The Last Samurai

Set in 1876, Captain Nathan Algren, a former U.S. Army officer, is recruited by the Japanese government to help modernize their army and suppress a samurai rebellion led by Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe). Algren, haunted by the atrocities he witnessed during the Indian Wars in America, reluctantly agrees to the job for money, but he soon finds himself captured by Katsumoto’s forces during a battle. While held prisoner in the samurai village, Algren begins to respect their way of life and their devotion to traditional values. He learns the Bushido code—the way of the warrior—and gradually earns Katsumoto's respect. Despite initially being enemies, the two men form a deep bond. Algren starts to question the path Japan is on as it rapidly modernizes under Western influence, pushing aside centuries-old traditions. Torn between his duty and his newfound loyalty to Katsumoto, Algren chooses to fight alongside the samurai as they face their final battle against a technologically superior Imperial Japanese army.