Seven Samurai

Starring: Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima, Yukio Shimazaki, Kamatari Fujiwara, Daisuke Kato, Ko Kimura, Minoru Chiaki
Directed by: Akira Kurosawa
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
1954

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: In Japan, the residents of a small village being terrorized by bandits seek out seven samurai to help them defend their village. The noble samurai take the job, although they face overwhelming odds.

Review:

Tim: If you were to make a list of the most important and influential films of all time, Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai would undoubtedly be included. The significance of this film is undeniable, and it is a necessary viewing for any movie fan. This film is a cinematic masterpiece, and one of the greatest movies in the history of mankind.

The cast is superb and working under the direction of Kurosawa, pull us into the story in ways that we did not expect. Pay special attention to the performance of Toshiro Mifune- he has perhaps the most difficult role, yet manages the best performance of the film. He starts the movie out and we don't really like him. However, by the end of the film, we are endeared to him and surprisingly find that we care more about him than the other characters. This is quite an achievement.

Seven Samurai is an epic that surpasses most films in the genre. At almost three and a half hours it is not something that you can pop in while cleaning the house- this film requires some patience and determination, as well as your attention. The payoff is worth it. So many films over the past 50 years have been influenced by this work, and it will do you a great deal of good to add this film to your viewing resume.

Seven Samurai is a classic masterpiece that has been wildly influential in the motion picture industry. I know many young people today that wouldn't even think about watching such an old film, and that is sad, because this movie is absolutely terrific and incredibly entertaining.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 9



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