Unanimously hailed as one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of the motion picture, Seven Samurai has inspired countless films modelled after its basic premise. But Akira Kurosawa's classic 1954 action drama has never been surpassed in terms of sheer power of emotion, kinetic energy, and dynamic character development. The story is set in the 1600s, when the residents of a small Japanese village are seeking protection against repeated attacks by a band of marauding thieves. Offering mere handfuls of rice as payment, they hire seven unemployed "ronin" (masterless... samurai), including a boastful swordsman (Toshiro Mifune) who is actually a farmer's son desperately seeking glory and acceptance. The samurai get acquainted with but remain distant from the villagers, knowing that their assignment may prove to be fatal. The climactic battle with the raiding thieves remains one of the most breathtaking sequences ever filmed. It's poetry in hyperactive motion and one of Kurosawa's crowning cinematic achievements. This is not a film that can be well served by any synopsis; it must be seen to be appreciated and belongs on the short list of any definitive home-video library. --Jeff Shannon [show more]
A 3 hour plus Japanese arthouse film may not sound like everyone's first choice for a night on the sofa but that would be a mistake because Seven Samurai is perhaps the greatest and most entertaining action movie ever made. It is also among the most influential of all films - after watching it the first time you'll find yourself remembering dozens of famous American movies and thinking 'that's where they got the idea for introducing a character in that way' or 'that's where they nicked that plot device from'!
The basic plot will be familiar to nearly everyone from the cartoonish remake as The Magnificent Seven. In 18th century rural Japan a village of poor farmers gains advance warning that come harvest time they will be raided again by a band of ruthless bandits. In a last desperate attempt to survive they hire seven masterless samurai (ronin) to protect them. The film divides into three sections. First the set-up and the trip to the city to find each of the motley group of samurai and the struggle to convince them to take on the task. Second is the preparation of the village and villagers for battle - we learn about life in the village and watch the developing relationships. Finally, after the tension has built to almost unbearable levels we get the dramatic and compelling battle that will decide the fate of the village. Taking place in a violent storm these are some of the most exciting and thrilling fight scenes ever filmed. By this point we have come to care deeply about each of the dozen or so main characters and as one after another is slain the emotion is gut-wrenching - we remain in doubt until the very end who, if anyone, will be left standing.
At times the film might seem less than subtle. From the opening shots of the nameless, faceless bandits swarming over the horizon and swooping down towards the village below this is 'in your face' film-making. But it is complex, compelling, funny and entertaining. The acting is superb - you won't forget Toshira Mifune's performance in a hurry - and the masterful storytelling is supported by vivid camerawork and editing and a powerful score.
Some say thta this is the greatest film ever made - I would not dispute that. Ever since I first saw it over 20 years ago (when I was a teenager) that has not changed.
There is something about Kurosawa's films that other directors try to emulate and you see it appearing in their films. But he was a master film maker and Seven Samurai is the crown of his achievements. It is a great film to just sit there on your own and soak up. Hihly recommended.
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Please note this is a region 2 DVD and will require a region 2 (Europe) or region Free DVD Player in order to play A desperate village hires seven samurai to protect it from marauders in this crown jewel of Japanese cinema No other film so seamlessly weaves philosophy and entertainment delicate human emotions and relentless action Featuring Japan&39;s legendary star the great Toshiro Mifune Akira Kurosawa&39;s Seven Samurai is an inspired epic a triumph of art and an unforgettable three-hour ride
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