*sigh*
This was mainly based off of the true history of "The Last Samurai"
Some parts were not real like the American joining the group, and such along those lines, but it is very close to what truely happend.
During this time period, gunpowder was used alot.
Even the rebelion used guns, but not by much.
And of course the men of japan didn't listen to the lords well....remember during this time the Lords power=was gone.
The group of Takamori Saigo's respected Takamori Saigo because they went by the old ways.
The "Emperor" was said to be "Godly" but only really to Takamori and his people. The "new" japan used the Emperor. Remember western influences was going on during this time.
But, it is true Takamori Saigo did use guns and gun powder, but also used traditional Katana's and old armor. So the movie isn't 100% correct, but close.
There are great paintings showing Takamori Saigo's last stand and such, and the way he dies is different in a way from the movie, but it isn't far off.
Another diffrence is Takamori Saigo was a chubby man.
He wasn't fit like in the movie.
But, the movie was the closest to the real event.
Here:
Reimeikan Museum some info, and the Statue which stands in his honor in the spot he died in
Saigo Takamori - artelino some more information
So to put this: Takamori Saigo in my humble opinion was a true warrior and truely carries the tittle "The Last Samurai".