Goofs:
Continuity: When the ninjas attack the samurai village, Algren is being pinned down by a ninja who is trying to force his head onto a blade. In the next shot, Algren throws off the ninja, but in the subsequent close-up, the ninja is back on his back and he throws him off again. (more)

Trivia:
Contrary to popular conception, the title of the film does not refer to Nathan Algren as the Last Samurai. The word "Samurai" here is in its plural form and is actually referring to Katsumoto's clan as a whole. (more)

Filming Locations:
Auckland, New Zealand (more)

Quotes:
[first lines]
Simon Graham: [narrating] They say Japan was made by a sword. They say the old gods dipped a coral blade into the ocean, and when they pulled it out four perfect drops fell back into the sea, and those drops became the islands of Japan. I say, Japan was made by a handful of brave men. Warriors, willing to give their lives for what seems to have become a forgotten word: honor.
(more)

Awards:
Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 15 wins & 39 nominations (more)