THE LAST SAMURAI | SOUNDTRACK CUT | HANS ZIMMER

Japan, 1870. The emperor hires Captain Nathan Algren, a respected American military officer, to instruct the Japanese army in the art of modern warfare. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Last Samurai [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] Review by Heather Phares Hans Zimmer’s score for Edward Zwick’s samurai epic The Last Samurai mixes his own densely composed style with Japanese instruments and melodies, resulting in a brooding, atmospheric collection of music. Shakuhachi and other flutes, koto, and taiko drums make their presence known throughout the score, most effectively on compositions like “A Way of Life,“ which begins as a reflective duet for flute and strings before swelling into an ominous but majestic melody. “Spectres in the Fog“ is another compelling mix of beauty and violence, starting with a delicate koto melody and rolling drums before crashing percussion and sawing strings turn the