Nathan Algren There is some comfort in the emptiness of the sea, no past, no future.
Most-quoted character in The Last Samurai (2003): in 14 of its 38 quotes
A line from Nathan Algren [speaking with the Silent Samurai, after being beaten to the ground by Uijo]I just realized, I've been remiss. Forgive me, I forgot to thank you for looking out for me yesterday. That is your job, correct? Protecting me. Well done 'Bob.' You don't mind if I call you Bob, do you? I knew a Bob once; God, he was ugly as a mule. Are you a ladies man, Bob?
More lines from Nathan Algren
6 quotes Nathan Algren Nathan Algren My thanks, on behalf of those who died in the name of better mechanical amusements and commercial opportunities.
Nathan Algren [to the Silent Samurai]
I know why you don't talk. You're angry. You're angry because they make you wear a dress.
Nathan Algren [kneeling in front of Emperor]
If you believe me to be your enemy, command me, and I will gladly take my life.
Nathan Algren Imagine someone who hates you with the utmost intensity grabbing a handful of your hair while you're lying prostrate and helpless. Then scraping the dull blade of a rusty knife across you scalp. And let your imagination grasp if you can, Mr. Graham, the effect that a strong, quick jerk on the turf of your hair to release any clinging particles would have on your nervous system.
Nathan Algren [narrating]
Spring, 1877. This marks the longest I've stayed in one place since I left the farm at 17. There is so much here I will never understand. I've never been a church going man, and what I've seen on the field of battle has led me to question God's purpose. But there is indeed something spiritual in this place. And though it may forever be obscure to me, I cannot but be aware of its power. I do know that it is here that I've known my first untroubled sleep in many years.
Scenes with Nathan Algren
7 scenes Nathan Algren You want me to kill Jappos? I'll kill Jappos.
I'm not asking you to kill anybody.
Nathan Algren You want me to kill the enemies of Jappos, I'll kill the enemies of Jappos... Rebs, Sioux, Cheyenne... For 500 bucks a month, I'll kill whoever you want. But keep one thing in mind: I'd happily kill you for free.
Nathan Algren Sergeant Gant, did you hear my order?
Zebulon Gant I did indeed, sir.
Nathan Algren Good, then you will obey it. Now!
Zebulon Gant No disrespect intended, sir, but shove it up your ass.
The Silent Samurai Algren-san! [rushes in front of Algren to protect him from being shot and takes the bullet]
Nathan Algren Bob!
Emperor Meiji [about Katsumoto]: Tell me how he died.
Nathan Algren I will tell you how he lived.
Zebulon Gant [to Japanese recruits]: Alright, you little bastards! You will stand up straight or I will personally shit kick every Far Eastern buttock that appear before my eyes!
Nathan Algren Well done, Sergeant!
Zebulon Gant When you understand the language, sir, everything falls into place.
Nobutada Please forgive, too many mind.
Nathan Algren Too many mind?
Nobutada Hai. Mind the sword, mind the people watch, mind the enemy, too many mind... [pause] No mind.
Nathan Algren What do you want?
To know my enemy.
Nathan Algren I've seen what you do to your enemies.
Warriors in your country do not kill?
Nathan Algren They don't cut the heads off defeated, kneeling men.
General Hasegawa asked me to help him end his life. A samurai cannot stand the shame of defeat. I was honored to cut off his head.
And who was your general?
Nathan Algren Don't you have a rebellion to lead?
People in your country do not like conversation?
Nathan Algren He was a lieutenant colonel. His name was Custer.
I know this name. He killed many warriors.
Nathan Algren Oh, yes. Many warriors.
So he was a good general.
Nathan Algren No. He wasn't a good general. He was arrogant and foolhardy. And he got massacred because he took a single battalion against two thousand angry Indians.
Two thousand Indians? How many men for Custer?
Nathan Algren Two hundred and eleven.
I like this General Custer.
Nathan Algren He was a murderer who fell in love with his own legend. And his troopers died for it.
I think this is a very good death.
Nathan Algren Well, maybe you can have one just like it someday.
You have nightmares?
Nathan Algren Every soldier has nightmares.
Only one who is ashamed of what he has done.
Nathan Algren You have no idea what I've done.
You have seen many things.
Nathan Algren I have.
Yet you do not fear death, but sometimes you wish for it. Is this not so?
Nathan Algren Yes!
I also. It happens to men who have seen what we have seen. But then I come to this place of my ancestors, and I remember. Like these blossoms, we are all dying. To know life in every breath, every cup of tea, every life we take. The way of the warrior....
Nathan Algren Who sent those men to kill you? Was it the Emperor? Omura?
If the Emperor wishes my death, he has but to ask.
Nathan Algren So it was Omura.
You believe a man can change his destiny?
Nathan Algren I think a man does what he can, until his destiny is revealed.
What happened to the warriors at Thermopylae?
Nathan Algren [smiling]: Dead to the last man.
The Emperor could not hear my words. His army will come. For nine hundred years, my ancestors have protected our people. Now... I have failed them.
Nathan Algren So you will take your own life? In shame? Shame for a life of service? Discipline? Compassion?
The way of the Samurai is not necessary anymore.
Nathan Algren Necessary? What could be more necessary?
I will die by the sword. My own, or my enemy's.
Nathan Algren Then let it be your enemy's.
