The 1996 film Last Man Standing is a loose remake of Akira Kurosawa's 1961 film Yojimbo. It is set in a Prohibition-era town called Jericho, Texas, where two rival gangs, the Italian mob led by Fredo Strozzi (Ned Eisenberg) and the Irish mob led by Doyle (David Patrick Kelly), are vying for control of the lucrative bootlegging business.
A mysterious gunslinger named John Smith (Bruce Willis) arrives in Jericho and quickly realizes that he can play both sides of the conflict to his advantage. He begins by selling his services to Strozzi, but he soon betrays him and goes over to Doyle's side. Smith's machinations eventually lead to a full-scale war between the two gangs, and he is the only one who comes out on top.
The film is a stylish and action-packed Western with a strong neo-noir element. It is also a character study of a man who is morally ambiguous and willing to do whatever it takes to survive.
Plot Summary
The film opens with John Smith arriving in Jericho, Texas. He is a mysterious gunslinger with no past and no name. Smith quickly learns that the town is controlled by two rival gangs, the Italian mob led by Fredo Strozzi and the Irish mob led by Doyle.
Smith decides to play both sides of the conflict to his advantage. He first offers his services to Strozzi, who hires him to protect his shipments of bootleg liquor. However, Smith soon betrays Strozzi and goes over to Doyle's side.
Smith's actions eventually lead to a full-scale war between the two gangs. Smith uses the chaos to his advantage, and he is able to eliminate both Strozzi and Doyle. In the end, Smith is the only one who comes out on top.
Themes
The film explores a number of themes, including:
- Morality: Smith is a morally ambiguous character. He is willing to do whatever it takes to survive, even if it means betraying his employers.
- Power: The film is about the corrupting influence of power. Both Strozzi and Doyle are willing to use violence and intimidation to maintain their control over Jericho.
- Chaos: The film is set in a world where there is no law and order. Smith is able to thrive in this chaotic environment because he is willing to do whatever it takes to survive.
Cast
- Bruce Willis as John Smith, a mysterious gunfighter who gets caught up in a mob war and decides to play both sides in the hopes of ending their violence as well as make some money whilst doing so. Based on the character of Sanjuro from Yojimbo.
- Bruce Dern as Sheriff Ed Galt, Jericho's inept chief lawman who fears both Strozzi and Doyle and does his best to steer clear of them. Based on the character of Hansuke from Yojimbo.
William Sanderson as Joe Monday, an old innkeeper who shelters Smith and tries to keep him safe from both sides. Based on the character of Gonji from Yojimbo. - Christopher Walken as Hickey, Doyle's most feared and cunning gunman. Based on the character of Unosuke from Yojimbo.
- David Patrick Kelly as Doyle, the boss of Jericho's Irish mob. Based on the character of Ushitora from Yojimbo.
- Karina Lombard as Felina, Doyle's mistress. Based on the character of Nui from Yojimbo.
- Ned Eisenberg as Fredo Strozzi, the boss of Jericho's Italian mob. Based on the character of Seibei from Yojimbo.
- Michael Imperioli as Giorgio Carmonte, a Chicago mobster working with Strozzi to expand his operations. It's later revealed that he and Fredo have a familial connection as the two are cousins. Based on the character of Orin from Yojimbo.
- R. D. Call as Jack McCool, a dimwitted mobster promoted to replace Finn as Doyle's chief enforcer. Based on the character of Inokichi from Yojimbo.
- Alexandra Powers as Lucy Kolinski, Strozzi's mistress.
- Ken Jenkins as Captain Tom Pickett, a senior Texas Ranger sent to end the violence in Jericho.
- Ted Markland as Deputy Bob, Galt's corrupt, silent subordinate who works for Doyle. Based on the character of Kannuki from Yojimbo.
- Leslie Mann as Wanda, a prostitute who sleeps with Smith after he arrives in Jericho.
- Patrick Kilpatrick as Finn, Doyle's chief enforcer until he gets shot by Smith. Based on the character of Honma from Yojimbo.
Director: Walter Hill
Writer: Walter Hill
Box Office Gross: $47,267,001
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Genre: action crime drama thriller
Release Date: September 20, 1996