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intereact!Theatrical Release Date: 2003-07-01
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Editorial Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
1) 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 Shannon2) 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.
Customer Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5
1) Seven Samurai - 3 Disc Remastered Edition (Criterion Collection Spine # 2) [Rating: 5 out of 5]
They redid the subtitles, which changes our interpretation of what is happening, but it's still one of the greatest films ever made. The booklet and additional disk are informative. A good start for any Akira Kurosawa fan. Start here and work your way through the rest. The west influenced him, and he influences us. Great viewing.2) Seven Samurai [Rating: 5 out of 5]
This is such a great movie and Criterion's remastered edition is perfect. I have not watched all of the extras, yet, but am enjoying the ones I have seen. One of the interviews is not the greatest but the information about Kurowsawa is interesting. I have no regrets getting this film and consider it one of the best. I don't know what it is about foreign films that make them so good. The story development is engaging and the acting makes you feel like you are watching a real-life event. The movie seemed a lot shorter than it was since it was so interesting. Of couse I just watch a 5-hour Criterion Collection of Les Miserables so I might be biased! I highly recommend this movie and intend to watch it many more times.3) I hated this stupid stupid movie! [Rating: 1 out of 5]
I cant beleive so many people liked this old boring movie! I fell asleep at this movie. Theres so many wierd names that I coulnt tell who is who! Sorry I dont speak Chinese! Wheres the special effects supposed to be. THis movie was supposed to have an action movie!! The action were supposed to be good but I coulndt even tell what was happening! I was also not impressed by the directer who was terrible who in my opinion is so overate! If you want a good movie I cant recomend this movie. The picture is black and white so dont expect color and the talking is not english.4) Brilliant on multiple levels [Rating: 5 out of 5]
Any brief review of an incredible movie experience risks, at best, sounding trite; or, like a fan's enthusiastic ravings, unintelligible to the individual not familiar with Japanese culture and history, Japanese cinema, the Samurai film genre, the actors (especially Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura), and Akira Kurosawa's direction. I can only suggest reading about these topics first if you are a total novice (or comparatively so), then buy this DVD edition, then read the booklet & essays, then watch the movie and get blown away. If you have any qualms about the running time, don't give it another moment's thought. Not one minute is wasted, like reading a great book you can't put down.5) "What's the use of worrying about your beard when your head's about to be taken?" [Rating: 5 out of 5]
"Seven samurai" (1954) is arguably Akira Kurosawa's best film, and my favourite of those made by that wonderful Japanese director. The plot of this movie is simple enough, but it is developed in a way that enriches it, by adding depth to the characters and making the spectator realize that there is more to them than meets the eye. The rigid cast division that characterized 16th century Japan is shown, and the whole period is brought to life thanks to outstanding cinematography and excellent acting.The story begins when the inhabitants of a very small rural village start discussing what to do about the bandits that attack them from time to time, taking everything of value with them. The farmers have very few resources and hardly any food left, but need to find a solution to their urgent problem or face certain death. An old and wise man proposes an unorthodox idea: to hire wandering samurai in very dire straits to defend the village, paying them only with food. The others farmers deem that suggestion outlandish but, having no other options, decide to give it a try. That is the point when we accompany them in their quest for salvation to a nearby town, where they look for samurai willing to work for almost nothing. Will they get hold of some? And what kind of people will the farmers be able to tempt with such poor offer?The answers to those questions, brought to life thanks to Kurosawa's mastery of the silver screen, end up giving us the opportunity to watch one of those very few movies that truly deserve to be called "classics". Highly recommended...Belen Alcat