CNN has a top 10 films of 2003. About TLS it says:
“The Last Samurai” is a huge epic starring Tom Cruise in one of his best roles in years. Set in the 1870s, the film is beautifully executed by director Ed Zwick. Cruise plays a weary Civil War veteran who goes to Japan to help modernize its military and to help rid the country of the last of the Samurai warriors. Instead, his character is drawn into the Samurai code of honor. As a result, he experiences a renewed belief in respect, sacrifice and the human spirit. There are certain plot points that are similar to “Dances With Wolves,” and some cynics are calling this film “Dances With Sushi,” but such an assessment is really not fair. This film is actually much better than Kevin Costner’s 1990 Oscar winner. < -- Yeah, mark that last line!!
From MSNBC comes the review ‘Last Samurai’ is a handsome epic