One thing I like about the Seven Samurai is how it analyzes the feudal system and samurai themselves. The film showcased the darker aspects of samurai, such as the first one the peasants came across (who is not recruited at all) threw them to the ground and berated them, the peasants fearing the required warriors, and Kikuchiyo's rant about how samurai were ruthless. At the same time, it also showcased the tougher aspects of being a samurai because of the feudal system, such as not being allowed to take up jobs that had nothing to do with swords, not being allowed to be with someone of different class (poor kid...), and being viewed as an outcast for being a ronin. All in all, I like how the seven samurai did not romanticize ancient Japan and was not afraid to showcase the dark aspects of it. I was surprised to see this in a plot premise that seemed straightforward.

Heya, a fifteen year old film enthusiast here. I saw the movie a couple of days ago and I was blown away by the writing, cinematography... basically everything. I’m so glad that my dad introduced me to films like these

What I like about it: 1. the conflicting struggle of the farmers to be able to hire samurai who are considered aristocrat warriors and they are at the bottom in their feudal society 2. the agonizing anticipation and preparation for the arrival of the bandits one year before their harvest 3. the use of Sun Tzu's Art of War where defense is more difficult than attack

I often believe that the vast majority of viewers ( primarily because of our Western Heritage lacks the deeper construct of the Guru / Devotee relationship ) misunderstand the essence of "Seven Samurai" . Of course it is a Samurai Move, of course it is an Action Movie, of course it is Good Guys vs Bad Guys Movie, and of course it is a Japanese Move, but what is most often ignored ( or unseen ) is that "Seven Samurai" is a film about the profound, and even the deep love relationship, that exists between the Master and the Disciple. The aging Ronin Kambei Shimada is the core and center of this film. While perhaps not wealthy, or famous, and not the best swordsman, nor even the best Samurai ( by the standards of the time ), he is in fact "Truly Wise". This aspect infuses him with a humility, a confidence, a leadership, and a self deprecating humor that radiates an instant attraction to all those around him, attractive to a young student samurai, attractive to a master and formidable swordsman, attractive to the peasant farmers, and especially to those who recognize the fallacies of conventional social expectations and even of ordinary experience Only a Man who understands the fundamental emptiness of Power, Fame, Glory, and has even understood the emptiness of Way of the Samurai itself, will be moved by the heart to sacrifice his life, for a bowl of rice offered by those who have nothing.

I watched it a couple of days ago and how good of a surprise it was! Everything felt so natural and real, the villagers and samurai were so human, the problems were not forced upon and nothing had an easy way out. It all was masterly crafted with cinematography at it's finest. The score sure was beautiful too, I especially love it on the scene with the eldest woman holding a sickle and coming for the bandit. Truly a wonderful and epic story to see. This was my very first samurai movie, but it absolutely won't be the last.

This is my actual favorite film of all time, not just of samurai films but of all. I think it is perfect basically in every way. Great acting, amazing characters and action, compelling plot, and wonderful cinematography. I believe it is a 5-star film far and away.

I first watched Seven Samurai in my late teens and was awestruck by how beautiful and well made the film was. The set pieces and cinematography are fantastic, and i marveled at how amazing some of the rain soaked large scale battles were acted, directed and filmed. Seven Samurai deserves every ounce of acclaim thrown it's way. For a black & white movie made in the 50's to pioneer so much masterful film-making that has inspired much of what cinema does best may well be it's defining legacy. Thanks for making this video.

Was that a nod to the channel 'Every frame a painting' I heard? Amazing film video essays!

The best part is the duel towards the start it’s just so badass

A truly great film. I have watched it so many times I can quote lines from it. A true portrayal of heroism but on the deeper level the ronin. Ronin's persona is often overlooked when talking about Feudal Japan, that in such a structured society with a man without a purpose is viewed with outright contempt. I personly love how these ronin band together to help the villagers for sens of comradeship and purpose as well as trying to do something positive with their failed life (ronin is effectively a failed samurai or at least how they see themselves). The only thing I would disagree with you on is the 4 star. I really think its a 5 star film because it has stood a test of time so well, crossing not only boundaries of cultural nature but also time.

Man, you're right about the flow. I've watched it a few times and every time it never feels like 3.5 hours.

I've watched this at least 50 times. There are some fantastic old , from the late twenties, films still available here on youtube..

One of my all time favorite movies. Characters, setting, everything is perfect and memorable. Toshiro Mifune is incredible actor, his role in this movie than in Yojimbo, he really has mad talent. One little suggestion, back ground music is a little to loud in this video, some times I had difficulty hearing your voice.

just watched it last night on HBO max & yes the is a beautiful masterpiece. I was so immersed that the 3:27 runtime never bothered me & I never thought twice about the subtitles either I waited until I was fully awake w/ no threat of falling asleep. my favorite scene was when Toshirô Mifune's character Kikuchiyo was riding the horse towards the barn & then you see the horse riding along without him & then two seconds later he's chasing after the horse throwing rocks at it........LMAO........the entire village was laughing at him. his character was the perfect combo of Comedy & Tragedy when he was cursing the villagers & then holding the baby in his hand saying "this was me." I knew I was going to love it, I just had to wait for the right time to watch it

The Ending is so striking. and the quote that Kambei made is legendary. This victory doesn't belong to us, it belongs to the farmers.

The seven samurai is the very first samurai film I seen when I started practicing kenjutsu 30 years ago and still my favorite samurai film today

First watched the film in 1971 as part of a college course. Still love watching it. I would agree that it is at the top of best films list.

There were so many main characters (seven samurai, four villagers, plus the daughter, et al.), I had to watch it four times to figure out who was who. Now I watch it without the annoying subtitles. One-hundred years from now its influence will be so pervasive in (whatever that entertaining art will be called then) that it will easily be considered one of the greatest. We are still to close to it to see.

I have seen this film so many times and I love this movie for the fight scenes.

I was fortunate enough to see the uncut version at a cinema during uni (I also studied film) and it really is masterpiece. The Magnificent Seven is a good movie of its own right, too, but it can't even compare to this. It's gorgeous, it has an excellent cast, and it portrays samurai as people instead of impeccable heroes. Mifune, of course, is always a delight. That man had more energy and fire in him than a dozen others put together. (The only person I could have pictured playing Fëanor, tbh.)

I'm from an other country, and l was in Hawaii wen l saw a documentary about Mr Oshiro Mifune,he really was one of a kind he's personality on the movies was outsstanding,,

Watched this movie last weekend and was blown away, such a great movie

My first encounter with the film was in the form of a hardback book version of the screenplay with still photographs from the film alongside the script. I remember it was on the bookshelves in my father’s attic study in our old house. It had a bright yellow cover and I read it from start to finish before I even saw the film. Amazingly, the experience of watching the film for the first time wasn’t in the least bit diminished by this. It was elevated somehow. We would watch it sometimes after Saturday night curries and if we started it too late we’d all have to stagger to bed at about one o’clock in the morning, because once you’d watched the scene where the budding villager’s mutiny is stopped in its tracks, there was no stopping after that point. It was a rollercoaster all the way to the end.

My father and I are huge Japanese buffs. He moved there when he was 19 and stayed for several years. His small fascination turned obsession very much influenced my (as well as my siblings) childhoods. We did things I didn’t realize many kids I was friends with did. I didn’t get a western style bed until I was 20 because my fiancé found tatami and Shikifuton unpleasant (don’t ask me why), we also had two separate shoes slippers for indoors and sneakers or sandals for outdoors. I remember be 9-10 when I pulled Seven Samurai outta a box my dad had stored away. He had two copies actually one that was like 3 VHS tapes and one that was 2 DVDs I watched this movie almost every week to the point I could remember the lines word for word. It’s honestly a great way to keep your kids entertained for 3 hours.

The greatest film ever made

I saw this movie for first time as a 6 or 7 year old kid it's one of the best stories ever told. It's funny, engaging, makes you care for them.

One of those exceedingly rare films that's a real treat to watch and immerse yourself in. It expects just enough competence and passion from its audience and gives it back tenfold without being overbearing and arrogant, nor overly simplistic and cliché.

Very nice. I saw this movie some years ago, and it is stunning to watch. It was a little long, but when it's this good, you almost wish it was longer. Like " Love Exposure" is just under three hours. But you hardly notice, being so enthralled. Arigkato sensei.

Thank you for this video.🤗 I heard of this film. Never have seen it. Will look for it. 🙏☕👍

I’ve already seen the film but I think it’s time for another viewing.

Even though I watched it online many years ago, the movie is so good that I still remember the story taking a long time to draw me into it. But once it did, I still remember being upset that I had to go bed to get up early for work the next day. I even still remember pushing myself to get as much work done that day so time would go quickly so I could hurry home to finish watching it. It was worth finishing.

Glad to see this is online again! Looking forward to watching it this evening. Have a great weekend!

I was shocked to learn that the main character in The Seven Samurai (the one with the over sized sword...played by Toshirô Mifune) also played the main character (Lord Yoshi Toranaga ) in the tv mini series classic "Shogun" mini series that I just recently re-watched. They are both complete opposite characters but, done very well! I'm planning to watch Yojimbo and some other movies thanks hearing you mention them in some of your videos.

This is my favorite samurai film watched it over 100 times and it never gets old.. in fact I've seen almost all the movies you review except heaven and earth

When I watched it the 1st time at 13 : Wow cool action with swords. on each later occasion: the great characters, the emotions and gritty-ness and the awesome fights Each scene an artwork filled with real humanity with all faults and booons

Many good scenes! How cool kyuzo sat behind the tree and waited for the bandit scouts!

Micahel Jeck's commentary is genuinely one of the greatest commentary tracks in a film ever.

In other videos, you stated that Harakiri is you favorite Samurai Film. I’d love to see a long form review/analysis of it. Keep up the good work.

I can never get enough of this movie I do not care if it is 3 hours long I still love it

Excellent review, and I agree with those who have mentioned the volume of the "background" music. That one wee edit - to turn it down a bit, if possible - would be very helpful. But otherwise, great review.

First I’d like to say thank you. Taking your time to make all of these wonderful videos. I started getting into the way of the samurai and the way they live their lives. Having control over their emotions, the discipline. I grew up in a very unstable home. The history the lessons, everything I have been learning has touched me. So to my point and back on topic. The movie seven samurai is one of the greatest samurai movies of all time. The part that touched me the most is in the end when Kanbê Shimada Said they have one and we lost. And the camera cuts out to showing the graves on top of the hill. It should honor humble chivalry, it showed the true way of the warrior.

The greatest samurai film I ever seen.

A work of astonishing genius. The battle in the rain sequence makes many modern war films and their effects (LOTR) seem tacky and infantile. A deep and yet entertaining fable on community, nobility, and sacrifice.

Loved the review, but showing the film as a widescreen does a disservice those who have not seen it. They may think the film is widescreen, when it is of course 4x3. Other than that, great review and, in my opinion, the best movie ever. Cinematography, writing, music, stunt work, character development, manipulation of nature, pacing, emotion, symbolism, reality. You get the idea.

I originally watched when I first saw this video, then watched it again for inspiration for Im planning to write a seven samurai story in a different setting. This film is a masterpiece: might be moments when it feels slow, but it absolutely pays of in the fight scenes and the meaningful conversation between the characters. My favourite conversation (or rather rant) was of Kikuchiyo's, when he confronted the others about the reality in which the villagers were living.

I agree with your rating. The writing and acting are superb.

My father served in the Seabees in World War ll and his last posting was part of the occupational force in Japan after the Japanese surrender, specifically in Sasebo. As a child he always talked about his time there and despite the conflict how much he enjoyed the people, even learning some of the language (not bad for a Louisiana country boy). I grew up with a fascination for Japan, my first Japanese film at age 6 was Rodan, I was terrified and hid in the seat through most of the movie. Later I started watching Japanese films and the first of these was Seven Samurai, since then I have watched it maybe 30 or 40 times along with many other Kurosawa and kaiju films. I had the opportunity many times to travel to Japan for business and plan to go back in 2025 and travel to Sekigahara to view the battlefield. One suggestion…if you haven’t already I would love to see your review of 13 Assassins, in my opinion a great film that is well written and acted.

This 2022 article which mentions SEVEN SAMURAI may be of interest: "Movies Which Explore the Consequences Borne by People Removed From Traditional Group Norms"

so far its better than the rest of his movies wich was surprising. its very easy too follow even tho i mixed 2 main samurai up towards the end. its very easy to understand for 1954 for sure.

an absolute masterpiece to be sure

Firstly, I don't know where this KZfaq channel has been my entire life, but the fact that I have only just now found it is a detriment to a good extent of it. Having watched Yojimbo just last night for the umpteenth time, I still hold that it may be my favorite of Kurosawa's films, however, it is impossible to deny that Seven Samurai is probably not only Kurosawa's best film, but, debatably the greatest film ever made, especially from a cinematography standpoint. No matter how many times I see it, I still find no flaws in it. Kikuchiyo is to this day one of the greatest characters ever put to film, and has inspired hundreds, dare I say, thousands of characters in cinema, literature and stage. I will take to my grave the idea that Seven Samurai is the greatest movie ever made, and that Toshiro Mifune is the greatest actor that ever lived. Also, thank you for this channel, I don't know where it has been my whole life, but I am grateful that it exists. ありがとうございます。

What I love about this film is that it took a big risk making it including it's growing popularity. In fact, if it wasn't for this film we wouldn't have so many cowboy copies we know today.

The greatest movie I ever seen..

"That baby (orphan) happened to me" Kikuchyro and cathartic also to my story

Do you think you'll review Yojimbo and sanjuro at some point

I like that they did have archery in it, since it was used a lot more than the west depicts sometimes ..... Thumbnail was perfect

I loved the setting the costumes the armour really gets you in the samurai period my favorite part is of course the samurai dual at the start with one of the members kyuzo

That's a marvelous review of this film. This was the first movie I saw and was taken by my father in Tokyo, 70's to see it. He just retired from the Army: Coverts in Viet Nam War.

Simply the Greatest film ever

You forgot one important element of the film: the sudden gunshots that kills-off important characters. You never see it coming. One minute they're fighting then the next you hear a crack and one of the main characters is mortally-wounded.

They used to call Ronin, Okami, or Wolves. An example is Lone Wolf and Cub, Itto Okami.

Best 3 hours of my movie viewing life tbh

I love this movie for many reasons. For one, its Kurosawa and its just good. But when you add the many other elements, it's a legendary movie. But if you make me choose, its one of my favorite actors of all time Toshiro Mifune and his presence and character in this movie. Though to be fair his light is just one light among many others in this wonderful film.

The genius in this film is that the viewer is drawn in, you become invested in the fate of the main characters as if it was your village that was under attack.

I enjoyed the commentary but your background music was mixed kind of loud and starts to get distracting. The film itself is one of those "miracle" cinema experiences. It's difficult to call any feature film the greatest ever but The Seven Samurai had remained in my top five greatest films I have ever seen since I first saw it 40+ years ago. It's really that good.

Ive watch every jidai geki film i could get my hnads on from the library..yes you can order dvds from the library and just pay for the shipping i didn't know before hand either but it was back in 2017-2019

The film that is the master class for the master class

I love this film and this was the first Samurai film I ever saw back when I was a kid but my true love for the Samurai and Japanese culture and history wouldn't blossom until my late teens after I played the Samurai warriors game and became intrigued about the playable warriors and began a huge amount of research into the Sengoku era. There is one thing I still don't really understand and I hope someone can explain this to me. In this film Katsushirō Okamoto forms a romance with a peasant girl much to the dismay of the other Samurai and I am wondering why are the other Samurai and the peasants themselves are against this romance? Is it a status thing? :) Thank you.

It is one of my favorite

Best war movie of all time. I watched it over and over again when it’s on TV. My fav Kurosawa.

🇯🇵🗻からです。7人の侍🗡️は良い映画🎞️ です。 NO WAR‼️LOVE&PEACE❤️

Great review! Is there any chance you can review Harakiri (1962)?

Theres also an anime 7samurai and based on what you described in the movie am guessing the anime is a direct reimagining of it

Rewatching this movie again right now it's one of those that never get old. I was wondering when a Samurai becomes a Ronin do they retain their estate and lands or do they give that up?

The original magnificent seven

I’ve been wanting to see this and I’ll probably go ahead and pull the trigger to buy it today, does it seem like a 3 hour + movie?

Just got my hands on this movie the other day, sat down ready to watch, then noticed it was over 3 hours long. I've watched 20 minutes so far lol. Need to make time for this in future.

神だ。

Great where can i watch it

Sooooooo underrated channel

I think director Akira Kurosawa wanted to tell this meaning.… (Why did all four samurai die by western matchlock guns instead of Japanese Katana swords?　It's kind of puzzling, isn't it?) kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ZtOhh6aVtZyroX0.htmlsi=MuElsjjtLkEwBm20 The unfair verdict of the Tokyo Trials was issued in 1948.

One of the few perfect films ever.

In the Seven Samurai showed me that in Japan they eat their enemies..

I looked, but was unable to find out who played the mother of the captured child. She was not listed in the 'Cast' listing on the IMDB WEB Site.

The Seven Samurai is the best live-action movie.

黒澤明監督に密着取材！カメラは映画『乱』の撮影現場1984年7月にタイムスリップ。助監督以外は叱らない、俳優には優しく丁寧な演技指導を施す巨匠に出会えます。 関西学院大学在学中にビデオカメラマン兼監督と『乱』の製作現場を撮影助手兼音声担当として共同取材。黒澤監督に許可を得た独占自主制作でした。宿泊費を負担してもらう代わりにメイキングオブ乱製作権を当時のヘラルド映画に許可し、それが世に出ている。

Weird how the fashion lately seems to be calling it overrated, or otherwise crapping on it. Iconoclasm can be so stupid sometimes. Some things are just good, and being contrarian just for its own sake is dumb.

I love Kurosawa films. I enjoy videos that analyze Kurosawa films. I do not like videos that analyze Kurosawa films that have obnoxious background music that sounds like a muffled digital alarm clock that’s fighting the voice of the narrator. This is kindly intended constructive criticism, I’d certainly watch the video if you fixed it but yeah that’s just too annoying bro.

This might be due for a re-upload, the audio mixing makes your thoughtful study of the film very hard to appreciate.

Toshiro Mifune !

Nice review, loved the movie. But the sound in the background, I can't call it music, really distracts from your commentary. I had to mute the sound and rely on the CC. And Mifune is a hundred times the actor John Wayne was.

Great video except no one but a child would consider Star Wars one of the greatest films of all time.

At three and a half hours...it always feels like they've cut a lot out!

i also wanna point out how realistic alot of the battle was, ya know the dudes screaming in terror crawling in mud getting poked alot

If you like this: Go read the story of The Forty-seven ronin Dont watch the remake crap.....watch the old Japanese movie by the same name Awesome story. I've been to Japan twice....both times, I went to their cemetary (on temple grounds) and burnt incense at each tomb (the people there were surprised to see a white guy praying over each tomb.....honoring their loyalty and their action

its the first samurai movie that i ever saw.

It’s so funny to me that so many video games and other modern pieces of media claim to be inspired to buy Kurosawa but totally ignore the realism and historical accuracy he followed.

Influenced Sergio Leone,Quinton Tarantino etc

Toshiro Mifune! Nuff said!

Kurosawa. duhh!!!