Holy shit, this movie was magnificent! Everything about it was nothing short of amazing.
There is no possible hyperbole when praising Kurosawa. This is only my third film from his catalogue, but I am just blown away by his ability to visually tell a story. The stuff he was doing in the 50’s… it’s just unbelievable.
Seven Samurai is poignant, sweet, sentimental, brutal, hilarious, and filled with depth and wisdom. It was absolutely stunning, this story of tender warriors, protecting the innocent, some making the ultimate sacrifice willingly.
The acting was also fantastic. It was brilliant across the board, but none more so than in the case of our old friend Toshiro Mifune. He exhibited an amazing ability to act hilariously insane and unhinged, and then suddenly become the emotional anchor of a moment, sometimes in the same scene.
This movie was spellbinding. I really can’t believe how good it was. I genuinely felt for each character, even though each was developed with a wonderful subtlety. I have no clue as to the backstory of most of the characters, outside of the fact that they were ronin, and yet Kurosawa’s skillful writing and directing, coupled with amazing performances simply worked each character into my heart.
It was around three and a half hours long, and I was sad to see it end. Easily my favorite movie so far.
towardeverywind
the more I think about it, I think this is easily my favorite so far as well … not that it needs any help, (spoiler alert!!!) but after “The Professionals”, “The Seven Samurai” might as well have been “Citizen Kane” … Kurosawa is a storytelling genius. Mifune could be among my favorite actors of all time … he is like the TV on the Radio of actors for me. The way they went from unknown to being one of my favorite bands, Mifune is spectacular!