Review of Seven Samurai (1954) by Jack L — 28 Jun 2010

After hearing much praise heaped upon Akira Kurosawa and in particular this film, I decided that I had to see it as soon as possible.

I wasn't disappointed, this is easily one of the greatest films ever made.

SPOILERS AHEAD....

The plot is well known by pretty much everyone:

The inhabitants of a small Japanese village are repeatedly raided by bandits, some of the braver members of the community decide to go on a search for some Samurai that might be willing to help them.

After much searching they find an elderly Samurai who helps them recruit 6 others.

The villagers than return home accompanied by their new protectors.

The Samurai's then proceed to fortify the village as best they can until the arrival of the bandit force which is about 40 men strong.

In the following battle many Samurai and peasants fall but ultimately victory is theirs.

The direction was perfect, I look forward to watching more films by Akira Kurosawa. The Black and White was very clear and beautiful. It isn't really on a very "epic" scale seeing as most of the film takes place in one village but the lifestyle of Feudal Japan was very well depicted in this.

The action sequences were revolutionary and outstanding, I thought the action scenes were depicted with more skill than in many films today!!!

The acting was excellent from the whole cast especially Toshiro Mifune, the film doesn't only focus on the Samurai but also on the villagers all of whom give great performances.

The soundtrack was very good, it contains traditional Japanese music amongst others. I thought it was rather sparse though but it's very atmospheric without taking up to much attention.

The plot might seem very simple but it is in fact composed of many elements and themes such as a love story, the attempt of a farmer's son to become a Samurai, the lives and code of the Samurais in general, the lifestyle of Japanese peasants...

All these elements fit together perfectly and create a plot that is absorbing without being action-driven.

The characters were all very interesting even though some of the Samurai were more focused upon than others, they formed an interesting group and watching some of them die is extremely sad. The prejudices and ways of thought of Feudal Japan are very well expressed by the numerous characters.

I found the character of Kikuchiyo particularly interesting as the farmer's son who attempts to forget his lineage by pretending he's a Samurai and doing deeds of valour against the bandits.

The dialogue is in Japanese which I don't speak, but the subtitles were comprehensible and of a good length.

Overall this is a classic film with an excellent story which has been used again and again ever since this first came out. The direction was incredible and I really didn't expect it to be so entertaining.

Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in films, this is an essential film. I look forward to watching more of Kurosawa's films and I know I will not be disappointed even though many consider this his masterpiece.

Cinematography 10/10.

Acting 10/10.

Screenplay 10/10.

Plot 10/10.

Soundtrack 9/10.