Pirated copies of The Last Samurai are doing the rounds in Taranaki ahead of the next week's gala opening of the Tom Cruise movie in New Plymouth.
Residents who enjoyed hosting the star and a cast of hundreds of Japanese extras during filming last year have given the final production mixedreviews.
Three people, identified only by their first names, said they watched the pirated movie during the Christmas/New Year holidays.
Kelly, of New Plymouth, said she saw a pirated copy of the film on Christmas Day. "I really enjoyed it, and being able to recognise some of the sets like Pukekura Park was great," he said.
Tina said she was disappointed and felt it was too slow.
Patricia, from Waitara, said: "I thought it was a stink, boring movie."
