Antiquated Armor in The Last Samurai

In “The Last Samurai,” Tom Cruise plays a retired U.S. officer who, in 1870, joins Japanese samurai warriors. Interestingly, the costume department dressed Tom and his companions in armor from two centuries earlier. By the late 19th century, samurai armor had evolved, and the older styles seen in the film were no longer in use.

Whether it was a deliberate choice to give the film a more ancient feel or an oversight, the armor doesn’t accurately match the historical period. This is a fun detail that history buffs might notice, adding a quirky element to an otherwise epic tale of cultural exchange and conflict.