Review of Seven Samurai (1954) by Mark D — 20 Aug 2012
Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece "Seven Samurai" is a gorgeous example of epic storytelling at its finest, by one of cinema's greatest auteur directors. When a small farm village is threatened by a pack of bandits who promise to return and steal their crops, the farmers enlist the help of seven samurai to assist in training them for battle and defending their homes from devastation.
Despite its simple and often imitated premise, "Seven Samurai" touches on several deeply moving themes relating to survival and sacrifice. The cast is phenomenal, spearheaded by the great Toshiro Mifune who plays the wild and reckless seventh samurai with a great sense of humour.
Kurosawa leaves much of the fighting and violence until the final quarter of the film which provides an excellent build-up and pay-off; and the final battle is a visually and emotionally powerful experience that is every bit as moving as it is electrifying.
This is a film that should not be missed by anyone with an appreciation for epic cinema or great storytelling.
This review of Seven Samurai (1954) was written by Mark D on 20 Aug 2012.
Seven Samurai has generally received very positive reviews.
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