The Power of Decision

Katsumoto asks, "You believe a man can change his destiny?" Algren replies, "I think a man does what he can until his destiny is revealed." What is it that a man can do until his destiny is revealed? Choose.

Nathan Algren's story in The Last Samurai is one of the greatest told on film. I took the opportunity to rewatch it this past Saturday, and I must say that without a doubt it is my favorite movie of all time. Algren's character is in the depths of depression because of acts performed during war, and he buries those emotions through drinking. In helping train the Japanese army to fight off the Samurai he is captured in battle, and forced to remain with them throughout the winter. During his time he has "conversations" with Katsumoto, the famed leader of the group who's ancestors have protected the Japanese people for over 900 years, and it is during this time that Algren learns the power of choice and discipline.

For so long Nathan has run from his past, and truly been ashamed of who he was. His exposure to the way of the Samurai, Bushido, shows him a path to peace. Courage, Loyalty and Honor are but three staples of Bushido philosophy, and while a captive to the culture he embraces it; even loves it. However, the time comes when he is released, and now he is faced with the cold reality of the real world once again. Does he succumb to the temptations immediately presented him? Does he yield to the pressures attempting to once again box him in? Yes, he does. He once again reaches for a bottle and begins to once again plan his escape; however, this is the turning point of his story, and truly the point of decision that we all face in our lives.

What he is doing stops him in his tracks, and you can see him pondering his actions. Does he go through with his plans to return to America and more than likely return to drinking his sorrows away? Or does he stand up for what he has come to love, and go to rescue Katsumoto who had been taken captive himself? The scene is brief, but it's power everlasting. He chooses to once and for all subplant his demons in the past, and fully embrace the power of his future. Though rescuing Katsumoto poses the risk of death, no consequence will keep him now from fulfilling his "destiny".

There are so many other moments of decision in this movie that only serve to amplify it's power, and maybe those will be the focus of a future post. Katsumoto's son being injured in the rescue attempt, and volunteering to stay behind (sacrificing his own life) to ensure the others are able to get away. Bob, Algren's watchman during his stay with the Samurai, jumping in front of Algren to save his life during the climatic battle near the end. Taka dressing Nathan in her late-husband's armor and caring for him throughout his stay though Nathan was the cause of her husband's death in an earlier battle. Even Algren himself mounting up to make the final charge though the battle was not his to die for. All shining examples of how the choices we make in life control our destinies.

I will post more on Algren's story in the future, but for today will leave well enough alone. I think the final dialogue spoken by a narrator as the film settles into it's finality suits the end of this post as well. The narrator speaks of what became of Captain Algren (he was the lone survivor of the final battle, and hence the "Last Samurai") and says, "...I like to think he may have at last found some small measure of peace that we all seek, but few of us ever find." That peace can only be found by those who make good choices, declare themselves more than just average and defend it through their actions. Captain Algren, and all the Samurai, were truly lions.