Katsumoto Many of our customs seem strange to you. And the same is true of yours. For example, not to introduce yourself is considered extremely rude, even among enemies.
Tied for 3rd most-quoted character in The Last Samurai (2003): in 9 of its 38 quotes
A line from KatsumotoThe perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life.
More lines from Katsumoto
4 quotes Katsumoto Katsumoto I have introduced myself. You have introduced yourself. This is a very good conversation.
Katsumoto [giving Algren his staff before leaving the samurai village]
When I took these from you, you were my enemy...
Katsumoto [last words, about cherry blossoms]
Perfect. They... are all... perfect...
Scenes with Katsumoto
4 scenes Katsumoto With this sword I guarded the Emperor...
We are a nation of laws!
Katsumoto We are a nation of whores selling ourselves.
If we are whores, the samurai made us this way!
What do you want?
Katsumoto To know my enemy.
I've seen what you do to your enemies.
Katsumoto Warriors in your country do not kill?
They don't cut the heads off defeated, kneeling men.
Katsumoto 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.
Katsumoto And who was your general?
Don't you have a rebellion to lead?
Katsumoto People in your country do not like conversation?
He was a lieutenant colonel. His name was Custer.
Katsumoto I know this name. He killed many warriors.
Oh, yes. Many warriors.
Katsumoto So he was a good general.
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.
Katsumoto Two thousand Indians? How many men for Custer?
Two hundred and eleven.
Katsumoto I like this General Custer.
He was a murderer who fell in love with his own legend. And his troopers died for it.
Katsumoto I think this is a very good death.
Well, maybe you can have one just like it someday.
Katsumoto You have nightmares?
Every soldier has nightmares.
Katsumoto Only one who is ashamed of what he has done.
You have no idea what I've done.
Katsumoto You have seen many things.
I have.
Katsumoto Yet you do not fear death, but sometimes you wish for it. Is this not so?
Yes!
Katsumoto 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....
Who sent those men to kill you? Was it the Emperor? Omura?
Katsumoto If the Emperor wishes my death, he has but to ask.
So it was Omura.
Katsumoto You believe a man can change his destiny?
I think a man does what he can, until his destiny is revealed.
Katsumoto What happened to the warriors at Thermopylae?
Nathan Algren [smiling]: Dead to the last man.
Katsumoto 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.
So you will take your own life? In shame? Shame for a life of service? Discipline? Compassion?
Katsumoto The way of the Samurai is not necessary anymore.
Necessary? What could be more necessary?
Katsumoto I will die by the sword. My own, or my enemy's.
Then let it be your enemy's.
[Katsumoto has been granted an audience with the Emperor during a truce, in which he begs him to stop letting the new merchant-class of tycoons dominate his government, and accept the samurai back]
You rise against me, my teacher.
Katsumoto No, Highness. I rise against your enemies.
They are my advisors, like you.
Katsumoto They advise in their own interest!
I need advisors who know the modern world.
Katsumoto If I am no use, I will happily end my life.
No, I need your voice in the Council.
Katsumoto It is your voice we need, Highness. You are a living god. Do what you think is right.
Katsumoto [stunned beyond words, sorrowful]
...What sad words you speak...
[As Algren and Katsumoto rides up to meet Omura, an unnamed lieutenant and Col. Bagley. Bagley is shocked to see Algren in a red samurai armor.]
Good God! [Recovers to face both Algren and Katsumoto] Sir, the Imperial Army of Japan demands your surrender. If you and your fellows lay down your arms, you will not be harmed.
Katsumoto This is not possible as Mr. Omura knows.
[Omura gives Katsumoto a nod as a sign of respect. Bagley then faces Algren]
Captain Algren, we will show you no quarter. You ride against us and you're the same as they are.
Algren
I'll look for you in the field.
