Director: Ed Zwick Writer: John Logan Starring: Tom Cruise, Timothy Spall, Billy Connolly, Tony Goldwyn Released: January 15, 2004 Rating: Runtime: 154 minutes Websites: Story: Set in Japan during the 1870s, The Last Samurai tells the story of Capt. Nathan Algren, an American military officer hired by the Emperor of Japan to train the country's first army in the art of modern warfare.  As the government attempts to eradicate the ancient Samurai warrior class in preparation for more Westernized and trade-friendly policies, Algren finds himself unexpectedly affected by his encounters with the Samurai, which places him at the center of a struggle between two eras and two worlds, with only his own sense of honor to guide him. Cast: Ken Watanabe Katsumoto Tom Cruise Nathan Algren William Atherton Winchester Rep Chad Lindberg Winchester Rep Assistant Ray Godshall Sr. Convention Hall Attendee Billy Connolly Zebulon Gant Tony Goldwyn Colonel Bagley Masato Harada Omura Masashi Odate Omura's Companion John Koyama Omura's Bodyguard Timothy Spall Simon Graham Shichinosuke Nakamura Emperor Meiji Togo Igawa General Hasegawa Satoshi Nikaido N.C.O. Shintaro Wada Young Recruit