Film 199/365, Day 212/365 – Batman Begins

Excellent action and a great way to restart the Batman franchise after the abhorrent Batman and Robin.  Christian Bale is excellent as the conflicted Bruce Wayne and Christopher Nolan has given Batman a very real feel.  Batman Begins is a dark and exciting journey.

Synopsis:  When the man that murdered Bruce Wayne’s parents is released from prison Bruce gives up on justice and Gotham City and goes in search of another answer.  On the other side of the world he discovers another way under the tutelage of Ra’s Al Ghul.  When he returns to Gotham City it will never be the same.

Film 70/365, Day 71/365 – The Last Samurai

The Last Samurai is a fantastic story which is beautifully filmed.  I am fascinated by Japanese culture and the samurai in particular and this is a wonderful insight into their world.  Tom Cruise is actually pretty good in this although for me it is the story that is the real star especially as some elements are based on actual events.

Synopsis: American military captain, Nathan Algren, is hired by an American arms dealer to demonstrate the might of their weapons by defeating the samurai warriors.  Forced into battle before his army are prepared they are easily defeated by the organised might of the samurai.  Algren is captured and begins to see the samurai in a very different light.