should have won for Born on the Fourth of July and Rainman. Ford should have at least been nominated for The Empire Strikes Back, Mosquito Coast, Blade Runner, and The Fugitive; maybe have won for Mosquito Coast and Blade Runner.

Just my two cents.

This Last Samurai movie looks intrigueing. I have a personal intrest in the Japanese Samurai culture.

[Rizor]

Maybe Ford shoulda won for Witness. Freeman for Shawshank.

[KayTang999]

ITA, those two too for sure.

[roxx]

I'm pretty sure Cruise won't win, but I'll keep my fingers crossed. Some people are predicting this can also be a best picture winner. What do you think? If it does win best picture, well then Cruise will have an oscar after all, since he is the producer.

[KayTang999]

Well, it has to surpass ROTK to get that, not to mension Master & Commander and Cold Mountain.

[roxx]

I think it's only real opsticals are ROTL and Master and Commander. Cold Mountain was named worst script of 2003 by various people, that plays a part in the quality of movie. But for sure, the performances by the cast of CM will be good. Of course, we haven't seen all these movies.
I'm still going to keep my fingers crossed for Cruise.

[necronon99]

It smells suspect,




but trailers suck quite often showing you the most retarded spots

[KayTang999]

I mean, I think it will get nominated but will it won that the different issue.

[roxx]

This could either be The Gladiator or Gangs of New york..

[Piaro]

From all the script reviews that I've read, The Last Samurai seems to be the most promising one. Cold Mountain script has been bashed multiple times and Master and Commanders script review said that Crowe's role is very badly written. I highly doubt Viggo Mortensen will get nominated and win is almost impossible.

And since Cruise has DEFINITELY been snubbed in the past he will probably win this year.

[roxx]

Check out these oscar predictions:

http://www10.brinkster.com/oscarempire

I really hope some of them become true.

[KayTang999]

Interesting how they really push down Master and Commander but the studio is convincing enough to push it back for Oscar.

[roxx]

Not sure if I posted this already,

but here are the script reviews:

http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=12709

http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/364/364194p1.html

http://www.screenwritersutopia.com/script_reviews/the_last_samurai.html

http://www.tnmc.org/dp/0121031.shtml

[KayTang999]

See sometime script reveiw can be deceiving. I won't judge it until I see the movie.

[Piaro]

Originally posted by KayTang999
See sometime script reveiw can be deceiving. I won't judge it until I see the movie.

Yeah, but a good script is a good sign.

[KayTang999]

True, so true but how are we going to know that till movie is out, right.

[roxx]

Another teaser!!!

http://www.etonline.com/media_player/player.htm?/Media/Windows/Video/2003/05/13441.asx,/Media/Windows/Video/2003/05/13440.asx

It gets harder for me to keep my hopes low

[ILOVEKATIE]

That preview was preety small I couldn't see the picture well, but I'm still looking forward to the theatrical trailer and the film.
I love the title of this film.

[roxx]

They will show the first, full, real trailer on Access Hollywood on Wednesday. So do catch it, because it looks AMAZING!!

[KayTang999]

Thank for the head up roxx!!!

[Piaro]

Yeah, that is soo cool.

[ILOVEKATIE]

Thanks roxx!! I can't wait to see it.

[roxx]

Your welcome! There are also some new pictures at:

http://www.tomcruisefan.com

and they look pretty impressive. And here is the first teaser poster!

http://www.latinoreview.com/films_2003/wb/lastsamurai/images/teaser-poster.jpg

[Piaro]

I LOVE the poster. It is sooo cool. I love the feel the look, my anticipation is way up.

[ILOVEKATIE]

WOW, great poster!:applaud:

[KayTang999]

Kind of like Viggo Mortensen poster of ROTK but this one not on the horse and turn back but the feeling of the picture is the same.

[roxx]

hmm.. IMO, it doesn't resemble much, or has the same feeling as the ROTK poster.

Here's the official website:

www.lastsamurai.com

nice preview!

[KayTang999]

http://www.empireonline.co.uk/img/news/futurefilms/large/large150.jpg

Well I don't know it is just IMO.

[Piaro]

Well if you think about it then, Gladiator poster looks kinda like that also and probably tons more that have actor in the middle of the picture.

[KayTang999]

Good point. It shows a sense of heroic and honor.

[ILOVEKATIE]

yeah thats what it is.

[KayTang999]

So I wasn't totally off, not close but not off either.

[ILOVEKATIE]

Yeah.
I definately saw the similarities in the posters like you did as well, I guess us Schumacher haters think alike. ;)

[KayTang999]

LOL, good mind think alike!!! ALWAYS

[roxx]

More new pictures from The Last Samurai from Tomcruisefan.com It's amazing how much this movie has been talked about ever since it's wrap on Friday:

http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/teaser001.JPG
http://http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/teaser002.JPG
http://http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/teaser003.JPG
http://http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/teaser004.JPG
http://http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/teaser005.JPG


BTW, they will show the full promotional trailer on Access Hollywood today.

[ILOVEKATIE]

Looks good, I only can see the first pic though :( the rest are just red x

[KayTang999]

Show trailer on Today Show this morning and it looks really really good, could give ROTK a run for the money, PJ should be really careful now for the Oscar race.

[ILOVEKATIE]

ah man, I missed it! Hopefully I'll catch it on Access Hollywood tonight!!

[Piaro]

Does anyone know what time Access Hollywood is on on the Eastern Coast?

[necronon99]

tv bad no watch sorry

[KayTang999]

Originally posted by Piaro
Does anyone know what time Access Hollywood is on on the Eastern Coast?


7:30 PM I think.

[Piaro]

I just saw it and I think it's amazing.

[KayTang999]

Let wait til ROTK's trailer to top that, well I hope.

[roxx]

Don't worry guys, it'll be online.. soon enough.. i still have to catch it

[roxx]

Wow!! I Saw it!!!!!!! It is absolutely amazing! CAn't wait till december

ILOVEKATIE, can you see the pics now?

[Piaro]

I can only see the first pic. I think you should just provide the link.

[roxx]

go to www.tomcruisefan.com and scroll down. You'll find it. Just read where it says newest last samurai screen caps.

[roxx]

Here, they work now:

http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/teaser001.JPG
http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/teaser002.JPG
http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/teaser003.JPG
http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/teaser004.JPG
http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/teaser005.JPG

[tedward]

I see a new trailer is available at quicktime, including a full screen version which I am downloading at this moment.

[tedward]

Although the link for full screen version isnt working right now.

[KayTang999]

WOW, it looks really really really good, I guess Tom made the right move!!!

[Piaro]

I'm glad you liked it KeyTang, considering you had so much doubts. I think it looks REALLY good. Can't wait for the movie.

[KayTang999]

Well I don't like to trust people in this industry much, they tend to piss you off at the end.

[roxx]

Here;s the trailer:

http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/the_last_samurai/

My safe bet that Last Samurai will be fantastic is the fact that it has gotten so many great script reviews. When it is called the best script of 2003, I think it's worth seeing.

And Tom DID make a great move. He was originally doing Cold Mountain, but dropped out for Samurai. Cold Mountain- named the worst script of 2003, Samurai the best. Of course, we still have to wait to see both films.

[ILOVEKATIE]

cool

[KayTang999]

Originally posted by roxx
Here;s the trailer:

http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/the_last_samurai/

My safe bet that Last Samurai will be fantastic is the fact that it has gotten so many great script reviews. When it is called the best script of 2003, I think it's worth seeing.

And Tom DID make a great move. He was originally doing Cold Mountain, but dropped out for Samurai. Cold Mountain- named the worst script of 2003, Samurai the best. Of course, we still have to wait to see both films.

Yeah. Last Samurai is a one man show but Cold Mountain is a bunch of actors show. There are many great talents in that movie.

[necronon99]

this trailer looks way better than any thing they have released fot it yet

Cruise has another hit

[KayTang999]

Yep totally, since Minority Report, he has made a really good move, well may be on the professional level but not personal level.

[roxx]

When does Cruise not have a hit? There was Vanilla Sky, but it manage to gross 150 million +. The foriegn audiences loved it, but 50% of the US audiences rejected it. It was still a hit though.

"but not personal level"

Meaning.......?

[Batgirl]

7 wallpapers for The Last Samurai here:

www.geocities.com/lawlessxenite/lastsamurai.html

[KayTang999]

Originally posted by roxx
When does Cruise not have a hit? There was Vanilla Sky, but it manage to gross 150 million +. The foriegn audiences loved it, but 50% of the US audiences rejected it. It was still a hit though.

"but not personal level"

Meaning.......?

LOL, ignore that part.

[roxx]

Thanks Batgirl, they are awesome! I'm using the first one ;)

[KayTang999]

Now I am waiting to see ROTK trailer and see which is better.

[roxx]

When does ROTK trailer come out?

[KayTang999]

I have no idea, they said they are waiting until Matrix hype is out. That should be like in few months.

[roxx]

Well I'll look forward to it.

P.S, another samurai thread is open

[KayTang999]

Yeah, I saw. I will stay in this one since most of the people I know is in here.

[roxx]

I think ROTK is a definite lock for best picture. And I'm predicting it will win. Well it WILL win.

All I hope is that Cruise isn't snubbed again. His oscar has been long overdue, and as a huge fan, I'd love to see him win!

[KayTang999]

Yeah well 3 times is more than overdue it is more like on purpose somehow. How sad.

[roxx]

...Not to mention his snubs for films like Rain Man and Eyes Wide shut.

IMHO, Cruise is a great actor. And it doesn't take a genius to figure that out, not unless you've seen Born on the fourth of July, Magnolia or Jerry Maguire.

Hey, why even nominate him, when you'll insult him like that?

[KayTang999]

I have no idea!!! But I am assuming he will get for this one.

[Piaro]

I think he'll get one for this as well.

[roxx]

The race this year is too tight.

[Halofan1]

Originally posted by KayTang999
Yeah, I saw. I will stay in this one since most of the people I know is in here.

No love for Halofan.

[PsYkOoOoO]

Originally posted by roxx


All I hope is that Cruise isn't snubbed again. His oscar has been long overdue, and as a huge fan, I'd love to see him win!


couldve won for jerry maguire...damn..

[ILOVEKATIE]

I saw the trailer on the big screen, looks awesome, but I guess some of you already know that huh.

[roxx]

LOL! Well comments about the trailer are welcome here :)

[KayTang999]

Originally posted by Halofan1
No love for Halofan.

It is not because of that, I just don't want to jumping around threads.

[Shaitan]

I do feel this will be an awesome movie. But yet cannot help getting the feeling that the idea for it was ripped from Clavelles "SHOGUN"s Blackthorne.

Blackthorne as well trained Toranagas troops to use modern weaponry. But of course, Blackthorne is not a US soldier. lol Gotta wave that flag in there somehow. hehhehheh

[KayTang999]

Yeah well, you know typical Hollywood, they just kind of running out of idea. But I think this one will be really good.

[spiderman_2k]

Its shaping up to be one sweet movie

[KayTang999]

Yeah it does isn't it. I just love the score, it sound really good and fit really well with the movie.

[evilsquishy]

Wait, I just saw the trailer for this movie, I think.......
and if I have the right movie ( I didn't catch the title) then why is Tom Cruise in a Japanese movie?

[KayTang999]

It is about Samurai that why. It is not Japanese movie. Well it is US movie with a lot of Japanese.

[roxx]

It is shaping up to be a great movie, but I don't want to keep my hopes up too high, I hate to be disapointed.

Although it is hard not to keep your hopes up high, but there is always the chance, that I was really looked forward to Gangs of New York, and thought it was a disapointment. But then I get the feeling that this one won't be, because of all the great script reviews and the obvious petigary of Zwick behind the camera and Cruise infront.

Shaitan, I wouldn't say it is a rip off of Shogun. Of course, we still have to see the movie to judge it. While watching the trailer, it reminded me more of Dances with the wolves. I hope this movie has as much as success as DWTV.

And I agree, I love the score, by the great Hanz Zimmer. The score played in the Japanese teaser is also quite impressive. It builds up, and then suddenly blasts.

And evilsquishy, the movie is about a key turning point in Japanese history. That might be the reason of why there are so many Japanese in this film ;)

[KayTang999]

roxx, well said, I couldn't have done better.

Totally agree that we have to wait and see how this will turn out cause it could go either way.

[Iben]

Tom Cruise as a Samuraii :rolleyes:

[KayTang999]

No, no, no!!!

He is not a samurai, a samurai-wannabe may be but he is a veteran who go to Japan to teach the samurai the new way of fighting.

[Iben]

I know. But I still don't like it. I'm sorry, but Tom Cruise is just a little too Hollywood IMO to pull this off.

[KayTang999]

I don't know but the trailer show good potential on Cruise part, that is all I can say for now.

[evilsquishy]

I still don't get why Tom Cruise, who's not Japanese, is playing a part in a movie set in Japanese. Is he supposed to be a mercanary or something?:confused:

[KayTang999]

He is the war veteran who go to Japan to teach samurai about modern fighting.

[roxx]

Why don't I make lives easier for all of us. Here is the plot summary. Tom Cruise is NOT samurai. He is suppouse to play a western American:

Set in Japan during the 1870s, "The Last Samurai" tells the story of Capt. Nathan Algren (Cruise), an American military officer hired by the Emperor of Japan to train the country's first army in the art of modern warfare. As the government attempts to eradicate the ancient Samurai warrior class in preparation for more Westernized and trade-friendly policies, Algren finds himself unexpectedly affected by his encounters with the Samurai, which places him at the center of a struggle between two eras and two worlds, with only his own sense of honor to guide him.

Iben,

"Tom Cruise is just a little too Hollywood IMO to pull this off."
IMO, I disagree with that, especially after seeing Born on the fourth of July and Magnolia. But like I already said, it could go either way. Either he could be terrible (which I am starting to doubt. IMO, won't happen) or either he could surprise a lot of people, like you.

I don't know why there is so much complaining from everyone that Tom Cruise can't pull off this part. Hello?? Have you seen his movies? Besides, I remember back in 1995 all the hoopla surrounding the fact that Tom was going to play Lestat in Interview with the Vampire. Everyone was criticizing him, that no way in hell, could he pull it off. Even Anne Rice, the author of this book was worried. But guess what? After seeing the movie, Anne Rice, and many people who were worried praised Cruise's performance. He become the best Lestat (Stuart Townshend? WTF???)

Anyway, incase some one is interested, here are some caps from the trailer:
http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/1.JPG
http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/2.JPG
http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/3.JPG
http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/4.JPG
http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/5.JPG

[roxx]

And some more ;)

http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/6.JPG
http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/7.JPG
http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/8.JPG
http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/9.JPG
http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/10.JPG
http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/11.JPG

[KayTang999]

Thank for the info and pictures roxx.

[Iben]

Originally posted by evilsquishy
I still don't get why Tom Cruise, who's not Japanese, is playing a part in a movie set in Japanese. Is he supposed to be a mercanary or something?:confused: it's sorta like Kevin Costner in Dances with wolves, except it takes place in Japan

[roxx]

Yes, that is what most critics said "Dances with the samurai", except it is difference in many ways.

[Iben]

well I won't criticize it until I've seen it, but I'm definitely sceptical about this one.

[roxx]

Iben,

"but I'm definitely sceptical about this one"

Would these help??


http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=12709

http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/364/364194p1.html

http://www.screenwritersutopia.com/...st_samurai.html

http://www.tnmc.org/dp/0121031.shtml

[KayTang999]

See, I have seen trailer so many times now and the feeling is really positive but that just me.

[evilsquishy]

Originally posted by Iben
it's sorta like Kevin Costner in Dances with wolves, except it takes place in Japan
Ah! I think I got it now.:)

[KayTang999]

Yeah it is kind of like that, I guess.

[Colorado Cajun]

I honestly think this is going to be a damn good movie

I may see it a few times if it is as good as I think it will be

[roxx]

Everyone (including me) have so many high hopes for this movie. But I'm trying my very very very very very hard(and everyone else should to) to lower my expectations. If I have lower expectations, I know I won't be disapointed. If I expect too much, then I'm bound to be disapointed, because this movie could go either way.

I just hope that this movie lives up to it's script reviews. But then I doubt it will fail. Cruise hardly chooses a flop, because he's such a big star. For me, his last flop was Days of Thunder, which was well over 13 years ago.

[ILOVEKATIE]

Originally posted by KayTang999
See, I have seen trailer so many times now and the feeling is really positive but that just me.
I feel the same way.

[bettyblue]

Great movie forum, and even greater thread !!

Thanks Roxx, buddy, for giving me such a hot tip :)

As for the screen caps, I already knew them by heart, but seeing them again here is a renewed pleasure.

I, too, I'm trying to keep my hopes under control (Cruise Control, LOL!!), but it's so difficult, after those wonderful script reviews and this trailer ...

Now amuse yourselves with this NZ entertaining article, complete with a behind-the-scenes pic of a scene-costume-clad Cruise, here together with Dom, Jase and Jay-Jay, a trio of NZ radio dee-jays he befriended while in NZ. Those movie sets must've been a wonder in themselves!

http://www.radiochick.co.nz/images/womansdayTOM.jpg

Ciao!

[KayTang999]

I can't wait to see full trailer!!! May be Tom speaks in Japanese???

[roxx]

Betty!! I'm so glad you could join us in our TLS conversation, where we (Myself and KayTang999 are the 'official' posters here ;) have been discussing the movie for a couple of months now. You can go back and read what was said on the previous pages, it surely was an interesting conversation.

KayTang999, Tom certainly DOES speak Japanese in the film, as he said at the January 2003 The Last Samurai press conference in New Zealand, that he had to learn Japanese for this film.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the whole trailer, with some dialouges, hopefully. I can't believe people are judging this film based on a small teaser. Some people said "boy that teaser sucked, I'm not going to see it" and "Tom Cruise? A Samurai? haha". It's stupid to judge a film before it's release and with out even knowing the story line. But I have a very very very strong feeling, that this will be really good.

I know you and I enjoyed the teaser very much :)

[KayTang999]

Oh, cool. I really want to see it in the trailer, I want to hear the accent. LOL

[roxx]

LOL! Well he said "Hello, how are you" in Japanese at the Minority Report press conference in Japan last October. And well, it sounded absolutely great. (Then again, I love everything that comes out of his mouth. LOL)

[tedward]

Konnichiwa, Hajime ma****e. About the limit of my Year 8 Japanese.

Sayonara.

[bettyblue]

Hi, all!

Tom Cruise DOES speak Japanese in the movie. I read that also in a reportage printed last November by Italian renowned political daily La Repubblica, where there was a very good interview with Cruise, made on location (the Warner Bros lot in Burbank, California) by entertainment female expert Silvia Bizio, who's one of the most competent among Italian movie journalists.

Here is her final question ... and Tom's answer:

"Q. Ci sarà anche un momento romantico nel film [The Last Samurai]?
A. Non poteva mancare: il capitano Algren si innamora di una giapponese. E poichè lei non parla una parola di inglese sta a lui imparare il giapponese. E io, che ho una fidanzata spagnola (Penelope Cruz, ndr) con cui mi sono dovuto abituare a dire la "r" forte quando parlo, ora devo imparare la "r" moscia giapponese" ...

TRANSLATION:

"Q. Will there be a romantic moment, too, in the movie [The Last Samurai]?
A. Such a moment couldn't be absent in the movie: Capt. Algren falls in love with a Japanese girl. Besides, since she doesn't speak a word of English, he has necessarily to learn Japanese language. So, just when I got accustomed to pronounce a very strong "r" whenever I talk with my girlfriend, who is Spanish (she's Penelope Cruz, Note of The Editor), I've got now to learn how to pronounce the typical Japanese soft "r"" ...

Cool!

And here is another bit from the same article:

"Tokyo 1875 ... E al centro della scena una lotta coreografata al millimetro: la bastonata alle spalle, la caduta dell'attore con un urlo di dolore, le baionette puntate sulla testa. Poi l'attore si rialza, con quel suo sorriso smagliante, pronto a ripartire, a ricadere con un gemito, a urlare le sue battute in giapponese, "OROSO, OROSO!" (state fermi, stop) ... Tom Cruise si trova in questa Tokyo del secolo scorso ricreata negli studi della Warner Brothers a Burbank ... Cruise, che per il film si è fatto crescere barba e capelli, fa gli onori di casa, accompagnandoci in un tour del set".

TRANSLATION:

"Tokyo 1875 ... And at the center of the set a perfectly choreographed fight is taking place right now: a blow in the rear, the actor falling to the ground, yelping in pain, the bayonets being pushed against his head. Then the actor gets up, smiling that dazzling smile all his own, ready to go again, ready to fall again with a moan, ready to yell his lines in Japanese language, "OROSO, OROSO!" (stand still, stop) ... Tom Cruise now founds himself in this 19th century Tokyo, built on the Warner Brothers lot in Burbank ... Cruise, who for this movie has let his hair and beard grow very long, is a perfect host as he accompanies me in a guided tour around the set".

That's great, huh?

[roxx]

Thanks Bettyblue! Now we know a scene from the movie ;)

[KayTang999]

Yeah I know he has to speak Japanese but what I mean is that I wonder if they will show it in the trailer.

[roxx]

Hopefully. I mean, this is only the teaser. BTW, have you read some of the things being said about the teaser?? People are misjudging it on how much it sucked, and are passing not to see it.

[KayTang999]

Yeah, well there is no way that one piece of work will appreciate everyone. That why the world is such a black and white place.

[ILOVEKATIE]

Originally posted by roxx
Hopefully. I mean, this is only the teaser. BTW, have you read some of the things being said about the teaser?? People are misjudging it on how much it sucked, and are passing not to see it.
What??? What are these people thinking, I think the teaser looks great and makes me want to see the film..heck..just by the title of the film I already love it. ;)

[KayTang999]

Yeah, people want more on the teaser but it's teaser that why it is not the whole thing!!! You have to wait.

[Shaitan]

"Shaitan, I wouldn't say it is a rip off of Shogun"

I never said it sounds like a rip. Just that the ideas being used are similar. I`d almost call it "SHOGUN", but for OUR generation. I mean, when I saw SHOGUN way way waaay back, I was a pretty young kid.
IMHO Tom Cruise makes great movies, if... IF there is a good storyline. MI2 is a good example of loads of flash, but no real story depth.
If there is a good story angle for Last Samurai, IMHO it will most likely rock. I know I can`t wait to see it.

[KayTang999]

It is a good and original story. The script review seems really good from what I have heard.

[roxx]

I posted the script reviews some while back. Each critic praising it to high heavens, even naming it the best script of '03.

BTW, here are now, the release dates (so far) for TLS.

USA: December 5, 2003

Netherlands/Germany: December 8, 2003

UK: December 9, 2003

Argentina/Oz/Nz: January 15, 2004

Belgium/France: February 4, 2004

Russia: February 15, 2004

[KayTang999]

Hmmm, a week before ROTK, nice move.

[roxx]

Isn't it two weeks?

[KayTang999]

Yeah I think it is about a week or 2 before, ROTK is out Dec 17, I think.

[bettyblue]

... Oh, here it is! My favorite movie magazine in the whole world, U.K.'s very own EMPIRE, squashes all those nasty, silly theater gigglers (if they really exist, which I doubt), by giving - of course - a glowing review to the TLS trailer:

http://www.empireonline.co.uk/news/news.asp?story=4746&ss=tom+cruise&cp=1

"Up until now the only proof we've had that Tom Cruise has even been making a film down in New Zealand has been his word and a couple of slightly insubstantial teaser trailers featuring wind-chimes and groovy Japanese symbols. However, we're pleased to announce that the first full trailer to Edward Zwick's The Last Samurai is here and it's looking rather good.

If you're expecting to see Cruise take to the air like Chow Yun-Fat, you're in for some disappointment, and truth be told there's not even a wealth of samurai swordplay on display. What there is though is a pretty impressive rendering of nineteenth century Japan (the costume designer deserves a knighthood) and a hint of bigger and better things to come. Highlights include beardy Cruise looking sensitive yet deadly and an appetite whetting shot of him charging into battle in full samurai armour. Click Here".

[roxx]

Thanks Betty! I read that post of yours on WC and posted back, but my post never made it because the 'odd' hour was up, and couldn't post after that!! I posted that news on tcf.com!

Another great news, the Last Samurai website has been updated. They have added another video.

www.lastsamurai.com

[KayTang999]

Ok so the there are full-trailer, teaser trailer, and clip on the official website??? I found that a bit early for a movie that would be release in December.

[roxx]

Actually, we've only seen the teasers yet. The TLS trailer released about a month ago was a teaser. The promotional one will have some dialouges.

[KayTang999]

Oh, so the one on the site is still the teaser right, I thought you said full trailer, ah I am losing it!!!

[roxx]

Ya I thought it was the full promotional trailer, but they said it was the teaser. Was pretty impressive huh?

[KayTang999]

Ok, so there are 2 versions for the teaser??? Why do they need 2???

:confused:

[roxx]

First one was the Japanese teaser made for Japan as a treat from Tom Cruise, since they had to wait sooooo long for Tom to open Minority Report in Japan. It was part of the marketing/promotional to give out a teaser, like every movie does.

The second one was the official teaser, which was prepared to ship in with The Matrix (also good marketing, since both the Matrix and TLS are Warner Brothers, and they knew a lot of people would go see the Matrix, therefore, playing the teaser would make some hype)

The official trailer will have some dialouges. I thought at first that the newly released teaser was the official trailer, but Access Hollywood confirmed that it wasn't.

[KayTang999]

So, do we know when the full trailer will be out??? I am assuming it will be really close to when ROTK trailer would be out.

[bettyblue]

The silly gigglers (which I don't believe do exist) in U.S. theatres can go to hell!

Here is an ANSA link (ANSA is the most reliable news agency here, more or less the equivalent of Reuters in Italy), dated June 6th:

http://www.ansa.it/rubriche/societa/2003-06-06_2485072.html

Cinema: l'ultimo samurai con Tom Cruise, trailer d'oro
(ANSA) - ROMA, 6 GIU - Tom Cruise e' l'ultimo samurai del cinema mondiale. L'attore americano e' infatti il protagonista dell'ultimo film di Edward Zwick. Migliaia di comparse, combattimenti all'ultimo colpo, il fascino di Cruise nel ruolo del capitano Algren, il mondo misterioso del Giappone del 1870 e una musica incalzante sono gli elementi vincenti del trailer dell''Ultimo samurai'. Il film, nelle sale il 9 gennaio, ha vinto il premio assegnato a Taormina da una giuria di oltre 400 operatori del settore.
2003-06-06 - 12:53:00

TRANSLATION:

Cinema: The Last Samurai, starring Tom Cruise, won the Golden Trailer prize
(ANSA) - ROME, June 6th - Tom Cruise is world cinema's Last Samurai. In fact the American actor is the star of director Edward Zwick's latest movie. Thousands of extras, dramatic fights, Cruise's charm in the role of Capt. Algren, the mysterious world of 1870's Japan and a powerful score are the winning ingredients of the trailer for The Last Samurai. The movie, which will open in Italy on January 9th, won the award bestowed in Taormina [Sicily] by a specialized jury formed by over 400 experts belonging to the Italian moviemaking world.

2003-06-06 - 12:53:00

It'll open in Italy on Jan. 9 ?!? THAT's fantastic news for me, I was already accepting the notion of an early February opening!

[roxx]

Thanks for the article, Bettyblue. Good news, and a sure slap in the face for those who thought it sucked.

[KayTang999]

How could you even think it is going to be suck??? Be skeptical sure, why not but don't assume for the best or for the worst. Just stay in the middle.

[tyler_durden]

I can't wait for this movie. I just got done reading Shogun, and I am really excited to see this movie.

[roxx]

tyler_durden, well that's great. Have you read the amazing script reviews it got...by four critics hailing it as one of the best scripts of the year that will surely capitivate audiences??

[KayTang999]

I don't know how similar it will be with Shogun but you might be on the right track tyler.

[CruiseForever]

Rox - thank you for supporting TLS on this site....and thank you to the other posters as well.

I am very excited to see this film (to say the least). I love the fact that Tom is playing a character who will discover something powerful within himself, that he did not know existed.

180 days left.....till we see the greatness (fingers are crossed) of this film!

[KayTang999]

Just out of curiosity, didn't he has the kind of role that discover something powerful within himself before???

[roxx]

Well actually, I don't think his role in TLS is much about discovering something powerful with in. And yes Kaytang, he discovered something powerful in him self in Jerry Maguire (for which he was robbed, IMO)

[KayTang999]

Yeah, so this is not like a big taboo. He has been there before, it is just that they over emphasized him. But I think that part will help sell the movie. Now a day, people don't go for good movies but they go for entertainment, like Charlie's Angels!!!

[roxx]

People won't go to a movie that will make them think. The masses hate using their brains when at the movies. And people will hate movies that confuse you and challange you to think about it, a la Vanilla Sky. Though thanks to Cruise, it still manage to sell more than $ 100 million in tickets.

BTW, more trailers new!! I stole this from another board so read on.. pretty interesting huh? Considering you both of us were hugely impressed by the teaser, and there will be more trailers to come.

Later comes Trailer A (action trailer), B (romance trailer) and C (epic, Oscar movie trailer). Next you get TV spot 1 and 2. Then the film comes out and you get trailer D ('so and so liked this movie so you will too' trailer), and TV spot 3 and 4

[KayTang999]

Wow, a lot of trailers!!! I feel like I might get to see the whole movie before even actually see it. Thank for the info roxx.

[roxx]

Well to 'aliven' this thread again, something about TLS:

writer John Logan gave an interview to Latino Review about his numerous projects including SAMURAI:

Have you seen "THE LAST SAMURAI"?

John: I've seen the last forty minutes.

How much research did you have to do for "SAMURAI"?

John: A lot. "THE LAST SAMURAI," briefly, is about the opening of Japan in the 1870s, essentially the last days of the Samurai culture. And it's based entirely on historical fact. We fictionalized an actual Samurai leader, because we had to have him do fictional things, but a lot of what he did was true. The fact that he was destroyed by the Imperial Army was true. The fact that he brought in westerners and experts like U.S. Calvary officers to help build the army is true.

Did you like what you saw?

John: Absolutely.

http://www.latinoreview.com/films_2003/dreamworks/sinbad/johnlogan_interview.html

That's always good news, right??

[KayTang999]

Well that is great that the writer did some research before he wrote.

[ILOVEKATIE]

Great stuff, thanks for the link!

By the way, thats a lot of trailers for one movie.

[KayTang999]

I know, even LOTR didn't have that much of a trailer for one movie.

[roxx]

It's called marketing. And who better experienced than the biggest star in the world...

[KayTang999]

See because this is Tom's movie, I don't see the need of wasting that much money on the marketing. People will most likely see his movie anyway.

[roxx]

Well, his past two films were mediocre by Tom Cruise standards, meaning they weren't as successful at box office as most thought to be (a big thanks to Nicole Kidman for that)

He's the producer, so I guess it's his job to push it.

[KayTang999]

But if you compare his movie to Nicole's, hers was better. Beside, Tom divorced Nicole and then had a new movie out with his new girlfriend, that is not a really good PR to me.

[Alexander JL]

Oh here's a trivia:

The dude from Ringu (The original Ring) is acting in this movie in his first hollywood movie apparently (I'm presuming this movie is American produced)... the dude in question was the protagonists ex-husband. Forgot his name.

[KayTang999]

Yes, The Last Samurai is produced by Criuse/Wagner company aka Tom's company.

And you want to know who the dude is as in his name?

[Alexander JL]

not particularly...

[KayTang999]

I guess you are taling about this guy.

http://us.imdb.com/Name?Sanada,%20Hiroyuki

[Alexander JL]

I said I didn't need, or want to know. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[roxx]

Kaytang, I wasn't referring to Nicole's movie in my last post. I was referring to how she has hurt his career by her constant nagging and lies. I don't want to get into that. This is a thread dedicated to TLS..

[ceci-chan]

ummm.....I can't even imagine Tom Cruise being a Samurai....

[roxx]

That's because he's NOT a Samurai. He is suppouse to play an American training Japanese troops. I think you ought to get some facts of the movie before interperting it.

Anyway, another article on TLS:



It promises to be a cutting-edge performance from box-office top gun Tom Cruise. For six months, Tom cruised into the land of the rising sun to shoot the 19th century epic, "The Last Samurai."

Cruise says, "It was very much a dream come true for me."

Premiere magazine's Fred Schruers says the film, due out in December, will be a challenge for both Cruise and his legion of fans. He says, "A lot of the movie is in Japanese and we'll see subtitles. Tom had to learn some Japanese."

Learning the language was only part of the rigorous training Tom endured for the massive $100 million production shot in the U.S., New Zealand, and Japan. Cruise says, "What we hope to do is really pay homage to the Samurai, what's best in the Samurai spirit."

That meant mastering the kitana, the elegant sword of the Samurai. Schruers says, "Tom did about eight months of training, serious intensive training."

Call it Samurai boot camp to prepare Tom for the 31 days spent shooting the film's exhausting battle scenes. Not that it tired Tom out, or anything. Schruers says, "He's known for his energy and he's known for his focus. So when you get Tom, you get the full on Tom or he's not going to be there."

And Tom says being there for "The Last Samurai" was the opportunity of a lifetime. He says, "I know this is a film that I know I’m never going to forget."

There's a video as well.
http://extratv.warnerbros.com/dailynews/extra/06_03/06_27a.html

[Piaro]

Originally posted by ceci-chan
ummm.....I can't even imagine Tom Cruise being a Samurai....

He's NOT a samurai. I don't think he is. He's TRAINING them.

[KayTang999]

Originally posted by roxx
Kaytang, I wasn't referring to Nicole's movie in my last post. I was referring to how she has hurt his career by her constant nagging and lies. I don't want to get into that. This is a thread dedicated to TLS..

I know this is TLS but what did she lied about???

[PapaGeorgioSmrf]

a whole lotta crap, shes nutty

[roxx]

Kaytang, please excuse me, but I really don't want to discuss that topic here. It just isn't the place and i'm getting tired of venting about this subject. I'm quite sick of discussing Ms. Kidman's tactics. I'll just leave it at that..

[KayTang999]

Hmmm, well. I don't know. Anyway, yeah Tom is not a Samurai but he is trying to train them to be more advance.

[Alexander JL]

Your just trying to build up your total post count aren't ya ;)

[roxx]

Kaytang, if this topic were in celeberties forum, than I wouldn't mind discussing it. I'm here, on this thread, right now to support TLS.

[spiderman_2k]

After 9 pages i think the reason u are here is pretty obvious....

[Alexander JL]

lol

[KayTang999]

After seeing the teaser, it won't get anything lower than PG-13 but most of the war movies get R rated. I would rather have it at R rated with the full blown of war tone and action than PG-13 which is a really tone down.

I didn't know that this is Warner Brother movie until I went to the official website.

[Piaro]

I have a feeling it will be Rated R, but WB could just cut it down to PG-13 to get more money and honestly, I don't blame them.

[PsYkOoOoO]

Originally posted by KayTang999

I didn't know that this is Warner Brother movie until I went to the official website.

i just found that out too...

[KayTang999]

Originally posted by Piaro
I have a feeling it will be Rated R, but WB could just cut it down to PG-13 to get more money and honestly, I don't blame them.

ITA!!! But you know I like high quality R rated movie better.

[roxx]

Originally posted by spiderman_2k
After 9 pages i think the reason u are here is pretty obvious....

Yes, to discuss a film I find intriguing and which also happens to have an actor I admire very much.

Anyway, I think it will be rated R. It's an epic film, with some romance. It has battle scenes, (which took a whole month to shoot, BTW), so I can say surely it will be rated R.

Some more Samurai tidbits:

http://lists.nbr.org/japanforum/showMessage.asp?ID=8878&s=t&search=The+last+Samurai

"
A new movie "The Last Samurai" is scheduled to be released in
December in the U.S. The movie's budget is
$100 million and Tom Cruise plays the role of an American officer,
Capt. Woodrow Algren, who was invited by the Meiji government to
train its army to be modernized. According to an interview with
Shukan Bunshun, the director Edward Zwick, a former student of
Reischauer at Harvard, was interested in the ten years after the
Meiji Restoration was launched because of the period's chaotic and
rapid changes.

I've always been interested to know why Americans would become
interested in Japan in the first place. Cruise says: "My first memory
of Japan was, when I was a child, of the strong impression I got
from peculiarly poetic images of Kabuki performances in the photos.
These images remain with me to this day. Then, when I got older, of
course, I was attracted to Kurosawa's movies, including The Seven
Samurais. Japan has always been in my mind because of
Kurosawa's movies and I would like very much to make a movie that
accurately reflects the period, just as Kurosawa did. I also respect
Japan's Bushido spirit. Bushido is universal, transcending
nationality or race."

Some observers of Japan may point out that such comments are
out of touch with contemporary Japan, since most Japanese
themselves are not practicing such spirit, nor are they even familiar
with tradition and history of their own country. Yet, traditional
Japanese values such as the code of conduct by Samurai (Bushido)
is very much alive in the West, in the fact of popularity of Japanese
martial arts such as Judo, Kendo, and Karate. "

Extremely off topic but Piaro, check your pm on OW ;)

[KayTang999]

It seems like it is going to be R rated but if WB wants to make money, I don't know if they really want this to be R rated.

[Alexander JL]

R rated is good enough for me.

[roxx]

Depends on the studio and what their intentions are. Though I think it would be R. Cruise can make even an X rated film gross 100 million +. Besides, they have already got some of the highest grossing movies of the year (a la Matrix). IMO, they want to make this (and Mystic River) their oscar bait.

[KayTang999]

I would love to see the day that he make an X rated movie.

Back to the rating, I am all for R rated movies. I think they are more realistic. With TLS, I think R rated would make it more powerful and it allows some aspects of the story to be explored. Beside, isn't most war movie R rated anyway?

[roxx]

"I would love to see the day that he make an X rated movie"

Came close in Eyes Wide Shut. And not to mention All the right moves....

Back on topic, I'm almost certain it will be rated R. It's an epic drama, with romance. And well, by the script reviews it's "Glory" meets "Dances with the wolves", both of which were R rated. So this can possibly be. It's too big to be a PG-13 rated film. The subject, paying homage to samurai spirit, isn't exactly something a 13 year old would be interested in.

[Tim37ninjageniu]

I always wondered why the last Samuri was a caucasion not an asian. Anybody now?

[KayTang999]

Well, LOTR was an epic drama, with romance but it was still PG-13. I think it is even bigger than TLS, story wise. If there is no heavy sex scene, hard to get R. If the blood is not gushing out and if no head flying around the screen, it would most likely still be PG-13. And you don't need both to be R rated. If you have one heavy sex scene, automatically R. If you only have one scene where person got cut in half and blood bursting out, that make it R movie.

It takes a lot to make a movie R rated. LOTR was so close to be R rated and they have to cut out certain scene to make it PG-13 but that because of action scene. And New Line kind of pushing Peter Jackson to cut it so they get PG-13. I think the rating has a lot to do with the hollywood politic too.

[roxx]

Tom Cruise isn't the last samurai, Tim. He's only training the samurai's who are indeed Asians.

[KayTang999]

He is training the band of the last generation of samurai.

[roxx]

I don't know why people can't get that through their heads. SOMEONE READ THE SYNOPSIS.

Anyway, Kaytang, the rating depends on what the studio is aiming for. Big bucks? PG-13. Oscarish?- R. Though that is not a strict rule ( a la Titanic)

If there's a good number of curses, blood and gets- you get R. Sex scenes don't matter. The nudity in Titanic was PG-13. I'm almost certain this won't have nudity. (Unless of course Mr. Cruise plans to 'aliven' that "All the right moves" famer.

[KayTang999]

I mean extreme sex not like Titanic. You didn't see anything beside the hand thing. Nudity has to be like more than what we have seen in Titanic.

[roxx]

This is strictly off topic, but I'd like to wish the star of the film- Tom Cruise, a VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY Happy birthday!!!

http://www.tomcruisefan.com/~staff/sig2.jpg

[ceci-chan]

Originally posted by Alexander JL
Your just trying to build up your total post count aren't ya ;)

(off the subject)

No I don' think so.

[KayTang999]

I think that post of Alexander JL about total post count was toward me but that ok. LOL

[roxx]

More updates at lastsamurai.com

[KayTang999]

Thank roxx.

[roxx]

From Ted C's E! Online Column:

"However, sad to say, not everyone in Hell-Ay attended the Institute of Ms. Manners.

Especially those rowdy Lord of the Rings boys, god love 'em! Just last week, head hobbit Elijah Wood rushed out on opening night to catch a screening of Orlando Bloom's flick Pirates of the Caribbean. The Grove Theaters at 3rd Street and Fairfax.

Accompanied by a posse of arty actor types, E.W. was looking adorable, with his hair buzz-cut and wearing a light gray tee and denims. And while he and his band of boys were all smiles and applause--especially for the trailer featuring pal Viggo Mortensen's upcoming project, Hidalgo--they weren't quite feeling the love for Tom Cruise's sword-wielding venture, The Last Samurai.

As the puncturing preview flickered across the screen, a round of snickering broke out amongst Elijah's group before they out-and-out began to laugh. No clapping, indeed."

Infant little ego maniac Elijah should put his panties back on, considering, he is a big boy. The teenie needs to learn, that when you are in public, you behave your little self, not make a fool out of your self to get attention.

It was nervous laughter. They were all trying to supress their wanton desire to leap through the screen, tackle Cruise to the ground and have their wicked way with him.

The dear muffin was a little frightened by the loud music, therefore, aiding for laughter. Or maybe he sees it as a threat to his own film, ROTK.

Vin Diesel.. Ashton Kutcher...welcome to the list Mr. Wood

[KayTang999]

I will go with the threat to ROTK at the Oscar race.

[ILOVEKATIE]

I say he was just being stupid.

[KayTang999]

Well that too. LOL Knowing how Elijah is, it never surprise me.

Side note: I saw MR again but on HBO!!!

[roxx]

It was Elijah's choice to be moranic, doesn't surprise me. He can put his panties back on, because TLS isn't going to get nominated. And frankly, I don't care. Oscars don't mean anything to me, mainly due to the fact that they have failed to recognize such great cinematic achievement and don't even get me started on how many 'major' awards Stanley Kubrick has won.

Please clue me in here, what's so funny about the trailer? I missed the part where Cruise wore a pink tutu, swirling around in circles saying "look at me! I'm a thamurai". Explain to me!!!

Kaytang, I watched MR on HBO as well (though I own the DVD) and it just gets better and better for me every time I watch it. Amazing film!

[KayTang999]

Nah, I think TLS will get a lot of nominations I am pretty sure.

[PsYkOoOoO]

yeah it will...with one of my fav director doing his job..;)

[KayTang999]

I am pretty sure that TLS and ROTK are definate lock for Oscar nods. TLS looks really good and well we know about ROTK. It will be an interesting winter indeed.

[roxx]

Here's more interesting stuff:

http://au.movies.yahoo.com/f/uc/c/cruise_tom_on_the_set_of_the_last_samurai.html

"I hate to say it guys, but we're going to do another rehearsal, shouts director Ed Zwick on a set for The Last Samurai, which is located on the back-lot of Warner Bros studio in Burbank, Los Angeles. The film, shot in Los Angeles, Japan and New Zealand for five months, is set in Tokyo in the 1870s.

In the scene unfolding during our visit, Tom Cruise, playing Captain Nathan Algren, is in the middle of a busy 19th century Tokyo street engaged in a conflict with a group of Japanese soldiers who've encountered a Samurai warrior breaking the law by continuing to wear his topknot. The carefully choreographed scene - in which Cruise's character tries to prevent them cutting off the ponytail but instead gets knocked to his knees by a rifle in his back - is undone by a few nervous Japanese extras who keep missing their marks.

"These were fascinating times"

Don't block yourself, Zwick shouts at one during the next take. I want you to be in the movie! A surprisingly relaxed Cruise, wearing a long brown jacket (Custer wore one just like it but in beige, he says of the historical accuracy of his outfit), sporting long hair and a beard, is keen to talk about the historical backdrop of the movie - in which he plays an American military officer hired by the Emperor of Japan to train the country's first army in the art of modern warfare so that the ancient Imperial Samurai warriors can be phased out for more Westernized and trade-friendly government policies.

These were fascinating times and I've always been particularly fascinated by Samurai and their spirit and the code of bushido that they lived by, says Cruise, who stars in the epic with Billy Connolly, Tony Goldwyn and Japanese actors Ken Watanabe and Hiroyuki Sanada.

We are standing around by the camera watching Ed Zwick at work; Tom walks over to the camera area and chats between set-ups. He is surprisingly accessible, but then there are several Hollywood Foreign Press Association members here, and they're the ones that vote in the Golden Globes.

Can you describe the historical backdrop to this story?
It was a real transition time in Japan with the Industrial Revolution going on in the United States and it literally happens overnight in Japan, with the Emperor starting to wear western clothes and the Samurai now ordered not to wear their topknots and not to carry their weapons. This isn't a historical drama but we're keeping in the historical aspects of the picture when the Samurai started to revolt against the Emperor and the modern government.

What can you tell us about your character Captain Nathan Algren?
I play a simple war veteran who goes out to fight the American Indian wars and as a veteran is then hired by a friend (Billy Connolly) to advise the Imperial Army - to educate and train them in modern warfare. His life is in a mess at the beginning of the film and when he goes to Japan he's got nothing left in America after a loss of honor and a loss of dignity.

What training did you undergo?
I worked for eight months on bushido, kendo, karate and all that stuff. Kendo swordmanship is very challenging and I've been working on it for eight months. How good am I? We're getting into that stuff now so I'll soon find out.

How did the Japanese react to his film?
They're very excited about it. These very famous Japanese actors were at first reticent because they didn't read the script and then we started letting them read the script and they really embraced it because they know we're going to honor their culture and attempt to explore what it is, not just from a western point of view but what it was like and what they believe in and what they hold true.

What were some of the biggest challenges?
Finding the right cast is always a challenge because you look at someone and I think when you see Ken Watanabe, who plays the Samurai, you see how difficult it was to find someone so perfect. The sets are exciting and beautiful to walk on but we needed a talented group of people to put those together. The wardrobe in this film is also an incredible challenge but I'd have to say the biggest challenge was just getting the right people. Ed Zwick spent many months in Japan meeting hundreds upon thousands of different actors for all the Japanese roles.

Is there a romantic interest in the film?
Yes, she's a Japanese girl and a wonderful actress who you will be hearing about afterwards, because she is very talented.

How was it working with Ed Zwick, who has experience with epics after Legends of the Fall?
I think he's really talented and he loves the characters that he brings to the screen. He just got me so excited about this film when he first told me about it. He was like a kid with his enthusiasm and excitement and made me want to go on that ride with him and see what it was going to be like. When he said 'I want to make a Samurai movie' and you start reading it, you think, 'God, can we do this, are they going to let us do this?' And that's what is fun about it - having the chance to finally do this.

Do you think you'd make a good samurai?
You'll have to tell me after you see this film! I was nervous when I first got into the kimono, I must say. And I can hold a pretty mean sword too.

How heavy are those swords?
They weigh about three pounds. I started waving them around for a few weeks and put on a good inch-and-a-half of muscle on my forearms and shoulders. I don't fit in my suits anymore! I showed up early every day and trained for a couple of hours with them because they are so difficult that if my foot is in the wrong place it can actually be quite dangerous to balance and the sword will cut your finger off if you get hit by it. I'm definitely working hard to insure that that doesn't happen!

What is the overall message of this film, if there is one?
I think the film is about honor and there are spiritual elements to it, especially when you read about the bushido code that the Samurai lived by and embracing that part of the poetry in their lives. Also, we live in a world that's very fast-moving and often times we want to forget the past and kind of put it away but there are some valuable things to be learned that should be carried forth and remembered and I think that is something - while not hitting people over the head with it - that we're trying to do. It's about who we are as human beings that we mustn't forget.

[roxx]

And more stuff :

"There are three Japanese villages used in SAMURAI: two were 'mountain' villages filled with farmers and renegade ronin. The third was dubbed the 'Fishing Village.' When Japan realized that it couldn't keep the foreigners completely out of Japan it turned to a policy of 'containment.' Europeans were segregated into a pre-designated area within a shipping center and quarantined from the general population. The British had their quarter on one side, the French on the other, and the Americans in between. Curfews were enacted and great wooden walls erected to protect Japan from the influence of the 'white devils.' Needless to say this didn't work . . . "

The fishing village

http://architect002.tripod.com/fish01a.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/fish02.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/fish03.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/fish04.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/fish05.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/fish06.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/fish07.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/fish08.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/fish09.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/fish10.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/fish11.htm

And the actors:

http://architect002.tripod.com/fish12.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/fish13.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/fish14.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/fish15.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/fish16.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/fish17.htm

Nice!

[KayTang999]

Thank for the info roxx, they are really interesting indeed.

[roxx]

I loved the interview and the pictures. Makes me a little secure about the movie, as i have doubts. I have doubts for every movie actually.

I guess my main doubt is Ed Zwick. I loved Glory. It is one of the greatest movies of all times. But then I look at his misses, continious in the past few years and they surely out balance the hits. Question is, would Zwick would be able to redeem himself back to his 'glory' days?

[KayTang999]

You have doubt about this movie? I could have swear I thought you were so confident about this movie and Tom Cruise. I guess I was misunderstanding.

[roxx]

Kaytang, I already said, I have doubts about EVERY single movie. This movie intrigues me, and that is why I am here. At times I am confident it'll be great, but then the Ed Zwick factor kicks in.

As for Cruise, he's always fantastic in every movie with a great script. This one had a script named the best one for 2003, I'm not worried about him :)

[KayTang999]

As I said, I misunderstood your motive toward the movie.

I learned it a hard way with high expectation and since then I have never believe in anything or anyone til I see it myself.

[roxx]

Parade Ground for the Fist Infantry Rigment of the Imperial Guard Division.

The construction in PUKEKURA PARK:

http://architect002.tripod.com/park01.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park02.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park03.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park04.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park05.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park06.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park07.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park08.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park09.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park10.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park11.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park12.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park13.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park14.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park15.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park16.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park17.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park18.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park19.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park20.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park21.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park22.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park23.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park24.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park25.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park26.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park27.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park28.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park29.htm

On the set:

http://architect002.tripod.com/park30.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park31.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park32.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park33.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park34.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park35.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park36.htm

The actors:

http://architect002.tripod.com/park37.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park38.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park39.htm

http://architect002.tripod.com/park40.htm

They should have asked me to promote this film LOL!

[KayTang999]

You should but that is a lot of work and if you are going to promote like go to all movie message board, you would spend the whole time in front of your computer.

They look really good.

[roxx]

An interesting TLS preview:

http://www.channel4.com/film/reviews/film.jsp?id=121696

"Tom Cruise gets to swing his samurai sword in this historical epic set in 1870s Japan. But can he cut it as a kendo warrior and look good in a kimono?

After the back-to-back popcorn thrillers of Minority Report, Mission Impossible II and Vanilla Sky, Tom Cruise gets serious again with this historical epic set against the backdrop of Japan's rapid transition from feudal society to a modern nation. He plays Woodrow Algren, an American Civil War veteran turned spokesman for the Winchester gun company. He is hired by Emperor Meiji to come to Japan and train a new imperial army in modern warfare. Meiji's aim is to wipe out the samurai, the last remnants of the old guard. But when rebel warrior Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe) captures Algren, he begins to learn about the way of the samurai and is forced to reassess where his loyalties lie.

There are definite shades of Dances With Wolves here, as well as obligatory references to the films of Akira Kurosawa, and Warner Bros will be keen to keep these associations foremost in people's minds come the award season. The $100 million film is scheduled for a prestigious end-of-year American release and director Edward Zwick has a good track record at the Oscars, having made Civil War drama Glory, and redeemed himself after directing misfires like Courage Under Fire and The Siege by producing Shakespeare In Love and Traffic

Cruise, for one, seems to have confidence in the project. Choosing this over Anthony Minghella's forthcoming Civil War epic Cold Mountain, the star (who is also on producing duties alongside partner Paula Wagner) reportedly gave up his normally huge up-front salary to keep costs down. Given that every effort has been made to be respectful to Japanese history and culture - Cruise even learned some Japanese for the role - it's safe to say that The Last Samurai won't be relying on his winning smile to succeed. Indeed, Cruise aside, most of the cast have been assembled on acting prowess, rather than star wattage, with notable parts for British thesps including Timothy Spall as a translator and Billy Connolly as a Algren's long-serving comrade-in-arms.

Filmed mainly on location near New Plymouth on the North Island of New Zealand between January and May 2003, the film did run in to a little controversy over its use of Mt Taranaki as a stand in for Mt Fuji. A sacred site for local Maori tribes, some groups claimed they should be compensated for using images of the mountain in the film, even though the production had already made an "undisclosed" donation to a tribe to bless the film's locations. The New Zealand film industry body Film NZ dismissed the furore as a "storm in a tea cup".

After The Lord Of The Rings, though, we can confidently assume these locations will provide The Last Samurai with suitably dramatic settings and, with a trailer hinting at some epic battle scenes, expect plenty of samurai slicing and dicing as well. Cruise trained for eight months with fight co-ordinator John Powell (Gladiator, Braveheart) to master kendo and karate, and practised his sword style for a couple of hours each day on set before shooting started. His Japanese co-stars even gave him respect for looking good in a kimono. "

Shades of Dances with the wolves? I'm there..

BTW, I'm very pleased to hear that Cruise didn't take his normal $ 25 million salary for the film.

[KayTang999]

Well he produced this film so he will get more than $25 million anyway.