Common Sense Media Review
Classic Japanese epic has violence, sexual references.
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Seven Samurai
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a remarkable cinematic experience that blends action, drama, and humor, showcasing both the struggles of farmers and their growth in self-defense against bandits. While the lengthy runtime and occasional violence may require some parental guidance, most find it a triumph of storytelling and cinematography that stands the test of time.
- impactful storytelling
- character growth
- cultural significance
- intense action
- parental guidance
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In SEVEN SAMURAI, a group of farmers enlists a samurai, Kambei Shimada (Takashi Shimura), to protect their crops and villagers from bandits. Shimada pulls together a ragtag team of other displaced warriors who must work together with the locals to outsmart and out-fight the wily invaders.
Is It Any Good?
In what many consider to be his masterpiece, director Akira Kurosawa's action sequences are fantastic and, for their time, very innovative. Seven Samurai's sweeping camera movements and slow motion pull viewers 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 seems especially kinetic and involving. The film's three-and-a-half-hour length is also more than justified by the intricate character development of 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 showdown against the bandits, viewers will likely be on the edge of their seats, having invested heavily in the characters during the film.
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 sympathetic characters meet their demise while protecting the village. But for those who can deal with the emotion of loss, Seven Samurai offers substantial rewards.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the rigid class system in place during the time period of Seven Samurai. Why is there such a separation between the samurai and the villagers? What helps the samurai and villagers overcome the social barriers to band together? Do you think the film has any messages about class?
How might the film have been different if more insight had been supplied for the bandits' motivations? Are the "bad guys" oversimplified?
The movie's characters demonstrate teamwork in coming together to face the bandits. Why is that an important character strength? Can you think of times in your own life when you've used teamwork to overcome a problem?
The film is a widely respected classic. Why do you think its popularity is so enduring? What aspects of it stand out as a great story or impressive filmmaking, particularly for its time (1954)?
The Magnificent Seven is the most famous remake, and was itself remade more than half a century later. Have you seen either movie? How do they compare? What aspects are the same and what's different from the original Seven Samurai movie? Can you think of any other movies inspired by the film?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 19, 1956
- On DVD or streaming : April 21, 1998
- Cast : Takashi Shimura , Toshiro Mifune , Yoshio Inaba
- Director : Akira Kurosawa
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Japanese Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Criterion Collection
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 203 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee
- Last updated : September 1, 2024
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