I thought it was a spectacularly stupid movie. It made no sense to me either in its broader themes, the plot or the details of the action.

Partly, I just don't buy into the "noble Samurai" concept. And I'm not sure it was intended, but the ending left me a frisson that all that "noble" Samurai spirit was not crushed but rather would come smashing down on America in 70 years time. (If it was intended, then some kudos to the film, but I doubt).

The action seemed hokey. The worst was the one shot kills from the bows, while the musket balls seemed to be BB pellets by comparison.

The consolation for me was the Japanese lead - he was very good.