The Last Samurai

291 Words2 Pages
When thinking about ancestors, culture, and nature, there is a huge connection between the “Chief Seattle” speech and the movie “The Last Samuri”. The connection is between the Native American tribe in the speech and the Bushido tradition, also known as the old Japanese way. They connect in ways such as honoring their ancestors, respecting the land, and their attempts to preserve their culture. In “The Last Samurai” one of the main characters Katsumoto has a rebel group away from the government. They’re a group that preserves the Bushido tradition. Since their tradition means so much to them they fight to keep it alive. The stronger of the two; the government is trying to modernize Japan and demolish the old ways of Japan. This connects to the “Chief Seattle” speech perfectly. In chief Seattle they’re also being forced to abandon everything they have, including their homelands. In other words both cultures are being forced to give up the things they love most. Another connection I found in “The Last Samurai” and “Chief Seattle” was that both of their cultures were very similar. In “The Last Samurai” the rebel group leader, Katsumoto had a sword he cherished deeply. It was so meaningful because it was passed down to him through many generations of ancestors, and in the Bushido tradition ancestors mean a lot. In the “Chief Seattle” speech they also mention their ancestors. In the last paragraph it says “Let him be just and deal kindly with my people, for the dead are not powerless.” He threatens the white man with him dead. In other words the Native Americans believe that their ancestors spirits are still alive, showing a connection in how Katsumoto believes his ancestors are connected to his

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