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Seven Samurai

(1954, Rated NR, Drama, Starring Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Yoshio Inaba)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Famous epic with stylish violence and subtitles.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The samurai and villagers are shown to have character flaws, but ultimately, they all stand together in the face of the ruthless bandits - who are not really developed beyond their thieving impulses.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Sword and gun fighting.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    All Subtitled
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Light drinking of sake.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Seven Samurai

Parents need to know that the film features seven samurai who help a farming village defend itself against a gang of bandits. There are multiple skirmishes, and the villagers, samurai, and bandits suffer casualties. The violence is not particularly bloody but it's accentuated through fluid camera movements and slow motion cinematography. The samurai and villagers are shown to have character flaws, but ultimately, they all stand together in the face of the ruthless bandits - who are not really developed beyond their thieving impulses. Strong language is used -- in subtitles -- but sparingly so. The presence of subtitles may be a hindrance to some younger viewers.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the rigid class system in place during the time period of the film. Why is there such a separation between the samurai and the villagers? What makes it easier for the samurai and villagers to overcome the social barriers to band together? How might the film have been different if more insight had been supplied for the bandits' motivations?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    One of the best films ever made. But not always great for younger kids.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    A+ movie

    A pinnacle of Japanese cinema, Seven Samurai saw the birth of the historical epic genre, and is an amazing movie in it's own right. Kids may have issue sitting through this 3 and a half hour black and white, subtitled movie. But those who invest their time will come away with quite an experience.

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