When it comes to the art of acting, the one thing that remains synonymous with it is the ability to adapt to any role that these actors are assigned. And while Tom Cruise may have been focusing on bringing us hardcore action films in recent memory, he is still revered s one of the most talented and dynamic stars that Hollywood has to offer.
Popular for his depiction of Ethan Hunt in the astronomically successful Mission: Impossible franchise, Cruise is no stranger to the dangers of action in films, especially as he is also famous for doing his own stunts. But these dangers are not something to be taken for granted, something that he learned when he almost got his head chopped off during the process of filming for a movie.
Tom Cruise Was Almost Decapitated While Shooting For The Last Samurai
Boasting daredevil-like veins of steel and the courage of a warrior, Hollywood megastar Tom Cruise has been the center of many death-defying stunts in his film career, both in his popular Mission: Impossible franchise and many other films over the years. Therefore, staring death so many times in the face, it kind of felt like the star was born with invulnerability, but while shooting for the 2003 period action film The Last Samurai, he was faced with the reality of these dangers.
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During the shoot, there was a scene where Cruise, along with his Japanese co-star Hiroyuki Sanada, were riding on mechanical horses while engaging in battle with their katanas. But at the point where Sanada had to stop his horse, a malfunction occurred and his katana was inches away from the Top Gun star’s throat. But due to the martial arts background, Sanada has, he was able to stop the swing in the nick of time. In an interview, he recalled the incident, saying:
“Tom’s neck was right in front of me, and I tried to stop swinging my sword, but it was hard to control with one hand. The film crew watching from the side all screamed because they thought Tom’s head would fly off.”
While Cruise may still be determined to surpass himself by doing more deadly stunts than before in all of his films, he remains a little cautious ever since.
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What Was The Last Samurai About?
While the concept of neo-ninjas and samurais has been gaining popularity in recent years, The Last Samurai brings us the tale of the struggle between the traditional and modern meaning of these warriors of legend. Brought in by the emperor of Japan to teach the new Japanese army the ways of modern warfare, Captain Nathan Algren is plunged into the war between the westernization of the Japanese military and the traditional warriors of the land, he experiences events that change his perception about the meaning of his operation.
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The Last Samurai, available on Google Play Movies.
Source: Loopers
