Ten years after the end of the American Civil War, Nathan (Tom Cruise), a hero of the Civil War, drank all day long because he had nothing to do. By chance, he met a Japanese businessman who came to the United States to do business. Nathan's outstanding record impressed the other party. It was during the Meiji Restoration period, and the Japanese emperor wanted to train a modern combat force, so Nathan was invited to Japan. Many Japanese samurai did not welcome Nathan's arrival. They were determined not to abandon the traditional Bushido spirit and were very disgusted with the westernization of samurai. Under the leadership of their leader Ugio (Hiroyuki Sanada), they raised their swords in rebellion and hid in a remote mountain village to establish their own government. The emperor was furious and sent Nathan to lead the modern army he trained to encircle and suppress the rebellious samurai. Unexpectedly, the imperial army was wiped out and Nathan became a prisoner...