Seven Samurai (NR, 1956)

In what many consider to be his masterpiece, director Akira Kurosawa presents a tale of displaced samurai that put aside class differences in order to defend a farming village that has been the unfortunate target of a wily gang of bandits. The film's three and a half hour length is more than justified by the intricate character development of both the samurai and the villagers, as both groups let go of class biases to accomplish their mutual goal of fortifying the village. By the climactic showdowns against the bandits, a palpable anxiety is present due to the great affinity the audience feels for the characters. Worthy of special note is Toshiro Mifune's performance as the intense samurai Kikuchiyo who has a past that he is trying to hide.

The action sequences are fantastic and, for their time, very innovative. Sweeping camera movements and slow motion are used quite effectively to pull the viewer into the thick of the battles. Of course, the techniques have now become old hat for action films, but Kurosawa got it so right that even now the action seem especially kinetic and involving.

This classic of the samurai film genre will appeal to teens and older who love action. Young viewers may find the human deaths disturbing, as many of the most sympathetic characters meet their demise while protecting the village. For those who can deal with the emotion of loss, this film offers substantial rewards.

Studio: Criterion Collection
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Cast: Takashi Shimura, Toshiro Mifune, Yoshio Inaba
Genre: Drama
Run time: 203 minutes
Theatrical release: November 19, 1956
DVD release: April 21, 1998
MPAA Rating: NR