Famed Japanese film-maker Akira Kurosawa would have been 106 years old today.
Wikipedia.org Article for Akira Kurosawa:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akira_Kurosawa
What's the first thing you think of when you hear his name ??
The Seven Samurai (1954)
What noble art ~ this
film of Yoda's ancestors...
my favorite yet. - Grade A+
- Chris
Run Time: 207 mins
Genre: Drama, Action
Format: Standard 4:3 Format, Black & White
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Starring: Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima and Yukiko Shimazaki
IMDB.com Entry for the Film:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047478/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Wikipedia.org Article for the Film:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Samurai
Wikipedia,org Article for Toshirô Mifune:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toshiro_Mifune
Wikipedia.org Article for Takashi Shimura:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takashi_Shimura
Wikipedia.org Article for Keiko Tsushima:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keiko_Tsushima
Wikipedia.org Article for Toho Studios:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toho
Trailer for the Film on YouTube:
In the year 1586 a Japanese village is constantly attacked by bandits, who plague the inhabitants' village. One day after an attack by the bandits the villagers seek the wisdom of an elder who tells them they cannot afford weapons, but they can find men with weapons, samurai, who will fight for them, especially if they find samurai who are down on their luck and wondering where their next meal will come from. They find a very experienced samurai with a good heart who agrees to recruit their party for them. He selects five genuine samurai and one who is suspect. The seven return to the village to protect it from the forty plus bandits and the battle lines are drawn.
Wikipedia.org Article for the Sengoku Period of Japan:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sengoku_period
Akira Kurosawa Seven Samurai Influences on YouTube:
This film is mesmerizing! It's like reading a great novel! It is epic in its design and actually has very likeable characters! It is actually kind of interesting watching it, in the fact that, being a fan huge fan of the American remake, The Magnificent Seven (1960), this film helps to give a more detailed explanation of the back story on or about certain characters and scenes found in The Magnificent Seven, and answers many questions. As I sadi above, this film is epic in its design and yet, it moves along like a beautiful melody.
- Phil
Profiles in Editing - Akira Kurosawa on YouTube:
Ross Brakman:
One of the easiest "A"s a movie could ever earn, this 3 1/2 hour epic has almost every ingredient of a perfect movie. It has sympathetic heroes, evil and two dimensional villains, romance, action and humor. The cinematography is exceptional, the scenery beautiful. It's a little long, to be sure, but it's difficult to imagine how any of it could have been shortened and still maintain its integrity. Really, the only reason I hesitate in giving it the best possible score is because of its portrayal of women. Granted, this is a man's movie about men, but women are portrayed as whiny, annoying and crying throughout. Victims of their destiny. And the fact that the women are all farmers makes their lot only worse, because it's said seemingly without irony (at least until you delve further into the story), that farmers would collectively have been better off unborn. So yes, a near perfect film unquestionably worth the time spent on it, and far superior to the American western re-make, the Magnificent Seven. Which I actually thought was very good until I saw this masterpiece. - Grade A
Russ Fama:
First time viewing this and I must admit I did feel threatened by the two full length tapes. First part was a little slow, but by the second reel I was sold. Takashi Shimura is the springboard for Clint Eastwood's future western roles as Sergio Leone must have studied this film. No sound track except for the characters' exploits. I really enjoyed the blend of brutality, compassion and introspection. I wouldn't mind hanging out with these guys and drinking sake. - Grade B+
Adam Gastonguay:
Holy crap. Three hours and I LIKED IT! Don't get me wrong, it could have been trimmed up some (the 'love story' seemed a bit tacked on at times, although it did make Manzo and interesting character). But really, I was interested in all seven of them and even in a few of the villagers. This is what we call fine character work with a thrilling ending (that must have been awful to film....all that mud...yeesh!). This wasn't a movie about great warriors, a lost innocence, honor or any of that. It was about planning and thinking. Being smart meant more than book learning, physical learning or even strategy and tactics. It meant being human and doing what is right. That seems to be the theme of the movie....do what is right: A message for any generation at any time. - Grade: A
Jennifer Congleton:
My favorite samurai are the crazy one and the quiet, highly skilled bow and arrow man. But all of them are great and have something to offer to the cause. This beautiful b&w movie combines a great story with well developed, diverse characters, and a mix of struggle, tragedy, and humor. A scene that really stood out for me was when they set the brothel on fire and that guy’s wife ran back into the blaze. I’m a big critic of movie length, but this one seemed appropriate. Watching it in increments helps too. - Grade: A
Akira Kurosawa - Composing Movement on YouTube:
Click the link below at GoWatchIt.com to see where you can stream or watch Seven Samurai (1954) online or on TV right now:
http://gowatchit.com/movies/seven-samurai-5206
Or check out TVGuide.com to see if this film is playing on TV/Cable in your area:
http://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-seven-samurai/117314/
Check back in tomorrow ......................
For our next Film of the Day .....................
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