Tom Cruise stars as a drunken hero. He's a US soldier with a glorious battle history that attracts praises from others, but nightmares from peaceful nights. His reputation as an Indian conqueror and timing in history earn him the opportunity to teach the Japanese army to use American weapons in order to quell the "savage" Samurai rebellions.

Billed as an action film, the best parts are quiet. Edward Zwick has created a very beautifully shot, sweetly paced film about understanding culture, character and honor. The fight scenes are merely unpleasant necessities. In fact, it might just be a better picture without them. Mightily strong, even gorgeous in tone, message and picture for the first two hours, despite it's powerful mass, alas the last half-hour fumbles some well-earned grandeur. Sorry, more explanation would spoil.

I like Tom Cruise and he does a good job here, but I think physically speaking, there are much better candidates for the role: Dennis Quad, Mickey Rourke. Still, despite much too healthy skin, and a smaller stature, Cruise is believable. That said, Ken Watanabe as the Samurai leader, is not only cast well, but grips the role with the strength of a warrior. And Kudos to the rest of the actors. Passionately directed, cinematically splendid, with a sweetly sympathetic score, all is good save for the roundup.