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Seven Samurai - Criterion Collection Actor: Toshirô Mifune Director: Akira Kurosawa Number of Items: 1 Picture Format: Academy Ratio Format: Black & White Audience Rating: Unrated Running Time: 208 minutes Studio: Criterion Collection Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Region Code: 1 Product Group: DVD Release Date: 1999-03-01 Buy from Amazon |
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From Amazon.com essential video Unanimously hailed as one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of the motion picture, Seven Samurai has inspired countless films modeled after its basic premise. But Akira Kurosawa's classic 1954 action drama has never been surpassed in terms of sheer power of emotion, kinetic energy, and dynamic character development. The story is set in the 1600s, when the residents of a small Japanese village are seeking protection against repeated attacks by a band of marauding thieves. Offering mere handfuls of rice as payment, they hire seven unemployed "ronin" (masterless samurai), including a boastful swordsman (Toshiro Mifune) who is actually a farmer's son desperately seeking glory and acceptance. The samurai get acquainted with but remain distant from the villagers, knowing that their assignment may prove to be fatal. The climactic battle with the raiding thieves remains one of the most breathtaking sequences ever filmed. It's poetry in hyperactive motion and one of Kurosawa's crowning cinematic achievements. This is not a film that can be well served by any synopsis; it must be seen to be appreciated (accept nothing less than its complete 203-minute version) and belongs on the short list of any definitive home-video library. --Jeff Shannon From Description A desperate village hires seven samurai to protect it from marauders in this crown jewel of Japanese cinema. No other film so seamlessly weaves philosophy and entertainment, delicate human emotions and relentless action. Featuring Japan's legendary star, the great Toshiro Mifune, Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai is an inspired epic a triumph of art, and an unforgettable three-hour ride. |
 "Seven Samurai - Criterion Collection"This was my introduction to Samurai movies. I was not sure about buying a movie that is over 3 hours long, black and white,and with subtitles. Reading the other reviews convinced me. This is a Great movie. It stands the test of time like all great movies do. Truley a classic. You have to take your time and let the movie unfold at its' own pace. Just sit back and take it all in and enjoy the movie. I was so glad I bought this movie, I ordered three other Kurosawa movies from Amazon. "classic Kurasawa"This film has been written about so much, what could I add that hasn't already been said? This movie has been extremely influential, or should I say bluntly, ripped off by many filmmakers. It's the first "buddy" movie, guys get together to rob a bank, protect a village, etc. It was re-made as a western called "The Magnificent Seven." "The Wild Bunch" and "Ocean's 11" also are indebted to this great film. As with so many classics, it's lasting influence has resulted in its diminished impact with modern viewers. But rest assured that this film holds up to repeated viewings. The relationships between the samurai, between the samurai and the villagers, and between the bandits, the villagers along with their protectors are fleshed out in great detail. It's an ordered, yet complex society brilliantly brought to life. Also, the cinematography is excellent even though some parts of the film are scratchy and/or faded. Lastly, the audio commentary (Criterion Collection DVD) is also very informative and can contribute greatly to a deeper understanding of the film. "Cinematic Genius"For all those film goers wanting to make the leap from mainstream (ie: hollywood, colour, english language, no subtitles, widescreen and of course... made in the last few years)to anything but mainstream, you really can't get better than Akira Kurosawa's The Seven Samurai. Not to say you'll be jumping for joy and saying this is the best movie you've ever seen after your first viewing of it.... but it is the kind of movie that you will want to watch over and over again. And on each viewing you will pick up more, you will see how the simplest of stories does have so many sub stories, and you will see how the actors (including Toshiro Mifune) and Kurosawa are masters in making this story not only come to life, but at the same time tug at your heart. So take the leap, accept the subtitles, engrace all 200+ minutes of the movie and I guarantee you that you will not be disappointed. "Overrated, but still great"Seven Samurai is a very memorable movie, but not because it's one of the best movies ever done. It has real negatives, and I'll focus on those, as most reviewers concentrate on the positives (of which, there are many). First, of course, are the subtitles. I'd rather not watch any movie with subtitles. And I'm not a big fan of the history of cinema, or particularly interested in other technical details about the movie or director. For the most part, I just want to be entertained. Seven Samurai is a long movie, especially for one that is subtitled (it's nearly 3.5h long). The quality of the musical performance for the soundtrack, especially early in the movie, verges on horrendous (well, it has to be the worst I've heard in a top-ranked movie) and is quite distracting. And this is an older b&w movie that is not bettered (as some are) by being b&w. Then again, dubbing would be disastrous, and color was not really an option. Kurosawa drives the movie with tight, concise dialog, so the subtitling is never bothersome. And there is enough energy and novelty in the movie to make the length endurable (even if one wishes it had been shortened a bit). I found some of the acting to be over the top. Much of the humor has a real slap stick quality, which in this movie becomes quite endearing. A primary story line involving a young samurai and peasant girl is at times predictable, but finishes with much to say. Some of the battle scenes at the farmer village have credibility problems (e.g., what happened to the bow and arrows?). All that said then, what makes this movie so highly rated, and worth watching for the casual modern viewer? Seven Samurai is, in my opinion, overrated (perhaps belonging in the top 50, but not the top 10), but is still more than worth watching because of its uniqueness, especially with its portrayal of medieval Japanese society and many distinct characters. This is very much a movie you will remember, and will enjoy on repeat viewings (a major criterion of any great movie). For all of Seven Samarai's flaws, it has a very strong story and characters, and Kurosawa's direction gives it the energy to win over even the most critical among us. "Sean "Dragon Ninja", I suggest that you drop dead"This is the best film ever. Nothing i say could drive that home anymore, and if you haven't bought this movie yet,then just drive to the store and pick it up. I would like to express my hatred of the individual known as Sean "Dragon Ninja." He should not be able to review films, because he obviously never even made it out of grade school. So all I can say to you Mr. Dragon Ninja is: EAT SHI# AND DIE. You call yourself a ninja, how pathetic. |
