If the US hadn't offered reconstruction after WWII then Japan probably wouldn't have become the international power it is today.
The movie is dealing with the abandonment of the past for the adoption of a new way of life. Japan has been losing more and more of its culture as it has westernized and in ways just Americanized.
Personally I find it a very sad thing. I live in a country with only a vaguely defined culture with no real long standing traditions and a country history that dates back only a fraction of what other countries have, such as Japan. But what happens isn't my choice, I just am disappointed with the "westernization" of many countries as they abandon their heritage and culture.
I thought the move was pretty good, but I agree with some critics in that it could have been more powerful had it ended a little differently. Overall still a "worth see" in my book, especially for those fascinated with Japanese culture and/or that of the Samurai. The acting is top-notch and the movie can really touch you.
Kudos to Tom for not butchering the language.
b