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John Lindsey
9th December 2003, 19:01
Anyone else think it was a bit strange that the lead samurai of the movie didn't have a samurai style haircut?

KTT
9th December 2003, 19:32
Was Katsumoto supposed to be a Buddhist monk? He spent a lot of time at the temple. It seemed like the other monks were wearing Zen style okesa with the ring. There's a scene where Katsumoto gives his ojuzu to his older son before leaving for the last battle.

Kevin T. Tanemura

Carlos Estrella
14th December 2003, 02:45
Sorry to be so off topic (and with a forum admin of all things!), but is that poster available? I have the one of Tom Cruise reserved at my local theater but the one you posted is a very nice one and not available around here.

If that is available in other than a web graphic, I'd be interested in getting it.

Regards,

Carlos

PS: I don't recall anyone complaining about Toshiro Mifune's hair in "The Challenge." (See... I can get back on topic, can't I?)

John Lindsey
14th December 2003, 04:38
I think it is the poster from Japan...

Carlos Estrella
14th December 2003, 05:41
Thank you anyway (a little far for a poster, though I could use the trip and the training).

Regards,

Carlos

Soulend
14th December 2003, 08:23
IIRC, when "Shogun" debuted in Japan, there was quite a bit of derision when the character "Toranaga" (Tokugawa) appeared not bald of pate, as this was apparently de rigeur for a bushi of his station. Dunno if this would be applicable here though - haven't seen 'The Last Samurai' yet :(

don
14th December 2003, 18:44
Originally posted by John Lindsey
Anyone else think it was a bit strange that the lead samurai of the movie didn't have a samurai style haircut?

This may be one of the historical accuracies of the film, actually. I don't think Saigo Takamori, the Katsumoto character in real life, wore the topnot (although I just have the pics I've seen in books to inform me...) See:

http://images.google.com/images?q=saigo+takamori&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en

There was also that burly fellow who did the leg crank on Cruise who appeared sans topnot.

Cady Goldfield
15th December 2003, 15:37
I wondered about the shaven head, too, but after seeing the amount of time he spent perfecting his spirit and mushin in his family's 1,000-year-old temple, it seemed reasonable. Although Katsumoto in no way resembled a "warrior monk."

And... As Ken Watanabe is a total hunk, I want that poster! Don't tell my boyfriend. :D

Shimura
15th December 2003, 16:01
While were on the subject of Saigo, I'm curious as to what, in reality, his height and wieght was. From his pictures and the renditions of him in bronze (such as Ueno park) he looks alot like a sumitori, quite large and packing some weight. Another thing, did he ever where facial hair. Some pictures and prints have him with facial hair, while many others have him "clean" shaven. Just curious. Perhaps Dr.Friday or other researchers have some insight.

ghp
15th December 2003, 21:19
A giant of a man standing 180 cm tall and weighing 112 kg, Saigo Takamori was a man of few words, with bulging eyes and an affable smile that would play across his face from time to time. Saigo was one of the most popular politicians in Japan's modern era. His clean-hearted, guileless personality, stormy career and tragic demise touch the hearts of many Japanese people, inspiring fervent reverence for Saigo. The story of Saigo is immortalized in several "legends of Saigo," testifying to widespread dissatisfaction with the state of politics today and a psychological need for heroes. In fact, 1877, the year of Saigo's death, was a year in which Mars reached its closest approach to the Earth. The people of the time saw this bright, blood-red star and said it was Saigo's star, a sign that Saigo was still alive somewhere. http://www.jsf.or.jp/sln/acid_e/saigou01.html

I don't know if this was his true stature, but it was the only set of dimensions I could find on Google.

Oh, by the way ... Saigo was a low-level samurai (qv. corporal or sergeant) who showed promise and was encouraged and supported by his superior. Saigo eventually climbed the ladder of success, becoming a general officer. NHK did a great Taiga Drama about his life. The actor is a famous stout comedian who bears no small resemblance to the Great Saigo.

The only image I've seen of him bearded comes from the famously inaccurate block print showing his seppuku on a small boat (he actually did the deed in the hills).

--Guy

ghp
15th December 2003, 21:56
Found this gif take-off of the famous Saigo statue.
http://www.ohken.co.jp/new/gif/saigo-inu.gif

--Guy

ghp
15th December 2003, 22:03
Here's that inaccurate seppuku print:
http://www.degener.com/1310.jpg

The name-block above him gives his other name, Saigo Kichinosuke.

--Guy

nicojo
15th December 2003, 22:24
Shyeah right. Tom Cruise isn't in that woodblock!

Just kidding. Cool pic. Only inaccurate because Algren isn't there? jk again.

Shimura
16th December 2003, 13:12
Thanks Guy. I wish I could watch that NHK program, I'm sure it was pretty good. I just picked up a copy last night of Mark Ravina's "The Last Samurai" a bio on Saigo. So far from what I've read in the introduction it's excellent and seems it will be a good read. He immediatley starts off by de-mystifying the man and explaining some of the mythology surrounding his life and how it came about. I assume that that woodblock was part of those "mythological" images of Saigo that were distributed for common enjoyment.

Cady Goldfield
16th December 2003, 15:19
Originally posted by John Lindsey
I think it is the poster from Japan...

If it were from Japan, Ken Watanabe's name would be the big one sprawled across the top...

Brian Owens
17th December 2003, 06:18
Originally posted by Cady Goldfield
If it were from Japan, Ken Watanabe's name would be the big one sprawled across the top...
Since Tom Cruise not only starred in the film, but also co-produced it, I think he gets top billing no matter where the poster is posted.

Seriously, though, I suspect a trip to Japan won't be needed for those who really want that poster. I expect it to show up on E-bay at outrageously inflated prices soon.

Nyuck3X
18th December 2003, 00:15
Originally posted by Cady Goldfield...


And... As Ken Watanabe is a total hunk, I want that poster! Don't tell my boyfriend.

It's the armour isn't it? Chicks dig a guy in uniform.

I have to admit, even though I'm happily married
with 3 kids, if Watanabe approched me in that outfit
and asked me to dance, I'd have second thoughts...:D

Brian Owens
18th December 2003, 00:42
Originally posted by Nyuck3X
I have to admit, even though I'm happily married
with 3 kids, if Watanabe approched me in that outfit
and asked me to dance, I'd have second thoughts...:D
"Gee, Mr. Watanabe, can I play with your sword?" :D

--Brian "Ambivalent About Ambiguous Ambisexuality" Owens

Jin
23rd December 2003, 03:25
there are several other versions with different characters as well... let me see if I can find them...

ahh yes.. here we go...

http://images.popcornmonsters.com/1211.jpg

http://images.popcornmonsters.com/1210.jpg

http://images.popcornmonsters.com/1209.jpg

http://images.popcornmonsters.com/1208.jpg

and my fav character and pic...

http://images.popcornmonsters.com/1205.jpg

although I don't know if you can order or get these posters...

Best,

Brian James