In the movie "The Last Samurai," the general sentiment and opinion of peasants and townspeople towards the samurai are mixed.
On the one hand, some peasants and townspeople have a deep respect for the samurai and their code of honor. They see the samurai as a symbol of tradition and Japanese culture, and are willing to fight alongside them to preserve their way of life. These individuals are often portrayed as being loyal to their local daimyo, who in turn is loyal to the emperor.
On the other hand, other peasants and townspeople view the samurai with suspicion and even hostility. They see them as relics of a bygone era, and blame them for the upheaval and instability that Japan is experiencing as it tries to modernize and open itself up to the world. These individuals are often portrayed as being pragmatic and interested in economic prosperity, rather than cultural preservation.
Overall, the movie depicts a Japan that is deeply divided between those who value tradition and those who seek modernization, and the samurai find themselves caught in the middle of this conflict.