Prior to co-writing and directing The Last Samurai, Edward Zwick was known for creating films epic films based on history (see: Glory, Legends of the Fall, and Courage Under Fire). The Last Samurai continues this trend in spectacular fashion.
In preparing to write The Last Samurai, Zwick meticulously researched Japanese geography and culture. To that end, the film was very well received for its authenticity in Japan. Tomomi Katsuta of The Mainichi Shinbun thought the film was "a vast improvement over previous American attempts to portray Japan" and said that Zwick and his two co-writers "had researched Japanese history, cast well-known Japanese actors, and consulted dialogue coaches to make sure he didn't confuse the casual and formal categories of Japanese speech."
While the script was being written, Zwick wanted to start looking for actors to be in his film. He first found Tom Cruise, who prepared for the movie for two years prior to the start of filming by attending Japanese language lessons and swordplay lessons. He later filled out the cast with actors like Ken Watanabe, Masato Harada, and Timothy Spall.
Interestingly, the movie wasn't filmed in Japan. Instead, it was filmed in New Zealand because of tax credits and because parts of New Zealand look eerily similar to Japan. Still, Zwick and his team ensured that the film looked as close to Japan as it could to maintain authenticity.
