Quotes

Others

[to Algren] Just tell me one thing. What is it about your own people that you hate so much?

Dialogue

Omura: Katsumoto is an extraordinary man, is he not? Algren: He's a tribal leader. I've known many of them. Omura: But none who are samurai. Their ways have great appeal. Algren: I don't see how this concerns me. Omura: Ah, but it does. You see, you were right, Captain Algren. Last year, we were not prepared to go to battle. You were right and Colonel Bagley was wrong. But now, we are ready. If Katsumoto is allowed to attract other samurai to his cause, we will have 10 years of rebellion. This is something I will not allow. Either I will stop him at the council today, or you will lead my army against him. And with these new weapons, you will crush him. Algren: I appreciate the offer... Omura: It is not an offer. Algren: Mr. Omura, my contract with you was to train your army. Omura: Then we will make a new contract. One that will recognize the extraordinary contribution you have made to the emperor. Do we understand each other? Algren: Yes, we understand each other perfectly. Omura: The

Dialogue

Colonel Bagley: Nathan, Katsumoto's attacked the railroad at the border of this province. Omura: We cannot govern a country in which we cannot travel freely. He must be stopped now. My railroad is a priority for this country. Algren: [about the army] They're not ready. Colonel Bagley: The rebels don't have a single rifle. They're savages with bows and arrows. Algren: Whose sole occupation for the last thousand years has been war. Colonel Bagley: You have superior firepower and a larger force. I am ordering the regiment to move against the rebel Katsumoto. You will track him down and engage him.

Dialogue

Algren: [To one Japanese soldier] Load. [to Simon Graham] Mr. Graham, tell this man to fire at me! Simon Graham: I beg your pardon? Algren: [Pulls out his pistol and cocks it] Tell this man that if he does not shoot me, I will kill him. Sgt. Gant: Captain, if I might have a word... Algren: Tell him... tell him! [Re-cocks his pistol] Algren: Load! Algren: Faster! [fires again] Faster! Algren: Shoot me, damn it. Algren: Fire! Fire, ute! Algren: [to Bagley] They're not ready. Colonel Bagley: [to the rest of the army] The regiment leaves at 6 AM!

Dialogue

Katsumoto: No, Highness. I rise against your enemies. Emperor Meiji: They are my advisors, like you. Katsumoto: They advise in their own interest! Emperor Meiji: I need advisors who know the modern world. Katsumoto: If I am no use, I will happily end my life. Emperor Meiji: No, I need your voice in the Council. Katsumoto: It is your voice we need, Highness. You are a living god. Do what you think is right. Emperor Meiji: [ruefully] I am a living god - as long as I do what *they* think is right. Katsumoto: [stunned beyond words, sorrowful] ...What sad words you speak...

Dialogue

Katsumoto: With this sword I guarded the Emperor... Omura: We don't need your protection. We are a nation of laws. Katsumoto: We are a nation of whores selling ourselves... Omura: If we are whores, the samurai made us this way.

Dialogue

Colonel Bagley: Good God! [Recovers to face both Algren and Katsumoto] Sir, the Imperial Army of Japan demands your surrender. If you and your fellows lay down your arms, you will not be harmed. Katsumoto: This is not possible as Mr. Omura knows. Colonel Bagley: Captain Algren, we will show you no quarter. You ride against us and you're the same as they are. Algren: I'll look for you in the field.

Dialogue

Colonel Bagley: What on earth?! Omura: What is happening? Colonel Bagley: The attack has been stopped. Omura: Send in rest of the regiment.

Dialogue

Katsumoto: What happened to the warriors at Thermopylae? Nathan Algren: [smiling] Dead to the last man.

Dialogue

Nathan Algren: [presents a sword] This is Katsumoto's sword. He would have wanted you to have it, that the strength of the Samurai be with you always. Omura: Enlightened One, we weep for Katsumoto, but... Algren: He hoped with his last breath that you would remember the ancestors who held this sword and what they died for. Omura: [as Emperor Meiji receives the sword] Your Highness... Emperor Meiji: You were with him, at the end? Algren: Hai. [bows] Omura: [in English] Emperor. This man fought against you! Algren: Your Highness, if you believe me to be your enemy, command me and I will gladly take my life. Meiji: [ponders Algren's words and stands up] I dreamed of a unified Japan, of a country strong and independent and modern. And now we have railroads and cannon, Western clothing. But [looks at sword] we cannot forget who we are, or where we come from. Ambassador Swanbeck, I have concluded that your treaty is NOT in the best interests of my people. Ambassador Swanbeck: Sir, if I may..