Seven Samurai (Blu-ray Edition) [1954]

Set in 16th-century Japan, the story follows a group of villagers who hire seven masterless samurai to defend them from bandits. What stands out most is the depth of the characters—each samurai has a unique personality and backstory, especially the unforgettable Kikuchiyo, played brilliantly by Toshiro Mifune. Despite its long runtime (over 3 hours), the film never feels slow. It balances action, emotion, and storytelling perfectly. The battle scenes are intense and realistic, while the quieter moments give real weight to the relationships between the samurai and villagers. Visually, it’s stunning for its time, with innovative camera work and direction that influenced countless films—including modern action and westerns. Pros: ✔ Deep, memorable characters ✔ Powerful storytelling and emotional impact ✔ Influential and beautifully directed ✔ Epic yet human at its core Cons: • Long runtime may not suit everyone Overall: A must-watch classic that still holds up today. Whether you’re into action, drama, or film history, Seven Samurai is an essential experience.

THE STORY: Plagued by bandits, a small farming community reluctantly decides to hire a group of samurai to defend them. The odds are overwhelming and the farmers have nothing but rice to offer as payment, but a group of ronin (masterless warriors) is eventually gathered (there's seven of them, in case you missed the clue!). The first is the veteran warrior Kambei, who becomes the leader of the samurai; there is also Kambei's old friend and comrade Shichiroji, as well as Kambei's new apprentice, Katsushiro. The other four are the good-humoured Heihachi, the wise Gorobei, the master swordsman Kyuzo and finally Kikuchiyo, a reckless son of a farmer who becomes the link between the fearful villagers and the noble, but detatched, samurai. These seven have until the harvest to make warriors out of farmers and to make a fortress out of their village. WHAT'S GOOD: I won't go on too long here (though I easily could), because I wouldn't be saying anything not mentioned in the other reviews. Kurosawa manages to brilliantly juggle the character development of not only the samurai, but also several of the farmers, all the while progressing the story and maintaining the energetic tone of the film. His ability to control so many elements of the film and make them work is best shown by the way in which the tense build-up to the arrival of the bandits is lightened, but never broken, by moments of simple comedy (usually involving the impetuous and lively Kikuchiyo). My final word is this; this film boasts one of the most brilliant battle scenes I've ever seen, and the torrential rain adds a filthiness to the fighting which didn't turn up again in cinema until Spielberg released 'Saving Private Ryan'. WHAT'S BAD: This biggest problem I had with the film is that I don't speak Japanese. There are subtitles, of course, but very often one of the characters makes an offhand comment that the DVD makers haven't bothered to translate and I can't help but feel that some subtle elements of the characters are lost because of it. I will also say that I found two faults in Kurosawa's film-making (I'm gonna be lynched now, I know it); the first is that every once in a while he draws out the thoughtful silences just a little too long and you attention begins to waver. The other fault is that on several occasions I was horrified by how forced and wooden the samurais laughter seemed (other times I didn't even know what they were laughing at!). A masterpiece that has appeal for a wide range of viewers.

This film is surely a classic. It is also such a popular film in some quarters that that there are plenty of what I call bandwagonners. People that ape a popular view, "This film is cool", without really understanding why and in some cases not even having watched the full version of the film. Rather than fashion vanities, they are review trendies! It wasn't until I became more knowledgable of Japanese history and culture, that I felt able to appreciate this level of quality film making and give it 5 stars. I would otherwise maybe have gone with 4. Despite all it's impressiveness, there are parts that are drawn out enough that those of a contempory, modern western nature may find hard to fully concentrate on. For some, there are sequences when not enough is happenning. Also, the subtitling could be better. The film is not perfect, especially in certain technical matters. Although the performances are almost universally excellent. Is this a Drama (as Amazon classify it)? Is it a 17th century set eastern? Action film with period context? World cinema? I find it hard to classify, because there is not enough action to call it a full on action movie. But there is more combat or other martial references than one gets in what would be normally perceived as "Drama". Not everyone can like this movie. And certainly not everyone should blithely give it five stars, but it would be folly to ignore how influential it has been. There are rare benchmarks in most genres (some of which have even been influenced by this one). Star Wars, Seventh Seal, Terminator, Shawshank Redemption, The God Father, Jaws, Akira, Die Hard, The Battleship Potempkin et al. Seven Samurai is a film that rightfully deserves to be "up there".

This film is a must have and no collection is complete without it. Famously recreated by Hollywood as The Magnificent Seven, this Japanese original still stands head and shoulders above any other remake or interpretation. There are no modern superhuman skills displayed here (as is usual in modern martial arts films eg flying fight scenes, as in Crouching Tiger or swordsmen moving at lighting speed, as in Hero). The seven samurai in this film are experienced fighters who are hired in an attempt to defend a peasant village against marauding bandits. The fighting skills displayed are, like the fight scenes, realistic and the final confrontation, which takes place during a torrential downpour, is mind boggling. This is a black and white film, in Japanese with English subtitles. The quality isn't particularly brilliant but this has to be expected considering it was made in 1954. But don't be put off by any of this - you will be drawn into it and, like any great film, you will want more, even though it is 190 minutes in length. Do not expect blood spurting everywhere with guts hanging out and limbs being lopped off wherever possible - great character building, amusing incidents that will make you smile, shocking and sad moments, excellent fight scenes and realism are the order of the day. Watch out for Toshiro Mifune turning up to enlist - I laughed out loud (and still laugh whenever I remember it) I suggest you watch this as a late night movie - it's great!

Third time of seeing this incredible film by Akira Kurosawa,Japan's answer to Hollywood's John Ford. A village of poor farmers and their families are subjected to attacks and robberies by bandits who take their crops, take their womenfolk and kill anyone they please who does or doesn't get in their way and they try to hire a Samurai or as many as they can who will accept the meagre financial reward offered for putting their lives on the line, that of 3 square meals a day! First recruit is Kambei, played by Kurosawa favourite Takashi Shimura, a seasoned Ronin who is watched despatching a thug who kidnaps a baby. In turn Kambei recruits the minimum number of Samurai he considers necessary and who the villagers can 'pay'. Toshiro Mifune - Hell in the Pacific, Roshomon, Red Sun - plays the part of Kikuchiyo and he provides the only light-hearted part and scenes in the film. The experienced fighters hone their troops into a half-prepared army just in time to thwart the first of several onslaughts by the band of thieves and murderers. The acting is convincing, one or two technical mishaps but nothing to spoil the film in any way. Just over 3 hours long, an Epic in any era, the fight and battle scenes are especially good and not a bit of CGI in sight. Recommended, in Japanese with English subtitles.

Product Quality Review and Customer Service Feedback Firstly, I would give this movie 5 out of 5 stars. However, this review is mainly about the quality of the product. The back cover, which contains the descriptions such as the special features and a brief summary of the movie, has not been printed directly on the case. Instead, it has been printed on a separate piece of cardboard that has been stuck on the front and folded over, as you can see in the photos. Regarding the poster, I was expecting it to arrive in a poster tube. Instead, it came folded, with noticeable creases (please see photos). Speaking for myself, I would not mind paying a little more for the poster to arrive in a tube and be crease-free. FYI – For anyone from Amazon reading this, I spoke to one of your customer service team members on 19/11/2024 at 21:04, the last four digits ends of my order number ends with 0755 and the last three of my mob ends with 058. He was extremely helpful, very apologetic, and very patient. I hadn’t realized how much time I took up during the call or how many times I made him repeat the same answers to some of my inquiries. His customer service deserves to be mentioned in this review.

One of Kurosawa's finest and most distinguished films. A superb 4K release.

This is definitely one of the best films I have ever seen. It's a thoughtful and profound film. Simple in its plot, yet powerful in the execution of its messages. This film is so great that you do not need to talk about it. You just have to watch it. This was the first film I have seen by Akria Kurosawa. I was reluctant at first because I was afraid that I might not like it knowing that it was made in 1954 and shot in black and white. I was mistaken and the film turned out to be my favourite film of all time. Since then I have bought most of Kurosawa's films and I liked them all. I still have to watch the early Kurosawa films. And because of Akira Kurosawa I got to know other Japanese filmmakers including Shohei Imamura (Vengeance is Mine, The Eel) , Masaki Kobayashi (The Human Condition, Harakiri), Kenji Mizoguchi, Yasujirō Ozu, Hiroshi Teshigahara, Seijun Suzuki (Gate of Flesh, Tokyo Drifter) , Nagisa Ōshima (In the Realm of the Senses, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence), Kon Ichikawa (The Burmese Harp, Fires on the Plain), Mikio Naruse (When a Woman Ascends the Stairs, Floating Clouds), and many more. Akira Kurosawa was the spark that ignited my love and appreciation for Japanese cinema. A timeless classic from the master : )

Magnifique édition ultra collector d'un monument du cinéma très très bel objet une vraie réussite

This movie is justly hailed as one of the great movies of all time. The story is wonderful, the acting is fine, the music is moody and appropriate, and the photography is fabulous in adding to the drama and emotion of the story. And though it is 3 hours and 27 minutes in length, it doesn't feel long. The time is used for interesting character development and to enrich the story by connecting us with the characters and their struggles. Just compare the richness of this film with "The Magnificent Seven" and you will have to admit that the remake, while good, is inferior largely because of the cuts that needed to be made to keep the movie to two hours. The misery of the villagers and loneliness of the samurai are palpable. The small and dusty village aches of poverty and desperation and the samurai always seem aware that they are a feared necessity to the farmers and will never be accepted or even justly thanked. The bandits are a mass force of nature about to once again take everything from the farmers but their lives. We don't get to know any of them beyond the way they dress and this mass energy makes them even more threatening and fearsome. After being beaten down by the bandits for so long, the farmers decide, at least tentatively, to fight or die. The old man of the village sends them to the city to recruit hungry but strong samurai. The recruitment scenes are a classic in introducing us to seven heroes and their varying characters. When the samurai arrive at the village and no one comes to greet them we see the beginning of the fracture and the residual fear of the peasants. The fortification of the village and the training of the farmers for battle add to the rich character development of the movie. There is even a wonderful scene on the harvest before the fields are flooded. Can you imagine the luxury such a scene in a Hollywood film? But it adds so much to our understanding of these characters that it is worth the extra time and more. Then comes the first skirmish quickly followed by the three amazing battles and the nights between. The camera work here keeps us breathless with the speed at which the fighting happens. The camera work keeps it all close and personal. Pain, fear, anguish, and courage fill the frame throughout these unforgettable scenes. There is so much to talk about in this movie that these little reviews are really not enough. This is a fabulously restored disk with a few extras (but who cares - it is this wonderful movie that makes the disk worth everything). "Seven Samurai" is a movie I never tire of watching and always lets me find new things to enjoy. Amazing.

To write a review about „Rashomon“ it‘s easy. This movie is a masterpiece of Akira Kurosawa and his crew, and all actors you can see in the scenes. Especially Toshirō Mifune. BluRay levels up the technical quality, ok, but the stories of Akutagawa Ryūnosuke and the marvelous camera, magic lights and shadows, the sound and music of Fumio Hayasaka make this movie a unique experience.

Incredible just incredible. Incredible film and incredible transfer with hdr!

Über den Inhalt des Filmes braucht man wohl nichts mehr zu sagen, so lange ist dieser Film bereits im Pantheon der Filmkunst fest verankert, und das mit absoluter Berechtigung. Man darf gerade heute nicht unterschätzen, welchen Einfluss dieser Film nicht nur auf das japanische Kino hatte und wie stark er gerade das Genre der Samuraifilme prägte. Wenn man schlicht einfach mal das Genre vergisst - das nicht jedermann interessiert - bleibt dennoch ein geradezu kolossales, wuchtiges Meisterwerk übrig, das überzeugend bewiesen hat, dass ein Abenteuerfilm kein seichtes Geplänkel sein muss, sondern auch mit einer anspruchsvollen Dramaturgie (auch für das Sitzfleisch, der Film geht über 150 bzw. 190 Minuten) und einer präzisen Psychologisierung der Protagonisten ein breites Publikum mitreißen kann, und das jetzt schon über Generationen. Mit der vorliegenden DVD-Box kann der Film jetzt in der gängigen, etwas gekürzten synchronisierten Kinofassung und einer um ca. 45 Minuten längeren Originalfassung mit deutschen Untertiteln sehen. Die längere Version ist meiner Meinung nach die schlüssigere, in der kürzeren Version gibt es schon einige inhaltliche Brüche zwischen verschiedenen Szenen. Außerdem wird der Film auch in der Lang-Version nicht langweilig, einige Charaktere sind auch für den Zuschauer besser begreifbar. Ich würde auch immer raten, diese Filme wenn möglich in Originalfassung mit Untertiteln zu betrachten, die japanische Sprache hat in Modulation und Duktus eine ganz andere Emotionalität, die oft viel besser zum dramaturgischen Verlauf passt. Diese DVD-Box ist ziemlich spartanisch, um nicht zu sagen lieblos, ausgestattet, allzu viele Extras werden dem Filmliebhaber nicht geboten, was sehr schade ist. Dieser Film wurde schon so oft studiert, interpretiert und kritisiert, dass eine Unmenge an Material zum besseren Verständnis dieses, ja, Jahrhundertwerks vorliegt, es ist also nicht nachvollziehbar, dass der Hersteller sich dieses reichhaltigen Fundus nicht bedient hat, um hier ein Booklet und ein paar filmhistorische Specials anzubieten. Ton und Bild sind so, wie man sie von einem fast 60 Jahre alten Film erwarten kann, aber gerade die stark kontrastierten Schwarzweiß-Bilder sind nicht ohne Reiz, zeigen sie doch die hervorragende Kameraarbeit, in denen jedes Einzelbild eine sorgfältige Komposition aus Licht und Schatten darstellt. Mann muss auf jeden Fall froh sein, dass dieser Film - gerade in der Langfassung - überhaupt in einer passablen Version angeboten wird, Criterion hat hier ein wesentlich besser ausgestattetes DVD-Set für den amerikanischen Markt heruasgebracht, mit vielen Extras und einem dicken Booklet. Aus allen brillanten Schauspielleistungen des gesamten Ensembles muss man doch die schauspielerische Tour de Force von Toshiro Mifune hervorheben, der hier die Performance seines Lebens bietet. Viele Kritiker haben diese als Paradebeispiel eines überdrehten Overactings bemängelt, aber wenn man sich diesen Film mehrmals angesehen hat, kann man kaum übersehen, welch facettenreiches, pointiertes Spiel Toshiro Mifune trotz aller kraftstrotzenden Energie hier liefert. Ein Film, der in jedes DVD-Regal gehört, keine leichte Kost, aber ein Epos, das dem Zuschauer immer wieder neue Aspekte aufzeigt, ein Film, der zu Recht in einem Atemzug mit Citizen Kane, Der Pate oder Casablanca genannt wird und möglicherweise in den bekannten Kritiker-Ranglisten noch weit vor diesen stehen würde, wenn er ein amerikanischer und nicht ein japanischer Film wäre.