What exactly happened to the Samurai? How could a people that dominated Japanese

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1 Page 1 of 6 What exactly happened to the Samurai? How could a people that dominated Japanese society for so many centuries fall? The Samurai dominated Japan, but when Japan made a transition from feudalism to a democratic government, the Samurai rose up in rebellion. Their rights were severely restricted, and they eventually lost their presence in Japan. The passion and dedication of the Samurai soldiers defined them as a people. These aspects are embedded in their legacy. However, the question is has the movie The Last Samurai clearly and accurately depicted the legacies of the Samurai? Are the important aspects of their way of life accurately portrayed in the film? The movie, The Last Samurai was a highly intriguing and entertaining film that was historically accurate in regards to the costumes, military tactics, and weapons. However, some of the historical events presented in the film were inaccurate. The weapons and military strategies of the Samurai warriors had a huge impact on their lives. The film captures accurately portrays the weapons and military strategies to the finest detail. One of the main characteristics of the Samurai s military strategy was their Bushido Code. The Bushido Code translates into the The Way of the Samurai. The movie shows many of the essential beliefs of the Samurai during battle. Specifically, the Bushido Code states that death weighs no heavier than a feather. A true warrior would never retreat or surrender, no matter how great the odds against him. 1 In the film, these essential beliefs appear in more than one occasion. For example, the Samurai leader Katsumoto, does not surrender or 1 Newman, Garfield, Echoes from the Past World History to the 16 th Century. (Canada: McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited, 2001) p.384

2 Page 2 of 6 retreat against the army of peasants, even though his odds are not in his favour. This shows the true honour and Bushido ethics of a Samurai solider. Furthermore, there were several occasions where the Samurai warriors sacrificed themselves for death. They did this so that they would die honourably. As a result, the history of the Bushido Code is recaptured in the movie. The significance of the Samurai sword is accurately portrayed in the film. The sword was ideally the soul of the Samurai. Thus, playing a highly significant role in the Samurai military. The cutting power of a Japanese sword could cut through an iron helmet. 2 There are several occasions in the film where the power and cutting strength of the sword is shown, by beheading and attacking the enemy. The command of the Samurai army in The Last Samurai was a very barbaric one. They had a ritual suicide seppuku, or hara-kiri, known as the slitting of the abdomen. It would express shame and loyalty to the lord, and admonish a lord to change his behaviour. 3 The film, on numerous occasions shows the barbaric nature of the Samurai. For instance, during the rebellion battle at the end of the movie several conscript men from the opposing army are brutally desecrated by the Samurai. As well, the Samurai ritual suicide is performed in the movie. Katsumoto the leader of the Samurai captures a Samurai that has betrayed him, the ex-samurai slits his abdomen and Katsumoto beheads him. This suicidal act shows the barbaric style of command. The weapons and military battles of the Samurai entertained the viewer a great deal. The film definitely would not have been as intriguing without these characteristics. Overall, the weapons and military strategy in 2 Turnbull, Stephen. The Samurai Sourcebook. (London:Cassel&Co, 2000) p Newman, Garfield, Echoes from the Past World History to the 16 th Century. (Canada: McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited, 2001) p.385

3 Page 3 of 6 The Last Samurai were historically accurate. The Bushido Code, the significance of the Samurai sword, and the command of their army are all aspects that took place in history. Not only were the weapons and military strategy in the film accurately portrayed, so were the costumes. The costumes shown in the film, especially the costumes of the Samurai are accurately portrayed. The clothing of the Samurai soldiers alternated from off the battlefield to on the battlefield. The Samurai usually wore kimonos on a daily basis. For example, in the film Katsumoto and Nathan Algren both wore loose fitting, dull coloured kimonos when they were not in battle. However, the style of dress for Samurai men was much different on the battlefield. It usually consisted of heavy armour with many decorative designs engraved on it. The o-yorori was a more ornate, heavier and altogether substantial style worn by those of higher rank who were mounted by horses. 4 Specifically, the higher ranked Samurai such as Katsumoto showed this style of dress in the film. His armour was more protective and his mask had a more ferocious expression. As well, the film portrayed the western influence of clothing. During the time, more and more westerners were in Japan. It was a pivotal time because Samurai culture was colliding with western civilizations. 5 Evidently, this style of clothing was shown in the film through the Japanese governor. The clothing of the Japanese women was another aspect that was accurately portrayed. The clothes were generally sombre in 4 Sincalire, Claire. Samurai The Weapons and Spirit of the Japanese Warrior. (Hong Kong: Lyons Press edition,2001) p PBS. Samurai) < ( March 28, 2005)

4 Page 4 of 6 tone and women wore low-key beautiful colours. The costumes added to the entertainment value by capturing a realistic setting for the viewer. In conclusion, the costumes in the movie were accurately portrayed. The armour of The Last Samurai and the clothing they wore on and off the battlefield were all accurate. During this time, Japanese were starting to dress like westerners. The styles of dress, along with the traditional Japanese kimonos were revealed through many of the characters. Although, the costumes were accurately portrayed in the film, the historical events were somewhat inaccurate. Some of the historical events were altered in the film; however, the essential message and main idea of the events were shown throughout the movie. One aspect that was historically correct was the Meiji Restoration. Japanese were forced to sign treaties with Western powers. These treaties granted the Westerners economical and legal advantages in Japan. The new government aimed to make Japan a democratic state. The Samurai lost all their privileges due to social reforms. 6 This historical event is shown a great deal in the film. In The Last Samurai,the treaties between the Western powers and the Japanese are evident through the new infrastructure in the country. The new democratic government shows the change from feudalism to democracy and the negative impact it had on the Samurai. The Samurai lost their privileged position when feudalism was abolished in They rose in rebellion several times in the 1870 s. Although this is historically correct, there is one major inaccuracy in 6 Japan-Guide.com. History- Meiji Period ( ). (March 28, 2005)

5 Page 5 of 6 the film. According to history, the Saigo Takamori is the last remaining Samurai that tries to save the Samurai people from the new democratic government. In 1877, the highly respected and conservative Satsuma Samurai, Saigo Takamori, rose in armed rebellion against the changes being made and the continued presence of the foreign barbarians on the soil of Japan. 7 Conversely, in the film the last remaining Samurai goes by the name of Katsumoto. These events were highly entertaining because they were action packed, thus, creating a quality movie. On a final note, the historical events were accurate in regards to the Meiji Restoration that took place, and the rebellions between the democratic and feudal governments at the time. However, the name of the last Samurai that was in command is inaccurate. From weapons and military strategy, to costumes and historical events, the movie The Last Samurai ideally captured the historical accuracy behind these components. Although, the historical events were somewhat inaccurate, the film managed to capture the legacy of the Samurai soldiers and key components of Samurai history. The film was a very intriguing film that captured the viewer s attention from start to finish. In regards to the military strategy and weapons, costumes, and historical events, the film is accurate. There is a parallel between history vs. Hollywood. In conclusion, the Samurai had a unique culture. They had unique views on military, and many concrete values. Even though they no longer have a presence in Japan, their legacy has continued to be passed on. The Samurai were one of the most influential people ever in world history. 7 Sincalire, Claire. Samurai The Weapons and Spirit of the Japanese Warrior. (Hong Kong: Lyons Press edition,2001) p. 24

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