This movie is amazing. I've seen many movies of the same type, but I'm going to get content out of the way before I keep going. The violence is not terrible, you see flashing decapitation at a distance and much swordfighting, but it's nothing that will freak you out. If you saw Troy or Kingdom of Heaven, this is about the same or tamer. There's little else to worry about in my opinion. Some alcohol, but no issue. The content is not terrible. The movie follows an American officer who is a veteran of America's anti-Indian campaign to Japan in the late 19th century, where the Emperor has recently abolished Bushido and decided to industrialize. He needs a nation to train his military, and the US doesn't shy away from a power opportunity. The officer is sent to Japan and then begins to train the Imperial Army. After the first battle, however, the poorly trained troops are crushed by the Samurai, but the American's brave fighting allows him to be captured. Eventually he ends up taking arms up with the Samurai and fights with them until the end. The movie was made with Japanese involvement, and it is amazing. The movie has so many morals and points about morality to your enemies, respect, and honor. This is a true movie about a warrior's honor. Everything is well directed and choreographed, and the last battle was so emotional for me I was in tears at the end. The message was so overwhelming for me. You'll know you've seen it right and taken the message to heart if you just emotionally break down. If you want to teach your kids or yourself nobility, do not skip over this one. It will touch you.