It is not clear exactly who is supposed to be The Last Samurai -- and perhaps it doesn't really matter.

The choices are the two male leads, who are studies in cultural contrast. One is Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise, who turns in a flashy, entertaining and multi-dimensional performance. The other is Japanese actor Ken Watanabe, who is both refined and mesmerizing in his heroic stillness.
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The Last Samurai, Edward Zwick's thundering tale of redemption, gives Tom Cruise one of his better roles in years.

Cruise is Cpt. Nathan Algren, a decorated Civil War veteran who is haunted by an infamous battle in which he was ordered to slaughter a helpless tribe of American Indians.
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