I Will Tell You How He Lived

“Do you believe a man can change his destiny?” Katsumoto, in hopelessness, asks Algren before the battle begins. To which Algren replies, “I believe a man does what he can until his destiny is revealed.” This remarkable quote by the Last Samurai speaks volumes, not just in relation to war. It is an inspiration to strive for life in whatever circumstances.

Yesterday was the first time I watched this 2003 alternate history film where an American army captain Nathan Algren is hired to prepare Japanese troops against the samurai. Algren is taken captive by Lord Katsumoto who treats him much kindness and gradually converts him to his cause. The scenes started out rather bloody and violent, but the narrator’s words kept me from switching channels. I started out with reading materials in my hands to turn my eyes away whenever someone got decapitated or an arrow went right through their heart.

I tend to retain images and have lingering feelings for a long time after dramatic occurrences, so I limit myself for my own good. However, after some time, I was able to digest it and kept the articles away. And that’s also due to some remarkable quotes of the samurai. As the movie took a more serious and emotional turn and I ended up picking up life lessons from it. The movie was more than just battle. It was about the spirit of a warrior, discipline, honour, purpose and love. I don’t know if you find this movie emotional, but I was tearing during many scenes, and I really cried my heart out at the ending. Allow me to share some with you.

“I was surprised to learn that the word 'Samurai' means 'to serve'…What does it mean to be Samurai? To devote yourself utterly to a set of moral principles, to seek a stillness of the mind, and the mastery of the sword.”

• Captain Algren learns that to see things beyond his own assumptions and opens up his mind. I am reminded not to judge others, but try to see things from their point of view.
  “From the moment they wake up they devote themselves to the perfection of whatever they do. I've never seen such discipline.”
• Like Captain Algren, I was amazed at the level of discipline portrayed in their daily life. Everything that the Samurais were, were simply the result of their devotion to discipline, and gave it their all. Through practice, pain, and even their lives. I was reminded yet again, to achieve all that you want to be, you’ve got to devote yourself it, and let it constantly be on your mind.

“Too many mind”

• When Algren was practicing sword-fighting with a youth, he was told that he was unable to defeat the enemy because of “too many mind -Mind the sword, mind the people watch, mind the enemy, too many mind...”
  - This is about focus. You cannot defeat your enemy or achieve your goal when your mind is not focused on your purpose.

“Every soldier has nightmares”…”Only one who is ashamed of what he has done.”

• Captain Algren suffers from sleepless nights because of the things he has seen and done in his life, but Katsumoto give shim a new perspective – about the way of a warrior.
  While I definitely dislike the idea of taking lives, I understand it by looking through the lens of a soldier.
• I can also relate to it through lesser personal life experience. In life, we are all soldiers battling against things unseen. Something can only haunt you if are ashamed of it. Things that have happened to you, things you have seen – you just have to let go like a warrior. Even the scenes in this movie that I was watching – it was not a shameful thing. Why should I let it bother me?

“When I took these from you, you were my enemy...”[Katsumoto giving Algren his stuff before leaving the samurai village.

• The aspect of love is beautifully depicted in this movie. Algren kills Katsumoto’s brother-in-law, but instead of being treated like a prisoner in captive, he is cared for like a guest of the house by the wife of the very man he kills. The compassion shown forges an unbreakable friendship and an undying love between Algren and the Katsumoto family. Katsumoto learns about his once considered enemy while Algren finds answers to life. Together, they fight for a just cause, and there was a time when he saved their lives.
• I find this sacrificial love very Christ like.

“The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life.”

• Some things in life are rare treasures. They may not be tangible, or hold monetary value, but the true treasure is worth the search.

Algren: So you will take your own life? In shame? Shame for a life of service? Discipline? Compassion?
Katsumoto: The way of the Samurai is not necessary anymore.
Algren: Necessary? What could be more necessary?

- Honour is of utmost importance to the samurai, and he’ll be compelled to take his own life if defeated. It’s interesting how Algren sheds light onto Katsumoto’s weary and hopeless soul and together, they strategize their battle. Their weapons were no match for their opponent, but it’s incredible how far wit and strategy can go. Though they lost, they fought a good and honourable fight (although I wish they needn’t have had that war in the first place, but that’s life)


There were many moments along the journey of the movie, I questioned myself, “But what is the point? They are all dying in the end..” Though sad, I really loved the ending. It was for a higher purpose – for the greater good. Everything the samurais did was done in faith and honor of their purpose. Though they did not live to see it come to pass (reminds me of the faith of Abraham in the Bible), it was worth it in the end, when their Emperor’s eyes were opened to finally cease being a puppet and decide what is best for his people. This dialogue sums it perfectly:

Algren: This is Katsumoto's sword. He would have wanted you to have it. He hoped with his dying breath that you would remember his ancestors who held it, and what they died for. May the strength of the Samurai always be with you.

Emperor Meiji: I dream of a unified Japan – of a country strong, and independent, and modern. Now we have railroads and cannon and Western clothing. But we cannot forget who we are, or where we come from.

Emperor Meiji: Ambassador Swanbeck, I have concluded that your treaty is NOT in the best interests of my people.

Ambassador Swanbeck: Sir, if I may...

Emperor Meiji: So sorry, but you may not.

The disheartened Emperor then asks the surviving Samurai about Katsumoto (his teacher whose words he failed to heed), “Tell me how he died.” And Algren replies, “I will tell you how he lived.”

And I believe, that is what really matters in the end.

-JJ- 30 August 2008