The Last Samurai Essay -- essays research papers

The idea of honor is different to many flock. The dictionary defines honor as, That which rightfully attracts esteem, respect, or consideration self-respect dignity courage faithfulness especially, excellence of character high moral worth virtue nobleness specifically, in men, integrity uprightness trustworthiness in women, purity chastity. 1913 Webster. However in the fritter away The Last Samurai, the idea of honor seems to differ between the different people in each culture.The Americans equate honor with how many battles have been won. Not necessarily how the battles are won. We are introduced to the idea of American culture changing the Japanese way by first being shown the Japanese buying advanced blazonry from the Americans. Nathan Algren, played by Tom Cruise was revered with utmost respect for his victories in the civil war and against the Indians. However through out those battles many free people were killed. These facts however did not stop the American government f rom awarding him many medals of Honor, and thus leading to his recruitment by the Japanese emperor to appurtenance his armies. No medals however could stop the nightmares that Algren would have every night as he replayed the dishonorable things he had done in past battles.The Japanese people were attempting to begin adapting to a western style of life. The government tried to take the samurai way of life out...