Seven Samurai (DVD 1999)

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.

The Samurai were a mediaeval Warrior class much like the knights of mediaeval Europe. The 'Ronin' Samurai served no master and/or were Samurai 'on the run' (as put in the film). To reiterate the well-repeated storyline, a village of poor farmers hire some 'Ronin' Samurai to protect them from bandits who intend to raid the village after the next annual harvest.

I was initially interested in Seven Samurai ("SS") because it was the template on which "The Magnificent Seven" ("TMS") was based. Akira Kurosawa, the director of SS, was the producer of TMS. I like and enjoy both films immensely and in their own rights. However, for me, SS has the edge for a few reasons.

Some of the characters of TMS are clearly directly based on those of SS whilst other TMS characters are compositely based. The SS characters are far deeper, more candid about their prowess/lives and are more involved; this adds to the subtle anti-war sentiment of the film. The main character, Kimbei Shimada, is an older Samurai who is an inspiring leader and he is courageous, wise and compassionate. He recruits a mixed band of Samurai from a range of backgrounds but he initially turns away a young wannabe Samurai for his own protection. At the end of the film, the young Samurai has to decide whether to follow the doomed way of the Samurai or pursue his love for a village girl. Unlike TMS, SS is not so much of a feel-good, happy film and it is thought-provoking. It's certainly not a moronic macho or 'blood and guts' type film. At the end of the story, the sentiment of the villagers winning and the Samurai losing is clearly a reflection on the doomed existence and honour system of the Samurai lifestyle and the way in which they serve. The characters are not so stereotypical and they are frank.

The most memorable action scene is that of a formidable horse archer (Yabusame) who manages to force his way into the defended village. The 'stuntman' was clearly a master of the use of bow and arrow at the gallop (as were the early Samurai) and he creates havoc. A very exciting scene with a truly skilled horseman in the days before cgi and other very clever special effects...

As a film, SS captures the frank realities of these Warriors very well and has a more complicated and indepth plot than TMS. Whilst not gory, there are some aspects that would definitely not be palatable to a Hollywood audience. It does not seem to be intended as a 100% happy ending, despite the Samurais' victory. SS is a masterpiece that has all the ingredients required for a 'complete' film.

Fallschirmwomble