Yet it doesn't go far enough for us to feel much of anything as Algren goes through all sorts of hell on a mission most improbable, first as Katsumoto's captive (he learns to speak Japanese in a matter of months), and later as his acolyte, ad hoc strategist and joyous -- except not joyous enough -- companion in arms, if need be to the death.

WSJ: Cruise Fights for Honor in 'Last Samurai'

The answer seems to be to make a device that isn't a replacement for your smartphone, but a clever companion, something that takes away the need to pull out your phone from your pocket or purse.

CNN: Smartwatches have a history of failure, but there's hope

You and the other couple of dozen people on earth that need something like that might find a winner in the REDFLY Mobile Companion unveiled at CES this year.

ENGADGET: REDFLY Mobile Companion gets previewed

You'll need to accessorize, of course, with a smartphone for hardware harmony and to run companion apps.

ENGADGET: Woven's wearable platform for gaming, cool points and a whole lot more (video)