The Last Samurai (2003) — Tom Cruise v. The Meiji Restoration

The Last Samurai (2003), directed by Edward Zwick, dramatises Japan’s Meiji Restoration and the end of the samurai era.

We break down the historical accuracy of The Last Samurai, the real-life inspiration behind Katsumoto and the Satsuma Rebellion, and how this movie gets the history of both sides of the conflict completely wrong.

Plus: Tom Cruise’s widow-maker leg-over technique, samurai vs. Gatling guns, and whether this movie is Legends of the Fall in dressing gowns.

🎌 Also perplexed at why Tom Cruise didn’t die at the end of this film? Write to historicalmoviespodcast@gmail.com or find us on @hmpodcast.bsky.social.