Edward Zwick’s epic changed how we see honour and tradition. 22 years later, we track down Tom Cruise and the incredible cast who brought this clash of cultures to life—from Ken Watanabe to Timothy Spall—alongside performances that defined careers and opened Hollywood’s doors to Japanese cinema.
The Movie That Bridged Two Worlds
Back in 2003, Zwick didn’t just make another action movie. He crafted something deeper.
The story follows Captain Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise), an American military adviser hired to train the Japanese army to fight against the last samurai rebellion. When he’s captured by the very warriors he’s meant to defeat, Algren discovers honour, purpose, and redemption among people he was taught to see as enemies.
The movie was a massive success, earning $456 million worldwide against a $140 million budget. Critics praised its stunning cinematography and respectful approach to Japanese culture. But its real achievement? Introducing Western audiences to the depth and beauty of samurai philosophy while launching several Japanese actors into international stardom.
“Tell me, what is it that seeks the warrior’s death?”
— Katsumoto
Where Are They Now?
Tom Cruise (Captain Nathan Algren)
THEN: At 41, Cruise was at the peak of his powers. Playing Algren let him combine his action-star appeal with serious dramatic weight as a haunted Civil War veteran seeking redemption in feudal Japan.
NOW: At 63, Cruise remains Hollywood’s most committed action star. The guy’s literally hanging off planes and jumping off cliffs like he’s still 25! His Mission: Impossible franchise keeps breaking records, and Top Gun: Maverick proved he can still deliver massive hits. While other stars his age have moved to streaming, Cruise stays loyal to the theatre experience. I respect that dedication—some movies are meant to be seen big.
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Ken Watanabe (Katsumoto)
THEN: At 44, Watanabe was already a respected actor in Japan, but The Last Samurai introduced him to Western audiences. His portrayal of the noble samurai leader Katsumoto was both powerful and nuanced.
NOW: At 65, Watanabe has become Hollywood’s go-to Japanese actor for prestige projects. He’s appeared in:
- Batman Begins and Inception for Christopher Nolan
- Godzilla franchise as Dr Serizawa
- HBO’s Westworld as a host programmer
- Most recently, Shōgun on FX, earning Emmy nominations
His English has improved dramatically, and he’s become a bridge between Japanese and American cinema. Not bad for someone who barely spoke English during The Last Samurai!
Timothy Spall (Simon Graham)
THEN: At 46, the British character actor brought warmth and humour as the Victorian photographer documenting Japan’s changing world.
NOW: At 68, Spall has had an incredible run. After battling leukaemia in the mid-2000s, he came back stronger than ever. His performance in Mr Turner won him the Best Actor award at Cannes in 2014. He’s also delighted audiences as:
- Winston Churchill in The King’s Speech
- Peter Pettigrew in the Harry Potter films
- Various characters in Mike Leigh films
Spall proves that character actors can have leading-man moments when given the right material.
Tony Goldwyn (Colonel Bagley)
THEN: At 43, Goldwyn played the ruthless American colonel with perfect military bearing and underlying menace.
NOW: At 65, Goldwyn became a household name as President Fitzgerald Grant on Scandal. That role showed his range beyond villainous parts. He’s also expanded into directing, helming episodes of Scandal, Dexter, and The L Word. Recent projects include:
- King Richard alongside Will Smith
- Oppenheimer in a supporting role
- Netflix’s The Diplomat
He’s proven that sometimes the bad guy can become the leading man.
Billy Connolly (Zebulon Gant)
THEN: At 61, the Scottish comedian brought levity as the grizzled sergeant with a drinking problem and a heart of gold.
NOW: At 82, Connolly has largely retired from performing due to a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2013. But his legacy remains huge:
- Stand-up comedy legend with over 50 years of touring
- Memorable film roles in Mrs Brown and The Boondock Saints
- His final major role was in The Hobbit trilogy as Dain Ironfoot
Connolly’s wit and warmth made even small roles unforgettable. His retirement marks the end of an era in comedy.
Hiroyuki Sanada (Ujio)
THEN: At 43, Sanada was already a martial arts legend in Japan, but Western audiences got to see his incredible sword skills as the fierce samurai Ujio.
NOW: At 65, Sanada has become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after Japanese actors. His recent work includes:
- The Wolverine as the Silver Samurai
- Avengers: Endgame as Akihiko
- Mortal Kombat as Scorpion
- FX’s Shōgun as the lead character Toranaga, earning Emmy nominations
I love seeing Sanada get the recognition he deserves. His martial arts skills are real, and his acting has only gotten better with age.
Masato Harada (Omura)
THEN: At 54, the veteran Japanese actor played the conflicted politician caught between tradition and modernisation.
NOW: At 76, Harada continues working primarily in Japanese cinema and television. He’s directed several films and remains active in the Japanese entertainment industry, though he hasn’t pursued Hollywood roles like some of his co-stars.
Supporting Cast Updates
Chad Lindberg (Winchester): Now 46, he’s appeared in Supernatural* and indie films, building a solid character actor career.
William Atherton: At 77, the veteran actor continues occasional film and TV work, though he’s largely retired.
John Koyama: Continued working in Japanese cinema and television until his passing in 2018.
The Cultural Impact That Lasts
This movie did something special. It didn’t just entertain—it educated.
The Last Samurai introduced Western audiences to:
- The philosophical depth of bushido
- The complexity of Japan’s Meiji Restoration
- Respectful portrayal of non-Western cultures
- The idea that honor transcends nationality
Sure, some critics called it “Dances with Wolves in Japan”, but the film’s respect for Japanese culture was genuine. Zwick worked closely with Japanese consultants and historians to get details right.
“A man does what he can until his destiny is revealed.”
— Captain Algren
Twenty-two years later, The Last Samurai remains relevant. In our fast-changing world, its themes of honour, tradition, and finding purpose resonate more than ever.
The film opened doors for Japanese actors in Hollywood. Without The Last Samurai, would we have seen Ken Watanabe in Batman or Hiroyuki Sanada leading Shōgun? Probably not.
Tom Cruise showed that big stars could take on serious, culturally sensitive material without talking down to audiences. The movie proved that epic historical dramas could still find massive audiences when done with care and respect.