One of the soldiers smacks Algren in the chin with a rifle butt. Algren reels,
and by the time he stands straight again, four others are pointing their
ba yonets at his face. BAGLEY
                            They're looking to hire real American soldiers to
                            create the first Japanese Imperial Army.

Algren looks at him. Algren is now surrounded by ten samurai. A man's heroic stand against
certain death is of great interest to them. As they begin to close in, Algren Yoritomo kneels across from Algren. He is impressed at the many battle
wounds on Algren's body; the old bullet wounds and scars. In Japanese, he
indicates his admiration. Algren sees samurai calmly walking among the injured and captured Imperial
soldiers .. killing them one by one with a single stroke.

Algren looks over the slaughter. About a thousand Japanese soldiers in baggy uniforms are milling around a large
parade ground. Each has an old single shot rifle. Algren, Gant, and Yoshitaka
look down on them from a reviewing stand. GRAHAM
                           Gentlemen, may I present General Yoshitaka.
                           He will assist you in training the army.

                                             ALGREN
                           General. The training continues. We see Gant, now sporting a black eye. Algren
walks with General Yoshitaka and Graham. Graham translates: It is the day of the battle. Algren is buttoning the long coat of his cavalry uniform.

He looks up to see Higen standing in the doorwa y, holding the breast-plate
of his father's armor. Bagley is furious. Their fluid tactics have rendered his field artillery useless.

Katsumoto and Algren share a look of grim satisfaction. They are leveling
the playing field. Most of these villagers have never seen a white face and gaze at Algren with
curiosity. And suspicion. We see Algren showing the Japanese how to fire in formation. The old single-shot
rifles they carry make reloading a painfully slow process.

                                                                                    21. This time the opponent charges first, and Algren manages to parry one blow, before he is again bested.

Yoritomo bows happily and begins yammering in Japanese, clearly taking credit for Algren's progress. EXT. VILLAGE DAY

Algren trains with the other men. He attempts an attack, which is easily brushed aside by Nakao. Algren ends
up in the dirt again. Algren, Katsumoto and the others are nearing the palace. Algren slows to a
stop -- his path is toward the city. Katsumoto stops, looks at him, then does
something absolutel y extraordinary. As Algren puzzles over this, he becomes aware that Katsumoto is now
standing next to him.

                                                   KATSUMOTO
                              They are training. Algren SCREAMS, distracting them just long enough for Katsumoto to take advantage and kill one. Algren watches from the window as the samurai train. It is like nothing else
in the world. Part sacred ritual, part martial preparation, samurai training
com bines athletic prowess and graceful artistry into one effortless whole. Katsumoto dismounts in a large square, the rest of his men follow suit. A samurai
helps Algren painfully slide from his horse. The ever-enlarging crowd gasps as Algren once again struggles to his feet.
This time without hesitation, Uji o runs back and rains blows upon Algren's
Algren is now surrounded by ten samurai. A man's heroic stand against
certain death is of great interest to them. As they begin to close in, Algren Algren, Katsumoto and the others are nearing the palace. Algren slows to a
stop -- his path is toward the city. Katsumoto stops, looks at him, then does
something absolutel y extraordinary. Algren goes to them. Silently begins to help them.


INT.                 YORITOMO'S HOUSE                                    DAYS LATER Algren and Yoritomo move out with Katsumoto, Ujio, Nakao and his bodyguard of several
dozen Samurai.

The villagers bow and honor the warrior as they pass. This time the opponent charges first, and Algren manages to parry one blow, before he is again bested.

Yoritomo bows happily and begins yammering in Japanese, clearly taking credit for Algren's progress. Yoritomo kneels across from Algren. He is impressed at the many battle
wounds on Algren's body; the old bullet wounds and scars. In Japanese, he
indicates his admiration. About a thousand Japanese soldiers in baggy uniforms are milling around a large
parade ground. Each has an old single shot rifle. Algren, Gant, and Yoshitaka
look down on them from a reviewing stand. Ujio walks forward and SCREAMS at Algren in Japanese. Algren doesn't
move. This only makes Ujio more angry. He paces back and forth like a
caged panther spitting invective at Algren. Algren sees samurai calmly walking among the injured and captured Imperial
soldiers .. killing them one by one with a single stroke.

Algren looks over the slaughter. Algren stands with Katsumoto and Ujio. Graham is nearby. They peer into the
plain beyond. Meanwhile, Algren is working with Higen on the house.

Katsumoto silently watches Algren working with the boy.

                                                 KATSUMOTO
                            Algren-san. Algren and Katsumoto wheel their horses and go.

EXT.                 MOUNTAIN RIDGE                      DAY


Algren and Katsumoto ride. Katsumoto rides at the head of his samurai as they pass through the cherry
orchard. Then he reins his horse and falls in beside Algren. Algren is unconscious, tied to a horse.

The mounted samurai move up a treacherous mountain pass, disappearing
into the soaring mountains of Yoshino. Algren dodges one thrust, then parries another, as the boys begin to cheer.

Suddenly, ever yone goes silent. Algren turns.

Ujio is standing behind him, arms folded. Algren leaves Graham and accompanies Taka toward the house.

They pass Higen and Toshiie, who sit with other children at the feet of the
massive Nakao, listening to a quiet story he tells, EXT. VILLAGE DAY

Algren trains with the other men. He attempts an attack, which is easily brushed aside by Nakao. Algren ends
up in the dirt again. Algren notes some of the Japanese soldiers are literally shaking in fear.

Algren peers again into the fog. Nothing. But the sound is closer.

Then the sound abruptly stops. Algren stands at the gangplank. Porters wait with his luggage. Algren looks
back into the crowd and sees the ronin. They glare back, no longer trying to
keep out of sight. The ever-enlarging crowd gasps as Algren once again struggles to his feet.
This time without hesitation, Uji o runs back and rains blows upon Algren's
As does SIMON GRAHAM, a dissipated Englishman who has lived in Japan
for many yean. Slender and pale, with an occasional consumptive cough, in He resists the temptation to confront them. Instead he climbs into the
rickshaw and it starts off.
But a moment later, Graham has jogged alongside, huffing and puffing. Graham sits across the room talking quietly to the mammoth Nakao, taking
notes in a small notebook. Nakao has been brutally shorn of his top knot
as well. His shame is apparent. Graham starts to go --

                                             ALGREN
                            Mr. Graham ... Take this.

From his coat, Algren takes his journal, hands it to Graham. ALGREN
                           Name's Simon Graham. Wants to write a book
                           about you.

                                                                                   93. GRAHAM
                           Yes. Of course.

Before Algren can respond, Bagley has left the front lines with Graham in Graham shrinks away in fear. Nakao lifts him bodily, throws him out, and then follows.

INT.                      CASTLE -- RECEPTION CHAMBER                        LATER Graham speaks to General Yoshitaka, then translates his response. Algren prepares himself.

They wait.

General Yoshitaka is suddenly alert. He speaks quietly to Graham. OMURA
                           Captain Algren, this is Mr. Simon Graham. He
                           will be your translator. Algren indicates for the bearer to stop. Graham tries to catch his breath. GRAHAM (V.O.)
                           Some lay he died of his wounds, others that he
                           returned to his own country...

She passes an old man teaching the Noh drama to a group of teenagers. Graham stands at a lectern on a book tour. A well-dressed audience listens
attentivel y. A banner proclaims, "The Last Samurai," by Simon Graham. Other samurai can be seen around the village, eating, singing, and playing
instruments. Tonight is for celebrating life.

Elsewhere, a flash as Graham takes a photograph of some children. Graham walks with Algren. Algren starts to walk faster, but Graham Stops him. ALGREN
                           And this?


He points to a block of wood.

                                             GRAHAM
                           Your pillow. GRAHAM (V.O.)
                             ...And so the days of the samurai had ended.

INT.                  LECTURE HALL (ENGLAND)                           DAY Graham would like to be brave enough to remain, but he is not a soldier.

                                               GRAHAM
                            As you suggest.

                                                                                    107. GRAHAM
                            That...is a samurai.

INT.          RESTAURANT                         NIGHT
As the Emperor considers his guests, Omura whispers into his ear. Then: The Emperor is kneeling, tending to his iris garden. It is one of the wonders of the Palace: a
sea of white, pink, blue, and purple blossoms. The Emperor gestures. A servant escorts Swanbeck to the exit. Omura takes a step
closer to the Emperor. The emperor laughs warmly, almost happy to be scolded as he once was. The young emperor is silent a moment.

                                             EMPEROR
                                   (subtitles)
                         I am a living God only as long as I do what they
                         think is right. Algren looks At the Emperor.

                                                ALGREN
                             I will tell you how he lived.

We slowl y fade as Algren begins to speak... The cherry blossoms have emerged, creating a scene of intense col or, beauty,
and serenity. The Emperor sits cross-legged next to a shrine. He is approached by Omura and two other
advisors.                                                                        . EMPEROR
                            My ancestors have ruled Japan for 2,000 years.
                            And for all that time we have slept. During my The Emperor finally looks up from the sword.

                                                EMPEROR
                                      (subtitled)
                             If your shame is too unbearable ... I offer you
                             this sword. Algren enters with Graham. Algren carries something wrapped in a blanket.
He approaches the Emperor. Kneels and sets the bundle at the Emperor's feet.
Algren remains kneeling with his head bowed. He unwraps the bundle. the Emperor but he is now a traitor who leads a
                           band of traitors. He must be punished. EMPEROR
                                   (subtitled)
                          I hereby seize your family's assets and present them
                          as my gift to the people.

Omura looks at him, stunned. The Emperor interrupts him, speaking in English -- to ever yone's surprise. EMPEROR
                                    (subtitled)
                          There is a small one called Taraku. A rock in the sea. Omura bows his head quickly and goes.


Silence. The Emperor gazes at Katsumoto. Then: The Emperor ignores Omura, and gestures that the doors to the chamber be opened. Omura looks at him for a moment. Then bows tersely and goes.

The Emperor looks at Algren, still kneeling before him. Katsumoto begins to prostrate himself before the Emperor, the usual sign of extreme
respect -- but the Emperor stops him: The young Emperor sits on a dais off to the side, as befits his
ceremonial role in the proceedings.

Omura is speaking ... be stops ... looking at something ... all the Council members turn ... and gape. Graham translates. The Emperor nods and smiles.

                                              EMPEROR
                                    (accented English)
                           Thank... you... very ...much.
Algren finally wrenches himself from under his horse. He crawls to Gant,
blood pouring from his own injured back and shoulder.

Gant is dead. Algren SCREAMS, distracting them just long enough for Katsumoto to take advantage and kill one. Algren's turn is no different than the others. He is declared dead and hoisted
unceremoniously onto the pile of corpses.

Back in the. hotel room.: killing Algren's attacker. Algren, barely conscious, hunches over his horse. He has lost a lot of blood. Algren manages to grab it and throw the rider to the ground, wrestling the
lance from his grip and running him through. Algren sees samurai calmly walking among the injured and captured Imperial
soldiers .. killing them one by one with a single stroke.

Algren looks over the slaughter. Bullets rip into horse and rider alike. Algren falls, lifeless, into the mud.

Back to the convention hall: Algren wields his saber in one hand and his revolver in the other, serving
death on all sides.


A soldier riding next to Davey is shot. A horse falls into a shellhole. But rather than give any quarter, Algren launches an attack. He kills one
samurai before he is RUN THROUGH, at the shoulder, by a lance. Algren sits hunched in a dark corner. His body is convulsed with shivering.
His withdrawal from alcohol, his wounds, his isolation and his imagined sins
are devouring him.                                                                . Algren looks at him, murderously.

                                                ALGREN
                           Yes, air. Algren watches, stunned.

Then a terrible scream cuts through the battlefield. He walks away. Algren watches him go. His face darkens. On the wagon of dead bodies, Algren's eyes open to stare into the unblinking
eyes of his brother, Davey, half his face shot off. He tries to move but be is Algren moves down the line, bullets whizzing overhead. He kneels beside
COLONEL BAGLEY, his commanding officer. Algren notes some of the Japanese soldiers are literally shaking in fear.

Algren peers again into the fog. Nothing. But the sound is closer.

Then the sound abruptly stops. Algren punches his shoulder and moves on down the line. Nearby, Algren's
friend, SERGEANT ZEBULAH GANT, though severel y wounded, reloads
his revolver with the last of his ammunition. Algren and the Ninja are in a death struggle, kneeing, gouging, butting. They awkwardly smash
through a paper wall into the next room. Men and horses are torn apart -- they contort and writhe in agony ­ jerking
grotesquely as the bullets rip into them. Algren frantica1ly tries to locate the
source of this firepower. Then he sees:
Algren enters with Graham. Algren carries something wrapped in a blanket.
He approaches the Emperor. Kneels and sets the bundle at the Emperor's feet.
Algren remains kneeling with his head bowed. He unwraps the bundle. Omura looks at him for a moment. Then bows tersely and goes.

The Emperor looks at Algren, still kneeling before him. Algren looks At the Emperor.

                                                ALGREN
                             I will tell you how he lived.

We slowl y fade as Algren begins to speak... Algren tries to indicate that he would like pen and paper for himself. Toshiie
gives him what he asks. Algren begins to write: Algren it now well enough to kneel at the table with the others. Taka treats
him with utter politeness and dignity. He watches her intently, seeking any
sign of the animosity he's certain she must feel. Algren offers his hand. General Yoshitaka does not take it. He bowl his head and
speaks a few words. Graham translates: Algren and Gant are surprised to discover the living god is barely in his
twenties. The divine EMPEROR MEIJI is an intelligent and curious young man,
yet there is a tentativeness about him. Toshiie bows. Algren bows and tucks the scroll into his coat. Algren finally wrenches himself from under his horse. He crawls to Gant,
blood pouring from his own injured back and shoulder.

Gant is dead. Algren notes some of the Japanese soldiers are literally shaking in fear.

Algren peers again into the fog. Nothing. But the sound is closer.

Then the sound abruptly stops. OMURA
                          The Emperor is most interested in your American
                          Indians, and wishes to know if you have seen
                          them firsthand.

Algren looks at Graham, who nods. He may speak. Algren hands the sword back. Suddenly, Katsumoto swings the sword, cleanly splitting the table in two.
Silence. Algren gently kneels with Katsumoto's body

He holds him for a moment and then turns to see what Katsumoto was looking at.

Cherry blossoms. Algren prepares himself.

They wait.

General Yoshitaka is suddenly alert. He speaks quietly to Graham. He turns to the bearer.

                                             ALGREN
                                   (subtitles)
                           Take back to quarters. I walk.

And Algren starts back into the city. Finally well enough to walk, Algren comes out onto the porch to watch the
spectacle. In front of him, is a Kendo (The Way of the Sword) master
practice with their long and short swords. They have incredible control. Graham starts to go --

                                             ALGREN
                            Mr. Graham ... Take this.

From his coat, Algren takes his journal, hands it to Graham. Algren looks at Katsumoto. He reaches into the pocket of his old uniform
and takes out the Medal of Honor he received, long ago, at Sutter's Hill.

He affixes it to his old cavalry tunic. Algren shakes his head, and smiles for the first time in this stor y.

Yoritomo manages to quiet the boys. He points to himself. Algren stands at the gangplank. Porters wait with his luggage. Algren looks
back into the crowd and sees the ronin. They glare back, no longer trying to
keep out of sight.
The Emperor looks up at the gathered dignitaries.
               .
                                              EMPEROR
                          Ambassador Swanbeck I have concluded that your treaty
                          is not in the best interests of my people. Ambassador Swanbeck, Omura, and a retinue of advisors are presenting the
treaty documents for the Emperor's signature. The Emperor sits restively
on his throne. The Emperor ignores Omura, and gestures that the doors to the chamber be opened. Katsumoto begins to prostrate himself before the Emperor, the usual sign of extreme
respect -- but the Emperor stops him: Omura looks at him for a moment. Then bows tersely and goes.

The Emperor looks at Algren, still kneeling before him. The Emperor speaks in Japanese. The advisors are non-plussed, and Omura leans down
for a moment to confer with him, then smiles indulgently: As the Emperor considers his guests, Omura whispers into his ear. Then: AMBASSADOR SWANBECK
                               ...will usher in an era of unprecedented prosperity
                               and cooperation between our two great nations.
A servant comes and whispers into the Emperor's ear. The Emperor gestures. A servant escorts Swanbeck to the exit. Omura takes a step
closer to the Emperor. One last time, Katsumoto meets the Emperor's eye.

                                             KATSUMOTO
                           Then, with great regret, I must refuse to give up my
                           sword. The Emperor finally looks up from the sword.

                                                EMPEROR
                                      (subtitled)
                             If your shame is too unbearable ... I offer you
                             this sword. Algren enters with Graham. Algren carries something wrapped in a blanket.
He approaches the Emperor. Kneels and sets the bundle at the Emperor's feet.
Algren remains kneeling with his head bowed. He unwraps the bundle. Algren offers his hand. General Yoshitaka does not take it. He bowl his head and
speaks a few words. Graham translates: Retainers and servants stand at a distance. One holds a standard with the Imperial seal: a yellow
chrysanthemum.

Omura sees Katsumoto making his way toward them. He talks a bit more quickly to the Emperor. The cherry blossoms have emerged, creating a scene of intense col or, beauty,
and serenity. The Emperor sits cross-legged next to a shrine. He is approached by Omura and two other
advisors.                                                                        . Graham translates. The Emperor nods and smiles.

                                              EMPEROR
                                    (accented English)
                           Thank... you... very ...much. The emperor laughs warmly, almost happy to be scolded as he once was. a samurai revolt, creating a need for the weapons.
                          The Emperor sees that the weapons are needed
                          so he agrees to the entire treaty, giving your Omura bows his head quickly and goes.


Silence. The Emperor gazes at Katsumoto. Then: The Emperor is kneeling, tending to his iris garden. It is one of the wonders of the Palace: a
sea of white, pink, blue, and purple blossoms.
He walks away. Algren watches him go. His face darkens. He turns to the bearer.

                                             ALGREN
                                   (subtitles)
                           Take back to quarters. I walk.

And Algren starts back into the city. Algren, barely conscious, hunches over his horse. He has lost a lot of blood. Algren sits alone on the bed. He takes out a leather-bound journal and begins to write. Algren sits hunched in a dark corner. His body is convulsed with shivering.
His withdrawal from alcohol, his wounds, his isolation and his imagined sins
are devouring him.                                                                . Algren finally wrenches himself from under his horse. He crawls to Gant,
blood pouring from his own injured back and shoulder.

Gant is dead. Algren looks up to see the battle is lost. The Japanese soldiers have fled.
Or are surrendering, injured or dead. Finally well enough to walk, Algren comes out onto the porch to watch the
spectacle. In front of him, is a Kendo (The Way of the Sword) master
practice with their long and short swords. They have incredible control. Algren's turn is no different than the others. He is declared dead and hoisted
unceremoniously onto the pile of corpses.

Back in the. hotel room.: Algren stands at the gangplank. Porters wait with his luggage. Algren looks
back into the crowd and sees the ronin. They glare back, no longer trying to
keep out of sight. A somber mood has descended. Algren sits and writes in his journal. Algren is back in the hotel room. From his small suitcase, he takes the
Medal of Honor, looks at it for a long moment. As Algren walks, he becomes aware that he is being followed. Two dark figures
lurk some distance behind him. After a few moments, he whips around to face
them. They stand for a moment, then melt away into the shadows. Algren senses someone behind him and turns. The woman is standing across
the hall. Their eyes meet. She turn, and walks away.

EXT.               VILLAGE                            NIGHT He goes. Algren immediately starts counting the cash.

INT.           SEEDY HOTEL ROOM                      NIGHT Bullets rip into horse and rider alike. Algren falls, lifeless, into the mud.

Back to the convention hall: 8.
Algren looks up. He knows that voice. He carefully puts the revolver back into the suitcase and shuts it before
opening the door. ALGREN
                           No. Maybe I survived just to live this one last day.

Algren looks at him. Algren sits, staring into the middle distance.

                                              ALGREN (V.O.)
                            Is this why they gave their lives? So that I might
                            disgrace their memory? Taka stops. Watching. We follow her gaze to discover:

Algren, sitting alone. Gazing peacefully sat the cherry bl ossoms.
Katsumoto removes a piece of shattered armor from his left forearm, a
bullet wound beneath. Algren looks over the barricade. Algren gently kneels with Katsumoto's body

He holds him for a moment and then turns to see what Katsumoto was looking at.

Cherry blossoms. Katsumoto wipes his sword on a nearby corpse, replaces it in its sheath. He sits beside
Algren on a stair. Both men are exhausted. Bloodied. Alive. Katsumoto, breathing heavily, his kimono shredded and bloody, is fending off the Ninjas' increasingly
savage attacks as Algren enters. A dreadful beat as Gant stands, pathetically trying to hold his guts in. Then he
sinks to his knees.

Katsumoto turns, leaps back onto his horse and trots off. KATSUMOTO
                               We will ride together again.

Katsumoto embraces Algren firmly -- the sma1l sword impales him Katsumoto hears the scream. A look of disbelief spreads over his face.
Then the beginnings of a smile. Without a second look, be leaps out the
window. Ujio follows. A charging soldier thrust     s his bayonet into Katsumoto's arm - Katsumoto kills,
the soldier with his short    sword but is awkwardly tangled with his body, a second Katsumoto turns and walks into his house. Uji o follows him. Algren collapses.

Fade to black.

As Algren begins his time at the heart of the samurai world. Omura sees all the samurai are dead or dying.

But he also sees Algren kneeling by Katsumoto, dragging him awa y. He
screams at the Japanese officer to resume fire! Algren holds him tightly. Katsumoto is looking over Algren's shoulder as he dies.

Katsumoto sees something. A look of joy and absolute peace comes to his features. Yoritomo kneels across from Algren. He is impressed at the many battle
wounds on Algren's body; the old bullet wounds and scars. In Japanese, he
indicates his admiration. Katsumoto stares at him for a long moment, then smiles and spurs his horse. Algren follows. Nearby, a Ninja hurls a throwing star at Katsumoto. With blind instinct Katsumoto
turns and takes the blade in the meat of his arm. Katsumoto rides at the head of his samurai as they pass through the cherry
orchard. Then he reins his horse and falls in beside Algren. Sensing that he is about to be killed, Algren pulls himself t o his knees, and SWINGS his saber at Katsumoto.
With blinding speed, Katsumoto pulls his katana from its scabbard. KATSUMOTO
                           Because I do not wish you to be m y enemy again.

Katsumoto returns to his poem, he does not look up. Katsumoto rides to Yoshitaka. A few serious words are exchanged. Katsumoto bows his bead in respect, seems
to agree to something. Algren looks at him, deeply moved. Katsumoto manages to pull out his short sword.

                                             KATSUMOTO
                             You must help me. Hold it firmly... General Yoshitaka quickly and calmly pulls himself on to the blade, plunging
it into his stomach, embracing Katsumoto.

It is seppuku -- the traditional form of samurai suicide.
Colonel Bagley, Omura, several German advisors and Japanese officers ride
at the head of the Imperial Army.                                         .

Bagley sees something, raises a hand. The troops halt. BAGLEY
                                               (MORE)
                            only, advisors to the Japanese officers. Help
                            them with training, ordinance and the like. BAGLEY
                            They're looking to hire real American soldiers to
                            create the first Japanese Imperial Army.

Algren looks at him. BAGLEY
                           You think we're the only country interested in
                           Japan?! You don't think the Germans and the
                           French would like to oversee the new army? BEHIND THE IMPERIAL ARMY

Colonel Bagley and Omura watch, transfixed. There is something
approaching admiration on Omura's face. On Bagley's, there is only malice. BAGLEY
                           Captain... (to Katsumoto)... Sir, the Imperial
                           Army of Japan demands your surrender. If you
                           and your fellows lay down your arms you will
                           not be harmed. Bagley is furious. Their fluid tactics have rendered his field artillery useless.

Katsumoto and Algren share a look of grim satisfaction. They are leveling
the playing field. New German advisors are barking commands. Colonel Bagley sees him.

                                          BAGLEY
                           Algren? My God, you never cease to astonish. BAGLEY
                            Japan's got it in mind to become a civilized
                            country and they're willing to spend what it takes
                            to hire white experts to do the job right. Algren and Bagley, on horseback, wait with Graham. General Yoshitaka and
a few Japanese Commanders are mounted as well. The thousand strong
Japanese Army is on foot They stand, rifles ready.                            , BAGLEY
                            Sit down. This is Mr. Omura, from Japan, and
                            his two associates who, so far as I can tell, don't
                            have names... Bagley directs the artillery to be re-targeted, It is a laborious, clumsy
process. They fire again. Another command. The Samurai change
position again. Colonel Bagley, Omura, several German advisers and Japanese Officers
watch through binoculars. Stunned. As the First Wave is routed.

                                                HAGLEY
                             What the hell? About a thousand Japanese soldiers in baggy uniforms are milling around a large
parade ground. Each has an old single shot rifle. Algren, Gant, and Yoshitaka
look down on them from a reviewing stand. BAGLEY
                            ...Heard you were leaving, actually?

                                            ALGREN
                            Why would I do that? Omura wants me to train his
                            personal guard. GRAHAM
                           Colonel Bagley requires you.

INT.               TENT              DAY


Colonel Bagley and Algren stand at a map. Omura sits. Algren walks onto the parade ground. The change he sees could not be more remarkable.
Thousands of new Japanese troops are drilling with new bolt-action Mausers. They Bagley and Omura watch as the samurai fall, one by one.

WITH THE CHARGE Bagley runs over, hand extended, but Algren turns to look at the troops.

                                          ALGREN
                           They have new weapons. BAGLEY
                            Oughtta shave more often, Algren. Becomes you.

                                             ALGREN
                            Thought I would follow the Japanese fashion.
Algren's mind. The real battle of Sutter's Hill. The grim reality is ver y
different from the dashing tale. Union soldiers scream in agony. Those
horses still alive buck and froth at their tether.                      . Algren sits hunched in a dark corner. His body is convulsed with shivering.
His withdrawal from alcohol, his wounds, his isolation and his imagined sins
are devouring him.                                                                . Algren, barely conscious, hunches over his horse. He has lost a lot of blood. Algren notes some of the Japanese soldiers are literally shaking in fear.

Algren peers again into the fog. Nothing. But the sound is closer.

Then the sound abruptly stops. Algren finally wrenches himself from under his horse. He crawls to Gant,
blood pouring from his own injured back and shoulder.

Gant is dead. Algren, a lieutenant then, moves among the panicked, bloody men. He stops beside a
PRIVATE, his brother, DAVID ALGREN, 19, blonde, not much more than a boy. Algren smiles, sits.
                                                 ALGREN
                            I studied war at a place called West Point. They Algren sits in his tent, writing in his journal. Outside, the Japanese are being taught
the basics of firing tactics. Algren watches, stunned.

Then a terrible scream cuts through the battlefield. Men and horses are torn apart -- they contort and writhe in agony ­ jerking
grotesquely as the bullets rip into them. Algren frantica1ly tries to locate the
source of this firepower. Then he sees: Finally well enough to walk, Algren comes out onto the porch to watch the
spectacle. In front of him, is a Kendo (The Way of the Sword) master
practice with their long and short swords. They have incredible control. On the wagon of dead bodies, Algren's eyes open to stare into the unblinking
eyes of his brother, Davey, half his face shot off. He tries to move but be is Algren twirls his sword in a fancy cavalry "fl ourish." The pride he has alwa ys taken in his
swordsmanship has been restored. He bows to Uji o. Algren's turn is no different than the others. He is declared dead and hoisted
unceremoniously onto the pile of corpses.

Back in the. hotel room.: He walks away. Algren watches him go. His face darkens. Algren looks up to see the battle is lost. The Japanese soldiers have fled.
Or are surrendering, injured or dead. Algren sits alone on the bed. He takes out a leather-bound journal and begins to write. OMURA
                          The Emperor is most interested in your American
                          Indians, and wishes to know if you have seen
                          them firsthand.

Algren looks at Graham, who nods. He may speak. Algren sits, staring into the middle distance.

                                              ALGREN (V.O.)
                            Is this why they gave their lives? So that I might
                            disgrace their memory? Algren carries water from the river through a riot of spring wild-flowers. Something
makes him stop, and see the sunlit clouds in the deep blue sky, the colors around him, hear the
Algren leaves Graham and accompanies Taka toward the house.

They pass Higen and Toshiie, who sit with other children at the feet of the
massive Nakao, listening to a quiet story he tells, As does SIMON GRAHAM, a dissipated Englishman who has lived in Japan
for many yean. Slender and pale, with an occasional consumptive cough, in Algren prepares himself.

They wait.

General Yoshitaka is suddenly alert. He speaks quietly to Graham. Graham starts to go --

                                             ALGREN
                            Mr. Graham ... Take this.

From his coat, Algren takes his journal, hands it to Graham. Algren considers this as he pours another cup of sake.
                 .
                                             ALGREN
                           This is sake?

                                              GRAHAM
                           Sake. Rice wine. Algren watches Gant march beside the Japanese. They are illuminated by the
majestic red sunset

                                            ALGREN
                                   (to Graham)
                           Ask him if they have a flag. Algren stands with Katsumoto and Ujio. Graham is nearby. They peer into the
plain beyond. GRAHAM
                           Yes. Of course.

Before Algren can respond, Bagley has left the front lines with Graham in Graham walks with Algren. Tokyo is a city in chaos. Everything seems out of balance. Dystopic. A
collision of Eastern and Western. Algren and Gant watch as Graham prepares
to take a photograph of an old merchant in front of his store. Algren and Bagley, on horseback, wait with Graham. General Yoshitaka and
a few Japanese Commanders are mounted as well. The thousand strong
Japanese Army is on foot They stand, rifles ready.                            , Finally well enough to walk, Algren comes out onto the porch to watch the
spectacle. In front of him, is a Kendo (The Way of the Sword) master
practice with their long and short swords. They have incredible control. Algren sits in his tent, writing in his journal. Outside, the Japanese are being taught
the basics of firing tactics. Algren enters with Graham. Algren carries something wrapped in a blanket.
He approaches the Emperor. Kneels and sets the bundle at the Emperor's feet.
Algren remains kneeling with his head bowed. He unwraps the bundle. Algren his no idea what Yoritomo is saying. Finally he interrupts with the
only Japanese word he has bothered to learn:

                                               ALGREN
                            Sake. Algren and Bagley sit with Graham in an ornate carriage as they cross the
moat and enter the ancestral palace of the Shoguns. OMURA
                           Captain Algren, this is Mr. Simon Graham. He
                           will be your translator. (Algren smiles)
                             Do you know wh y you were sent here? To
                             Yoshino. GRAHAM
                           He is samurai.


Algren looks at Yoshitaka with new eyes.

EXT.                TOKYO ­ STREET                 NIGHT Algren is escorted in. Katsumoto kneels at a table. Preparing the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

                                                KATSUMOTO
                             Sit, Captain.
Algren gently kneels with Katsumoto's body

He holds him for a moment and then turns to see what Katsumoto was looking at.

Cherry blossoms. Meanwhile, Algren is working with Higen on the house.

Katsumoto silently watches Algren working with the boy.

                                                 KATSUMOTO
                            Algren-san. Katsumoto is on stage at the center of the village square, enthusiastically
performing a Noh drama. Algren sits with Toshiie and Taka in the audience,
enjoying Katsumoto's theatrics. Algren and Katsumoto perch on a precipice, looking down into a valley.

It is a beautiful setting. Towering peaks and peaceful valleys. It is here that
the final act of the inevitable drama will play out. encourages him to join him. Algren resists. Toshiie prods him. Algren
surrenders and joins Katsumoto on the stage. The villagers are delighted. Algren looks at him, deeply moved. Katsumoto manages to pull out his short sword.

                                             KATSUMOTO
                             You must help me. Hold it firmly... Algren holds him tightly. Katsumoto is looking over Algren's shoulder as he dies.

Katsumoto sees something. A look of joy and absolute peace comes to his features. Algren kneels by Yoritomo. Yoritomo looks up at him. There are tears in
his eyes.

EXT.                  KATSUMOTO'S HOUSE                                    DUSK Algren walking with Katsumoto -- they are deep in conversation.

                                           ALGREN (V.O.)
                          And yet the more time I spend here, the less I understand them. Katsumoto rides at the head of his samurai as they pass through the cherry
orchard. Then he reins his horse and falls in beside Algren. Algren, now dressed in the kimono, finds Katsumoto carefully dropping little
leaves of incense into a small flame that simmers inside his battle helmet. Algren, Katsumoto and the others are nearing the palace. Algren slows to a
stop -- his path is toward the city. Katsumoto stops, looks at him, then does
something absolutel y extraordinary. KATSUMOTO
                            "I belong to the warrior in whom the old ways
                            have joined the new."

Algren is moved beyond words. He bows. Algren is escorted in. Katsumoto kneels at a table. Preparing the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

                                                KATSUMOTO
                             Sit, Captain. Yoritomo kneels across from Algren. He is impressed at the many battle
wounds on Algren's body; the old bullet wounds and scars. In Japanese, he
indicates his admiration. Katsumoto turns and walks into his house. Uji o follows him. Algren collapses.

Fade to black.

As Algren begins his time at the heart of the samurai world. Algren is led past baldheaded monks into an ancient shrine. Katsumoto
kneels before a small altar. He doesn't seem aware that Algren is present. Algren goes to them. Silently begins to help them.


INT.                 YORITOMO'S HOUSE                                    DAYS LATER Algren stands with Katsumoto and Ujio. Graham is nearby. They peer into the
plain beyond. Algren SCREAMS, distracting them just long enough for Katsumoto to take advantage and kill one.
KATSUMOTO
                           The Emperor has requested my presence.
                           We leave tomorrow. You will be released in Tokyo.

He goes. Algren stands, not sure how to react. Katsumoto begins to prostrate himself before the Emperor, the usual sign of extreme
respect -- but the Emperor stops him: Katsumoto's house on the outskirts of Tokyo is spacious and
harmonious. Utterly Japanese. Samurai guards in full regalia, stand
menacingly outside. ALGREN
                           ... The Emperor sends a message for you to return
                           to Tokyo, and you go?

                                             KATSUMOTO
                           Yes. Katsumoto hears the scream. A look of disbelief spreads over his face.
Then the beginnings of a smile. Without a second look, be leaps out the
window. Ujio follows. Katsumoto rides to Yoshitaka. A few serious words are exchanged. Katsumoto bows his bead in respect, seems
to agree to something. One last time, Katsumoto meets the Emperor's eye.

                                             KATSUMOTO
                           Then, with great regret, I must refuse to give up my
                           sword. KATSUMOTO
                           I do not tell the emperor what to do.

                                           ALGREN
                           Then what do you hope to accomplish? Katsumoto slowl y looks around at the Members of the Council, but his words are addressed
to the Emperor. A boy working in the fields see Katsumoto approaching. He doesn't believe
it -- the Great Katsumoto. He drops his hoe and races awa y, calling out. Retainers and servants stand at a distance. One holds a standard with the Imperial seal: a yellow
chrysanthemum.

Omura sees Katsumoto making his way toward them. He talks a bit more quickly to the Emperor. KATSUMOTO
                           Against the Emperor? Never. I serve him. As
                           I have alwa ys done.    .

                                             ALGREN
                           I don't understand. Katsumoto completes the tea ceremony. He pours a cup for Algren. Bows his head and offers it to him.

                                              ALGREN
                           And you will tell the emperor to stop them? Katsumoto kneels in a cramped cell. A sound draws his attention. He rises
and looks out a barred window.

Bel ow he sees two rickshaws moving up the twisting road to the castle. KATSUMOTO
                           Our Emperor is young, and there are things I must
                           sa y to him.

                                             ALGREN
                           But ever yone around him wants you dead. Algren, Katsumoto and the others are nearing the palace. Algren slows to a
stop -- his path is toward the city. Katsumoto stops, looks at him, then does
something absolutel y extraordinary. KATSUMOTO
                           Not for pride. For the emperor.

                                            ALGREN
                           But the emperor is the one signing the agreement. KATSUMOTO
                            That is what will happen to my village if we do
                            not stand and fight.
                                     (looks at him)
                            No. We serve the Emperor here. Katsumoto rides at the head of his samurai as they pass through the cherry
orchard. Then he reins his horse and falls in beside Algren. Katsumoto stares at him for a long moment, then smiles and spurs his horse. Algren follows.
Katsumoto rides to Yoshitaka. A few serious words are exchanged. Katsumoto bows his bead in respect, seems
to agree to something. Katsumoto kneels in a cramped cell. A sound draws his attention. He rises
and looks out a barred window.

Bel ow he sees two rickshaws moving up the twisting road to the castle. Katsumoto hears the scream. A look of disbelief spreads over his face.
Then the beginnings of a smile. Without a second look, be leaps out the
window. Ujio follows. KATSUMOTO
                           The Emperor has requested my presence.
                           We leave tomorrow. You will be released in Tokyo.

He goes. Algren stands, not sure how to react. KATSUMOTO
                           Not for pride. For the emperor.

                                            ALGREN
                           But the emperor is the one signing the agreement. Katsumoto stares at him for a long moment, then smiles and spurs his horse. Algren follows. Katsumoto begins to prostrate himself before the Emperor, the usual sign of extreme
respect -- but the Emperor stops him: KATSUMOTO
                               We will ride together again.

Katsumoto embraces Algren firmly -- the sma1l sword impales him KATSUMOTO
                           Against the Emperor? Never. I serve him. As
                           I have alwa ys done.    .

                                             ALGREN
                           I don't understand. Katsumoto turns and walks into his house. Uji o follows him. Algren collapses.

Fade to black.

As Algren begins his time at the heart of the samurai world. KATSUMOTO
                           Because I do not wish you to be m y enemy again.

Katsumoto returns to his poem, he does not look up. ... Most of the samurai accepted the new laws.
                           But some didn't. Or couldn't. Like Katsumoto. ALGREN
                           No. Wait...!

Katsumoto glares at him harshly, furious to have his concentration disturbed
at such a moment. One last time, Katsumoto meets the Emperor's eye.

                                             KATSUMOTO
                           Then, with great regret, I must refuse to give up my
                           sword. KATSUMOTO
                            That is what will happen to my village if we do
                            not stand and fight.
                                     (looks at him)
                            No. We serve the Emperor here. KATSUMOTO
                            "I belong to the warrior in whom the old ways
                            have joined the new."

Algren is moved beyond words. He bows. Katsumoto, breathing heavily, his kimono shredded and bloody, is fending off the Ninjas' increasingly
savage attacks as Algren enters. KATSUMOTO
                           I do not tell the emperor what to do.

                                           ALGREN
                           Then what do you hope to accomplish? Katsumoto is on stage at the center of the village square, enthusiastically
performing a Noh drama. Algren sits with Toshiie and Taka in the audience,
enjoying Katsumoto's theatrics. Katsumoto completes the tea ceremony. He pours a cup for Algren. Bows his head and offers it to him.

                                              ALGREN
                           And you will tell the emperor to stop them?
GRAHAM
                           Yes. Of course.

Before Algren can respond, Bagley has left the front lines with Graham in BAGLEY
                            Fire! Fire, dammit!!!!! Bagley and Omura watch as the samurai fall, one by one.

WITH THE CHARGE BAGLEY
                           They know I was your commanding officer.
                           Yes.

Algren glares at Bagley, then stands.

                                                                                 12. Bagley and Omura watch the battle through binoculars.

                                                  BAGLEY
                                A classic "V" ambush. Sonofabitcb is using
                                Welt Point tactics. Bagley is furious. Their fluid tactics have rendered his field artillery useless.

Katsumoto and Algren share a look of grim satisfaction. They are leveling
the playing field. BAGLEY
                                  (panicking)
                           We need a flag. Find me a goddamn white flag!

                                            ALGREN
                           What are you talking about?! Algren moves down the line, bullets whizzing overhead. He kneels beside
COLONEL BAGLEY, his commanding officer. BAGLEY
                           Mr. Graham, you will accompany me to the rear.
                           I want to be certain we are protected from any
                           surprise assault. 13.
Colonel Bagley stands looking down at him. BAGLEY
                           Sir, this man was left for dead at Sutter's Hill.
                           Doct ors swore his heart had stopped beating, BAGLEY
                             ... 1 don't know what to say, sir. I never would
                             have thought him capable of treason. BAGLEY
                           Surrender, damn it! That's an order!

Back to the convention hall: Algren looks pointedly at Bagley.

                                               ALGREN
                           You told them about our experiences together
                           on Sutter's Hill, did you, Colonel? Bagley looks at Algren. Do as he asks. He leaves A1gren alone with Omura.

                                                                                       78.

                                            OMURA
                          Cigarette? BAGLEY
                            Sit down. This is Mr. Omura, from Japan, and
                            his two associates who, so far as I can tell, don't
                            have names... OMURA
                          I know you have little sympathy for Colonel Bagley.

                                           ALGREN
                          He is.... unsympathetic.

Omura smiles. ALGREN
                           Excuse me, gentlemen. I need some air.
                                    (to Omura)
                           I'm sure Colonel Bagley can amuse you with
                           more stories of patriotic gore. Colonel Bagley, Omura, several German advisors and Japanese officers ride
at the head of the Imperial Army.                                         .

Bagley sees something, raises a hand. The troops halt. BAGLEY
                           Captain Algren, we will show no quarter. You
                           ride against us and you are the same as they are.
Katsumoto begins to prostrate himself before the Emperor, the usual sign of extreme
respect -- but the Emperor stops him: KATSUMOTO
                                         (whispers)
                               It is perfect... They are all perfect.

His eyes cl ose. He is dead. Katsumoto looks to the Emperor, as murmurs fill the room. Katsumoto slowl y looks around at the Members of the Council, but his words are addressed
to the Emperor. Katsumoto hears the scream. A look of disbelief spreads over his face.
Then the beginnings of a smile. Without a second look, be leaps out the
window. Ujio follows. KATSUMOTO
                           Our Emperor is young, and there are things I must
                           sa y to him.

                                             ALGREN
                           But ever yone around him wants you dead. One last time, Katsumoto meets the Emperor's eye.

                                             KATSUMOTO
                           Then, with great regret, I must refuse to give up my
                           sword. KATSUMOTO
                            No, I honor his memory as my kinsman.

                                            ALGREN
                            That why you helped him kill himself? KATSUMOTO
                           Against the Emperor? Never. I serve him. As
                           I have alwa ys done.    .

                                             ALGREN
                           I don't understand. KATSUMOTO
                           The Emperor has requested my presence.
                           We leave tomorrow. You will be released in Tokyo.

He goes. Algren stands, not sure how to react. Katsumoto lies in bed listening to the night bird. It stops singing. Katsumoto smiles sadly. He
decides to give up on sleep, leans forward to rise.

This act saves his life. KATSUMOTO
                           Not for pride. For the emperor.

                                            ALGREN
                           But the emperor is the one signing the agreement. Katsumoto simply looks at him.

                                           ALGREN
                          And my wife is dead.

                                             KATSUMOTO
                          Mine, too. KATSUMOTO
                            That is what will happen to my village if we do
                            not stand and fight.
                                     (looks at him)
                            No. We serve the Emperor here. Algren holds him tightly. Katsumoto is looking over Algren's shoulder as he dies.

Katsumoto sees something. A look of joy and absolute peace comes to his features. Katsumoto is looking at Ujio's body nearby.

                                           KATSUMOTO
                           He was Kaishaku ... my trusted friend. KATSUMOTO
                            And you were sad to see them die in the winter.

A beat. Something flickers in Algren's eyes. KATSUMOTO
                           I do not tell the emperor what to do.

                                           ALGREN
                           Then what do you hope to accomplish? KATSUMOTO
                               We will ride together again.

Katsumoto embraces Algren firmly -- the sma1l sword impales him KA TSUMOTO
                           And if the Emperor desires, I will take my own life at his
                           command.

He spurs his horse and rides on. A1gren watches him.
GRAHAM
                            Nathan. I wanted to leave, too. For three years.
                            You must believe me there is a majest y about DAVEY
                            They're coming, Nate.

He looks over the wall. Rebel troops are moving up the hill. He looks down at the little metal soldiers and begins to tell the story of the
battle that made him famous. His narration is halting, unsteady: but before they could bury him, he came back to
                           life. After the war he fought the Sioux, the Cree,
                           and the Blackfoot. 9.
has his eye on a political future.

                                             BAGLEY
                            Nathan, good to see you. Nakao fights his wa y up beside him, desperately trying to reach Katsumoto's room. Using
only his bare hands he catches a Ninja's wrist and hurls him over the railing. As he smokes a cigar, barely listening. CAPTAIN _NATHAN ALGREN, Algren's mind. The real battle of Sutter's Hill. The grim reality is ver y
different from the dashing tale. Union soldiers scream in agony. Those
horses still alive buck and froth at their tether.                      . Algren, barely conscious, hunches over his horse. He has lost a lot of blood. Algren and the Ninja are in a death struggle, kneeing, gouging, butting. They awkwardly smash
through a paper wall into the next room. Graham sits across the room talking quietly to the mammoth Nakao, taking
notes in a small notebook. Nakao has been brutally shorn of his top knot
as well. His shame is apparent. To those who honor the old ways, he's a hero. His
                           force is estimated at about five hundred and growing
                           by the day. All samurai. Algren is once again among the training warriors. He and another man face off, each waiting for the other to
attack with his wooden sword. KATSUMOTO
                           Everything.

                                            ALGREN
                           Everything about the civil war? Finally well enough to walk, Algren comes out onto the porch to watch the
spectacle. In front of him, is a Kendo (The Way of the Sword) master
practice with their long and short swords. They have incredible control. Nakao is like a cornered bear, arcing his two swords wildly around him. He
is shot in the chest, and staggers a moment before continuing. Another The battle swirls ever ywhere around us. Fleeing soldiers are run through by
lances, run down and trampled by horses. 115.
Then a soldier near him does the same thing. Then another and another.
And then by the thousands.

They kneel and touch their heads to the dirt. And we cut to --

EXT.                INN                             NIGHT

Outside of the inn, we slowl y pull away...

The sounds of the battle gradually fade... Algren, a lieutenant then, moves among the panicked, bloody men. He stops beside a
PRIVATE, his brother, DAVID ALGREN, 19, blonde, not much more than a boy.
GRAHAM
                            Nathan. I wanted to leave, too. For three years.
                            You must believe me there is a majest y about DAVEY
                            They're coming, Nate.

He looks over the wall. Rebel troops are moving up the hill. 9.
has his eye on a political future.

                                             BAGLEY
                            Nathan, good to see you. He looks down at the little metal soldiers and begins to tell the story of the
battle that made him famous. His narration is halting, unsteady: Algren, a lieutenant then, moves among the panicked, bloody men. He stops beside a
PRIVATE, his brother, DAVID ALGREN, 19, blonde, not much more than a boy. Graham sits across the room talking quietly to the mammoth Nakao, taking
notes in a small notebook. Nakao has been brutally shorn of his top knot
as well. His shame is apparent. As he smokes a cigar, barely listening. CAPTAIN _NATHAN ALGREN, Nakao is standing proudly, his massive arms folded across his chest. We
pull back: Graham is bunched behind his photographic equipment. A flash
of phosphorous and the moment is immortalized. Then raised voices from across the street stop them.

They see Yoritomo surrounded by four Imperial Army soldiers. The soldiers
are rough and imperious, drunk with power. They carry gleaming rifle.. 115.
Then a soldier near him does the same thing. Then another and another.
And then by the thousands.

They kneel and touch their heads to the dirt. U.S. Army, ret, 36 years old and looking every da y of it. His eyes are lined
and saddened. He takes a swig from a flask. He is BACKSTAGE at: Algren prepares himself.

They wait.

General Yoshitaka is suddenly alert. He speaks quietly to Graham. A tree branch knocks Davey from his horse. He sits, dazed, on the ground.
Algren kills a rebel soldier just as be is about to fire on him. soldier shoots him in the arm at point blank range. Nakao', sword goes fl ying,
so the giant Samurai leaps forward and picks up the shooter bodily, twirling BAGLEY
                            Would you rather I hadn't recommended you
                            for the medal. Nathan? Is that it? GANT
                           I mean a real job. Back in uniform.

                                              ALGREN
                           I' m retired. Algren smiles, sits.
                                                 ALGREN
                            I studied war at a place called West Point. They Algren and the Ninja are in a death struggle, kneeing, gouging, butting. They awkwardly smash
through a paper wall into the next room. On the wagon of dead bodies, Algren's eyes open to stare into the unblinking
eyes of his brother, Davey, half his face shot off. He tries to move but be is Algren sits in his tent, writing in his journal. Outside, the Japanese are being taught
the basics of firing tactics.
GRAHAM
                            Nathan. I wanted to leave, too. For three years.
                            You must believe me there is a majest y about 9.
has his eye on a political future.

                                             BAGLEY
                            Nathan, good to see you. Graham sits across the room talking quietly to the mammoth Nakao, taking
notes in a small notebook. Nakao has been brutally shorn of his top knot
as well. His shame is apparent. Nakao is standing proudly, his massive arms folded across his chest. We
pull back: Graham is bunched behind his photographic equipment. A flash
of phosphorous and the moment is immortalized. DAVEY
                            They're coming, Nate.

He looks over the wall. Rebel troops are moving up the hill. As he smokes a cigar, barely listening. CAPTAIN _NATHAN ALGREN, Algren prepares himself.

They wait.

General Yoshitaka is suddenly alert. He speaks quietly to Graham. GRAHAM
                           That "pup" runs the country no more than I do.
                           He was installed as a figurehead at age twelve Algren sees a stairway leading to a higher 1evel, barks out a command. As Nakao drags
Yoritomo toward the stairs-- the others bolt a heavy SIEGE DOOR ­
designed to keep attackers at bay. GENERAL YOSHITAKA appears. He is a seasoned soldier in his 40's. A
decent man. He stops before them, bows quickly. As the Emperor considers his guests, Omura whispers into his ear. Then: Then raised voices from across the street stop them.

They see Yoritomo surrounded by four Imperial Army soldiers. The soldiers
are rough and imperious, drunk with power. They carry gleaming rifle.. BAGLEY
                            Would you rather I hadn't recommended you
                            for the medal. Nathan? Is that it? Algren keeps the others out of sight and lowers his head to whisper with
Ujio. Ujio nods, then walks into sight and calmly approaches the guards. Algren leaves Graham and accompanies Taka toward the house.

They pass Higen and Toshiie, who sit with other children at the feet of the
massive Nakao, listening to a quiet story he tells, Graham shrinks away in fear. Nakao lifts him bodily, throws him out, and then follows.

INT.                      CASTLE -- RECEPTION CHAMBER                        LATER The Emperor gestures. A servant escorts Swanbeck to the exit. Omura takes a step
closer to the Emperor. General Yoshitaka speaks up. Graham translates: We will meet him again later, he is UJIO. A terse, grim man in his 40's. His
proud gait and rigid, imperious manner intrigue Algren. He looks down at the little metal soldiers and begins to tell the story of the
battle that made him famous. His narration is halting, unsteady:
DAVEY
                            They're coming, Nate.

He looks over the wall. Rebel troops are moving up the hill. GRAHAM
                            Nathan. I wanted to leave, too. For three years.
                            You must believe me there is a majest y about Nakao fights his wa y up beside him, desperately trying to reach Katsumoto's room. Using
only his bare hands he catches a Ninja's wrist and hurls him over the railing. 9.
has his eye on a political future.

                                             BAGLEY
                            Nathan, good to see you. Algren's mind. The real battle of Sutter's Hill. The grim reality is ver y
different from the dashing tale. Union soldiers scream in agony. Those
horses still alive buck and froth at their tether.                      . Algren, barely conscious, hunches over his horse. He has lost a lot of blood. This evocation of the Civil War is not lost on Algren.

                                          ALGREN
                           Who are we supposed to be fighting against? but before they could bury him, he came back to
                           life. After the war he fought the Sioux, the Cree,
                           and the Blackfoot. As he smokes a cigar, barely listening. CAPTAIN _NATHAN ALGREN, He looks down at the little metal soldiers and begins to tell the story of the
battle that made him famous. His narration is halting, unsteady: Algren wields his saber in one hand and his revolver in the other, serving
death on all sides.


A soldier riding next to Davey is shot. A horse falls into a shellhole. 113.
Algren and Katsumoto charge side by side. Alive. Warriors.

BEHIND THE IMPERIAL ARMY Graham sits across the room talking quietly to the mammoth Nakao, taking
notes in a small notebook. Nakao has been brutally shorn of his top knot
as well. His shame is apparent. We are back on Sutter's Hill. Algren's slaughtered cavalry litter the bloody
ground, dead to the last man. A rebel army surgeon gives a cursory look at
each body before it is loaded onto a wagon. KATSUMOTO
                           Everything.

                                            ALGREN
                           Everything about the civil war? Nakao is like a cornered bear, arcing his two swords wildly around him. He
is shot in the chest, and staggers a moment before continuing. Another Algren, a lieutenant then, moves among the panicked, bloody men. He stops beside a
PRIVATE, his brother, DAVID ALGREN, 19, blonde, not much more than a boy. Then raised voices from across the street stop them.

They see Yoritomo surrounded by four Imperial Army soldiers. The soldiers
are rough and imperious, drunk with power. They carry gleaming rifle.. Algren and the Ninja are in a death struggle, kneeing, gouging, butting. They awkwardly smash
through a paper wall into the next room. KA TSUMOTO
                           To fight in your American civil war.

                                              ALGREN
                           Yes.
DAVEY
                            They're coming, Nate.

He looks over the wall. Rebel troops are moving up the hill. Algren prepares himself.

They wait.

General Yoshitaka is suddenly alert. He speaks quietly to Graham. BAGLEY
                           They know I was your commanding officer.
                           Yes.

Algren glares at Bagley, then stands.

                                                                                 12. GRAHAM
                            Nathan. I wanted to leave, too. For three years.
                            You must believe me there is a majest y about Algren moves down the line, bullets whizzing overhead. He kneels beside
COLONEL BAGLEY, his commanding officer. Then raised voices from across the street stop them.

They see Yoritomo surrounded by four Imperial Army soldiers. The soldiers
are rough and imperious, drunk with power. They carry gleaming rifle.. Graham sits across the room talking quietly to the mammoth Nakao, taking
notes in a small notebook. Nakao has been brutally shorn of his top knot
as well. His shame is apparent. A Japanese Officer shouts out an order -- the Gatling Guns stop.

Omura screams at him to continue firing!

The Japanese officer barks out response. Refusing. Nakao is standing proudly, his massive arms folded across his chest. We
pull back: Graham is bunched behind his photographic equipment. A flash
of phosphorous and the moment is immortalized. As he smokes a cigar, barely listening. CAPTAIN _NATHAN ALGREN, Algren and Bagley, on horseback, wait with Graham. General Yoshitaka and
a few Japanese Commanders are mounted as well. The thousand strong
Japanese Army is on foot They stand, rifles ready.                            , Algren sees a stairway leading to a higher 1evel, barks out a command. As Nakao drags
Yoritomo toward the stairs-- the others bolt a heavy SIEGE DOOR ­
designed to keep attackers at bay. GENERAL YOSHITAKA appears. He is a seasoned soldier in his 40's. A
decent man. He stops before them, bows quickly. Across the street, Uji o barks out some harsh commands to the two
Japanese men. They laugh in response. Then one of the men raises a hand
and barks some clearly disrespectful words back-- Nakao fights his wa y up beside him, desperately trying to reach Katsumoto's room. Using
only his bare hands he catches a Ninja's wrist and hurls him over the railing. Algren keeps the others out of sight and lowers his head to whisper with
Ujio. Ujio nods, then walks into sight and calmly approaches the guards. He looks down at the little metal soldiers and begins to tell the story of the
battle that made him famous. His narration is halting, unsteady: Colonel Bagley, Omura, several German advisors and Japanese officers ride
at the head of the Imperial Army.                                         .

Bagley sees something, raises a hand. The troops halt. 9.
has his eye on a political future.

                                             BAGLEY
                            Nathan, good to see you. And he sees one other thing. General Yoshitaka is still on his horse,
head down. He has not pulled his sword. He has not been hurt.
BAGLEY
                           They know I was your commanding officer.
                           Yes.

Algren glares at Bagley, then stands.

                                                                                 12. 13.
Colonel Bagley stands looking down at him. Colonel Bagley, Omura, several German advisors and Japanese officers ride
at the head of the Imperial Army.                                         .

Bagley sees something, raises a hand. The troops halt. BAGLEY
                           Get him in front of the troops, you'll see. Top
                           of his class at West Point. Brilliant tactician.
                           Even wrote a book. GRAHAM
                           Yes. Of course.

Before Algren can respond, Bagley has left the front lines with Graham in BAGLEY
                           Mr. Graham, you will accompany me to the rear.
                           I want to be certain we are protected from any
                           surprise assault. Algren moves down the line, bullets whizzing overhead. He kneels beside
COLONEL BAGLEY, his commanding officer. BAGLEY
                             ... 1 don't know what to say, sir. I never would
                             have thought him capable of treason. BAGLEY
                            Fire! Fire, dammit!!!!! Algren takes a slow lip of whiskey.

                                             BAGLEY
                            Sergeant Gant has already agreed to serve. You
                            would be m y second-in-command. Algren looks pointedly at Bagley.

                                               ALGREN
                           You told them about our experiences together
                           on Sutter's Hill, did you, Colonel? BAGLEY
                                               (MORE)
                            only, advisors to the Japanese officers. Help
                            them with training, ordinance and the like. BAGLEY
                            Sit down. This is Mr. Omura, from Japan, and
                            his two associates who, so far as I can tell, don't
                            have names... Bagley and Omura watch the battle through binoculars.

                                                  BAGLEY
                                A classic "V" ambush. Sonofabitcb is using
                                Welt Point tactics. Algren and Bagley, on horseback, wait with Graham. General Yoshitaka and
a few Japanese Commanders are mounted as well. The thousand strong
Japanese Army is on foot They stand, rifles ready.                            , Bagley is furious. Their fluid tactics have rendered his field artillery useless.

Katsumoto and Algren share a look of grim satisfaction. They are leveling
the playing field. BAGLEY
                                  (panicking)
                           We need a flag. Find me a goddamn white flag!

                                            ALGREN
                           What are you talking about?! ALGREN
                                    (stunned)
                            Colonel Bagley... 4.

The wounded Sergeant Gant pulls himself up, waves his cap and yells.

Bagley remains cowering behind the stone wall. New German advisors are barking commands. Colonel Bagley sees him.

                                          BAGLEY
                           Algren? My God, you never cease to astonish.
BAGLEY
                           The rebels don't have a single rifle. They're
                           savages with bows and arrows. You get up there
                           and show 'em how it', done. BAGLEY
                            They're looking to hire real American soldiers to
                            create the first Japanese Imperial Army.

Algren looks at him. BAGLEY
                                               (MORE)
                            only, advisors to the Japanese officers. Help
                            them with training, ordinance and the like. Colonel Bagley, Omura, several German advisors and Japanese officers ride
at the head of the Imperial Army.                                         .

Bagley sees something, raises a hand. The troops halt. 9.
has his eye on a political future.

                                             BAGLEY
                            Nathan, good to see you. BAGLEY
                           You think we're the only country interested in
                           Japan?! You don't think the Germans and the
                           French would like to oversee the new army? Bagley is furious. Their fluid tactics have rendered his field artillery useless.

Katsumoto and Algren share a look of grim satisfaction. They are leveling
the playing field. BAGLEY
                            ...Heard you were leaving, actually?

                                            ALGREN
                            Why would I do that? Omura wants me to train his
                            personal guard. Bagley runs over, hand extended, but Algren turns to look at the troops.

                                          ALGREN
                           They have new weapons. GRAHAM
                           Yes. Of course.

Before Algren can respond, Bagley has left the front lines with Graham in BAGLEY
                           Mr. Graham, you will accompany me to the rear.
                           I want to be certain we are protected from any
                           surprise assault. BAGLEY
                           Get him in front of the troops, you'll see. Top
                           of his class at West Point. Brilliant tactician.
                           Even wrote a book. BAGLEY
                            Would you rather I hadn't recommended you
                            for the medal. Nathan? Is that it? Algren and Bagley, on horseback, wait with Graham. General Yoshitaka and
a few Japanese Commanders are mounted as well. The thousand strong
Japanese Army is on foot They stand, rifles ready.                            , BAGLEY
                           Captain Algren, have you posted a rear guard to
                           protect our supply train?

                                             ALGREN
                           Yes. BAGLEY
                            Fire! Fire, dammit!!!!! BAGLEY
                           They know I was your commanding officer.
                           Yes.

Algren glares at Bagley, then stands.

                                                                                 12. Bagley directs the artillery to be re-targeted, It is a laborious, clumsy
process. They fire again. Another command. The Samurai change
position again. BAGLEY
                           Who is overseeing their deployment?

Algren is somewhat confused by the question.

                                             ALGREN
                           No one. GRAHAM
                           Colonel Bagley requires you.

INT.               TENT              DAY


Colonel Bagley and Algren stand at a map. Omura sits.
Finally the Imperial soldiers are in rifle range. They stop to fi re a volley.

Bullets begin hitting among the samurai. Many fall. It is the end of the samurai.

They charge forward, their war cries echoing in the canyon. To those who honor the old ways, he's a hero. His
                           force is estimated at about five hundred and growing
                           by the day. All samurai. The samurai, meanwhile, have taken cover behind a second barricade that
had been hidden from the Imperial soldiers' view. Now safel y behind
the second barricade, Katsumoto calls out a command and-- ... Most of the samurai accepted the new laws.
                           But some didn't. Or couldn't. Like Katsumoto. Samurai are blown to pieces as they bravel y stand and await
death. Katsumoto BARKS a command to Ujio. Katsumoto leads his samurai into the village. As he passes, ever y person in
the village touches his or her forehead to the ground to show respect. The other samurai watch. Amazed. Torches illuminate a small stage in the center of the village square. Several
samurai perform a ritualistic Noh drama. (A form which, by the wa y, the
samurai invented.) Others play flutes and large steel drums. Then raised voices from across the street stop them.

They see Yoritomo surrounded by four Imperial Army soldiers. The soldiers
are rough and imperious, drunk with power. They carry gleaming rifle.. The Imperial Army has been trained to keep firing on the run. The waiting
Samurai will be decimated, except --

From the hills on either side Algren is now surrounded by ten samurai. A man's heroic stand against
certain death is of great interest to them. As they begin to close in, Algren Algren and Yoritomo move out with Katsumoto, Ujio, Nakao and his bodyguard of several
dozen Samurai.

The villagers bow and honor the warrior as they pass. Algren joins the line of samurai leaving the village. It is the first time we have
seen them in their full battle armor since the battle in the fog. Yoritomo pulls himself erect. Draws his two samurai swords.

A beat. He closes his eyes. Smiles.

Then he opens his eyes and hurls himself down the stairs-- Bagley and Omura watch as the samurai fall, one by one.

WITH THE CHARGE GRAHAM
                           General Yoshitaka bids you to remember that
                           the word samurai means "one who serves." Their
                           whole existence is based on serving their
                           country as warriors. EXT.                      VILLAGE                       NIGHT
It is the eve of battle. And the samurai rejoice. Katsumoto rides at the head of his samurai as they pass through the cherry
orchard. Then he reins his horse and falls in beside Algren. Bagley directs the artillery to be re-targeted, It is a laborious, clumsy
process. They fire again. Another command. The Samurai change
position again.
Katsumoto stares at him for a long moment, then smiles and spurs his horse. Algren follows. Katsumoto rides to Yoshitaka. A few serious words are exchanged. Katsumoto bows his bead in respect, seems
to agree to something. One last time, Katsumoto meets the Emperor's eye.

                                             KATSUMOTO
                           Then, with great regret, I must refuse to give up my
                           sword. Algren gently kneels with Katsumoto's body

He holds him for a moment and then turns to see what Katsumoto was looking at.

Cherry blossoms. Katsumoto hears the scream. A look of disbelief spreads over his face.
Then the beginnings of a smile. Without a second look, be leaps out the
window. Ujio follows. KATSUMOTO
                           Because I do not wish you to be m y enemy again.

Katsumoto returns to his poem, he does not look up. Algren holds him tightly. Katsumoto is looking over Algren's shoulder as he dies.

Katsumoto sees something. A look of joy and absolute peace comes to his features. Katsumoto takes this in.

EXT.                  VALLEY                             DAY Katsumoto begins to prostrate himself before the Emperor, the usual sign of extreme
respect -- but the Emperor stops him: Katsumoto rides at the head of his samurai as they pass through the cherry
orchard. Then he reins his horse and falls in beside Algren. Katsumoto looks at him deepl y. Algren and Katsumoto perch on a precipice, looking down into a valley.

It is a beautiful setting. Towering peaks and peaceful valleys. It is here that
the final act of the inevitable drama will play out. Katsumoto wipes his sword on a nearby corpse, replaces it in its sheath. He sits beside
Algren on a stair. Both men are exhausted. Bloodied. Alive. Katsumoto lies in bed listening to the night bird. It stops singing. Katsumoto smiles sadly. He
decides to give up on sleep, leans forward to rise.

This act saves his life. ALGREN
                           No. Wait...!

Katsumoto glares at him harshly, furious to have his concentration disturbed
at such a moment. KATSUMOTO
                            No, I honor his memory as my kinsman.

                                            ALGREN
                            That why you helped him kill himself? Katsumoto sits impassively, staring at the altar.

                                            ALGREN
                           That would take a year. Katsumoto slowl y looks around at the Members of the Council, but his words are addressed
to the Emperor. KATSUMOTO
                           Go home Captain ... Anshinritsumai. I wish you peace.

Algren waits but Katsumoto just continues to work on his poem. Katsumoto turns and walks into his house. Uji o follows him. Algren collapses.

Fade to black.

As Algren begins his time at the heart of the samurai world.
The Emperor looks up at the gathered dignitaries.
               .
                                              EMPEROR
                          Ambassador Swanbeck I have concluded that your treaty
                          is not in the best interests of my people. As the Emperor considers his guests, Omura whispers into his ear. Then: The Emperor ignores Omura, and gestures that the doors to the chamber be opened. The Emperor finally looks up from the sword.

                                                EMPEROR
                                      (subtitled)
                             If your shame is too unbearable ... I offer you
                             this sword. The Emperor gestures. A servant escorts Swanbeck to the exit. Omura takes a step
closer to the Emperor. Omura looks at him for a moment. Then bows tersely and goes.

The Emperor looks at Algren, still kneeling before him. AMBASSADOR SWANBECK
                               ...will usher in an era of unprecedented prosperity
                               and cooperation between our two great nations.
A servant comes and whispers into the Emperor's ear. The Emperor speaks in Japanese. The advisors are non-plussed, and Omura leans down
for a moment to confer with him, then smiles indulgently: The emperor laughs warmly, almost happy to be scolded as he once was. Katsumoto begins to prostrate himself before the Emperor, the usual sign of extreme
respect -- but the Emperor stops him: Algren enters with Graham. Algren carries something wrapped in a blanket.
He approaches the Emperor. Kneels and sets the bundle at the Emperor's feet.
Algren remains kneeling with his head bowed. He unwraps the bundle. Graham translates. The Emperor nods and smiles.

                                              EMPEROR
                                    (accented English)
                           Thank... you... very ...much. EMPEROR
                                   (subtitled)
                          I hereby seize your family's assets and present them
                          as my gift to the people.

Omura looks at him, stunned. Algren offers his hand. General Yoshitaka does not take it. He bowl his head and
speaks a few words. Graham translates: Ambassador Swanbeck, Omura, and a retinue of advisors are presenting the
treaty documents for the Emperor's signature. The Emperor sits restively
on his throne. Omura bows his head quickly and goes.


Silence. The Emperor gazes at Katsumoto. Then: The Emperor interrupts him, speaking in English -- to ever yone's surprise. The Emperor is kneeling, tending to his iris garden. It is one of the wonders of the Palace: a
sea of white, pink, blue, and purple blossoms. Retainers and servants stand at a distance. One holds a standard with the Imperial seal: a yellow
chrysanthemum.

Omura sees Katsumoto making his way toward them. He talks a bit more quickly to the Emperor. The young Emperor sits on a dais off to the side, as befits his
ceremonial role in the proceedings.

Omura is speaking ... be stops ... looking at something ... all the Council members turn ... and gape.
What army is Captain Algren hired to train? Who goes to Japan with Captain Algren? What is Simon Graham's profession? What is the name of the Emperor? Who does Algren kill? What does Algren give the Emperor? Does the emperor reject the trade treaty? Where does Algren go at the end? What does Katsumoto do after he is wounded? Who does Bagley ask to train the new Japanese Imperial Army? What effect did the American Indian War have on Algren? What is the purpose of Simon Graham's accompaniment of Algren to Japan?  Who does Algren become close to during his time at Katsumoto's village?  What does Katsumoto discover on his trip to Tokyo to see the Emperor?  Why is Katsumoto arrested?  Who kills Bagley? How does Katsumotos death effect the Emperor?  What war did Nathan fight in? What branch of the military was Nathan in? What was Nathan's rank? Which side of the war did Nathan fight on? Who was Nathan's commanding officer? What was Bagley's rank? What army does Bagley want Nathan to train? Who do the samurais rebel against? What does Katsumoto contemplate? What does the emporer do with the trade offer?
The Japanese Imperial Army The Imperial Japanese Army
Zebulon Gant Sergeant Zebulon Gant and Simon Graham
Translator He's a translator
Meiji Meiji
Bagley several Samurai
Katsumoto's Sword katsumoto's sword
He rejects it yes
The village of Taka Algren returns to the village Taka
He commits Seppuku Seppuku
Nathan Algren Nathan Algren
He has become a bitter alcoholic. He was guilty about the atrocities that he committed.
To translate and provide knowledge about the Samurai.   He is a friend, translator, and cultural guide. 
Taka, Katsumoto's sister and wife of a man that he killed. Taka
That Meiji is a puppet of Omura Emperor has become a puppet of Omura.
For carrying a sword in public He is carrying a sword in public
Nathan Algren Algren
He realizes that Japan must remember her culture and history. The Emperor confiscates Omura's property and give it to the poor
American-Indian War American Indian Wars.
Army Army
Captain Army captain.
American after living with them , he joins the samurai
Bagley Bagley
Colonel Colonel
Japanese Imperial Army the imperial army
the new emporer Japan's emperor
seppuko Seppuku.
rejects it rejects it