Tom Cruise Faced a Real Sword on Set of The Last Samurai

There’s a reason people joke that Tom Cruise has a bit of a death wish. One of the more hair-raising stories comes from the set of the 2003 epic The Last Samurai, where Cruise starred alongside Hiroyuki Sanada. Determined to keep things as real as possible, Cruise pushed for the use of an actual sword during a close-up scene, much to the concern of his co-star.

Sanada, a seasoned actor, was understandably wary about swinging a live blade at Cruise. But when the moment came, he took a full swing, stopping the sword just as it touched Cruise’s skin. Cruise didn’t even flinch. Sanada later recalled,

I took a full swing and then stopped just touching his skin, but no injury. He never blinked. So he believed in me. And I believed in him. That was a great moment.

The trust between the two actors was clear, and the scene became one of the film’s most memorable moments. Footage of the incident has since made the rounds online, with fans marvelling at Cruise’s nerves of steel.

Eight Months of Martial Arts Training

Getting ready for the role wasn’t just about facing down a sword. Cruise spent eight months learning kendo and other Japanese martial arts, as well as mastering a range of weapons. He also had to learn how to fight while riding a horse, which added another layer of challenge to the already demanding shoot.

In an interview, Cruise explained,

I learned kendo, Japanese martial arts, all manner of weapons handling. I not only had to ride a horse, but I had to effectively fight while riding. As far as training goes, you name it, I’ve done it.

He went on to describe the intensity of the preparation:

Several nights of double-sword fighting against multiple opponents, five days and one night of fending off murderous Ninja intruders, weeks of martial arts drills opposite my Japanese co-stars, and finally, two months of relentless battle sequences.

All that hard yakka paid off, with the film’s action sequences standing out as some of the best of the era.

Why The Last Samurai Still Resonates

The Last Samurai, set against the backdrop of the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877, explores the clash between tradition and modernity in Japan. The story follows an American military officer tasked with training Japan’s new army in Western tactics, only to find himself drawn into the world of the samurai.

The film’s emotional core lies in its depiction of the struggle between old and new, and the pain that comes with change. While some critics have pointed out the ‘white saviour’ angle, others argue that Cruise’s character is more of a student than a hero, earning respect by embracing Japanese values rather than trying to save anyone.

Key Details and Legacy

Directed by Edward Zwick and featuring a cast that includes Ken Watanabe and Hiroyuki Sanada, The Last Samurai was released in December 2003. The film pulled in $454 million at the global box office and holds a 7.8/10 rating on IMDb. It’s available to stream on Prime Video and Apple TV.

The Last Samurai remains a standout from the early 2000s, thanks in no small part to the dedication of its cast and the authenticity they brought to the screen.