Review of Seven Samurai (1954) by Derek F — 11 Jan 2016

It is almost impossible for me write the words explaining how much I love this film while giving it justice it does not need. Seven Samurai which was directed by master filmmaker Akira Kurosawa and stars the late Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura, is a grand samurai epic near unparalleled.

It was not until I bought the 3 disc criterion edition and watched it did I realize this film is a beautiful master work! To start off I loved the story Kurosawa had written for the film with his talent for language and literature seen in every scene, shot, and performance.

The narrative follows Seven Samurai hired by a group of poor farmers to protect their village and food from a collective of invading bandits. It is an awesome tale that elevates itself into something more with each character's individual story.

I found it interesting how Kurosawa incorporated the historical account of the conflicting lifestyles between the villagers and the samurai while incorporating subtle comedy and a romance into it. The visual decor and cinematography expressed on the now restored black and white film are astounding from the shot of the samurai bowing to the grave of a fallen comrade to the epic battle scenes between the samurai and the bandits.

Most importantly the performances done by the actors and actresses were achieved with genuine direction. The samurai are performed with a balance of gentle humor and swift ambition that adds grace to their characters as they interact with the scenery.

Toshiro Mifune's character, Kikyushio is developed and likable to the point you begin to feel great sympathy for him, observing his transformation from a drunken loner who carries a huge sword and respected by nobody to a true honorable samurai accepted among the other six.

All of the samurai are awesome including the leader played by Shimura as the elder ronin, Kambei who takes the young Katsushiro under his wing. Kyuzo is probably the most impressive of the seven who has deadly skill with a blade, quick and silent while maintaining control and courage.

The love story between Katsushiro and the village girl, Shino is touching, affecting, and handled with care by Kurosawa without being over the top. To conclude I love Seven Samurai and feel it is one of the great masterpieces deserving of the title "Classic.

" It is one of my favorite films, but also an important film for students such as myself to study in order to understand the work of an influential director such as Kurosawa. A heartrending and visually powerful epic delivered by one of the world's great directors.