Rating: 
Summary: Four classic films
Review: Action movies like Akira Kurosawa's are a rarity. They have stories, and the action revolves around that; there's nothing used for shock, but they manage to hit you in the gut anyway. Each film in this collection of "Samurai Classics" is vivid, compelling, often humorous and stars the fantastic Toshiro Mifune."Seven Samurai" is the now-classic tale of an impoverished country village, which is regularly pillaged by bandits. Desperate to protect themselves, the villagers send out some young men to hire samurai to help them. What they get is a ragtag but willing band, led by a weary veteran and including an eager-puppy teen, a seeming nutcase (the predecessor of Captain Jack Sparrow?), and basically anyone who will fight for a square meal. "Hidden Fortress" was one of the shaping influences on George Lucas's "Star Wars." In it, a general (Toshiro Mifune) and a princess are attempting to sneak across a border. The problem is, they are being helped by a pair of greedy, not-too-bright farmers (Kamatari Fujiawara and Minoru Chiaki), who bumble as often as they assist. "Yojimbo" was an adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's "Red Harvest," the story of a detective who cleans up a city. This darkly humorous film introduces a wandering samurai-for-hire (Toshiro Mifune again), who stumbles onto a war between two clans. He's smarter than just about everyone else in the film, and so he begins playing both sides, deftly avoiding disaster as he deals with the clan war in his own way. "Sanjuro" is probably the lightest of all Kurosawa's movies. The scruffy, wily hero of "Yojimbo" (Toshiro Mifune yet again) returns, this time taking nine naive, inept young noblemen under his wing. They have to somehow rescue the Chamberlain, his wife and young daughter from the Superintendent -- assuming that "Sanjuro's" army of nine doesn't botch it all up. Kurosawa's filmmaking is not flawless. For example, when people are cut down in battle they have a tendency not to bleed (or they bleed too much). However, for form it can't be beaten. Battle scenes have a flash-bang intensity, or the slow, building pressure of duels. There's also early slow-motion effects, as demonstrated in "Seven Samurai" during a one-on-one fight. Kurosawa was a lover of American cowboy flicks, and at times this shows, especially in the rugged hero of "Yojimbo" and "Sanjuro," who acts like a medieval Japanese gunslinger (he even has the piercing eyes for it). But first and foremost, these are stories -- no more and no less. Kurosawa's storytelling ability is laced with drama, humor, and all this without meandering or preaching. For any rabid cinephile, Kurosawa's films are a must. Epic action movies with plenty of swords, mayhem and grizzled heroes don't come any better than these.
Rating:
Summary: THE DEFINITIVE KUROSAWA COLLECTION
Review: AKIRA KUROSAWA - 4 SAMURAI CLASSICS is the definitive cinema collector's set, containing four of the most significant films by one of the world's greatest and most influential filmmakers. Each of these films feature the venerable Toshiro Mifune, Japan's greatest actor, who worked with Kurosawa in one of the most productive actor-director collaborations ever seen. These films set standards of excellence which have been emulated by directors since, from George Lucas to Francis Ford Coppola. In terms of cinematic brilliance, engaging plots, and phenomenal value, this set is unparalleled. The crowning piece of this collection is Kurosawa's magnum opus, THE SEVEN SAMURAI, hailed by critics worldwide as one of the greatest films ever made. This film's fascinating storyline is centered on a poor village that seeks help from seven samurai, who nobly defend the farmers against a gang of marauding bandits. This film has been imitated -but never equaled- throughout the years by films such as The Magnificent Seven and A Bug's Life. Spectacular cinematography, profound philosophy, engaging character development and rip-snorting battle scenes make this an unforgettable movie experience. THE HIDDEN FORTRESS is widely known for influencing George Lucas' in his development of Star Wars. Both films involve a princess who must be taken to safety through hostile lands, and have two bumbling characters who provide the viewer with perspective -and belly-busting laughs- throughout the film. But that is as far as the similarities go; The Hidden Fortress remains superior in its blend of breathtaking action, wry humor, and compassion for humanity. YOJIMBO is one of Kurosawa's darkest films; it portrays a ronin's intrigue and guile against feuding gangs in a corrupt and lawless village. Brutal violence and black humor make this a stunning film; it was imitated in a Fist Full of Dollars and Last Man Standing. SANJURO is the follow-up to Yojimbo's story; the ronin must help nine young samurai save their uncle from a corrupt official. This film is as brutal as its predecessor, yet lighthearted and humorous. All four cinematic milestones are available individually from Criterion, but now one can purchase these classics at half the price though this collector's set. Perhaps the only films missing are RASHOMON, the first great Kurosawa classic, and RAN, one of his last achievements. This is an offer no true lover of cinema can pass. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Rating:
Summary: 4 Timeless works of art
Review: Akira Kurosawa usually makes it into the top 5 directors of all time on most people's lists. He set the standard for epic battle scenes and the telling of a great epic story. He is sited by many directors as their greatest influence (including George Lucas, and Steven Spielberg to name a few). Kurosawa was trained in the samurai genre with some of the early great Japanese directors. These 4 samurai films show Kurosawa at the height of perfection. A couple of these stories went on to inspire "The Magnificent Seven" and "Star Wars". With the addition of the recent Tom Cruise flick, where one can clearly see the Kurosawa foundation at work, the samurai genre is still as timeless as "Shakespeare". If we were to continue with the same analogy then Kurosawa would be considered by most to be Shakespeare himself. This DVD set is worth every penny, you will watch these films many times over.
Rating:
Summary: Tony the Tiger would say, GRRRREAT!!!!
Review: Awesome films by Kurosawa! It would have been nice if they were all digitally remastered with color added, but you'll have to settle for black & white which isn't too bad.
Rating:
Summary: Tony the Tiger would say, GRRRREAT!!!!
Review: Awesome films by Kurosawa! It would have been nice if they were all digitally remastered with color added, but you'll have to settle for black & white which isn't too bad.
Rating:
Summary: wonderful boxed set for Kurosawa fans
Review: Don't let the flimsy box deter you from picking up this bargain set of the Criterion Collection versions of four films by one of the best directors in cinema history. Japan's Akira Kurosawa was influenced by John Ford and other directors, and in turn influenced the work of George Lucas, Stephen Spielberg and many others. Kurosawa used techniques and shots that are still used and, as a true auteur, his vision can be felt in every scene. The four films here are all samurai films and all star Toshiro Mifune, a national treasure of Japan and a real joy to watch. SEVEN SAMURAI tells the story of a village of desperate farmers who hire the samurai to defend them from a horde of roving bandits. Mifune as Kikuchiyo, the clownish and crazy misfit, and Ko Kimura as Katsushiro, the new samurai just learning his trade, experience the most change in the film. The 1988 commentary track by Michael Jeck is just wonderful; we learn a lot about Kurosawa, Mifune, the actors and techniques, and other films, as we listen to it. THE HIDDEN FORTRESS tells the story of a princess and her protector as they move through enemy territory and encounter two bumbling thieves. An eight-minute featurette shows George Lucas talking about Kurosawa in general and this picture, in particular, as influencing Star Wars. YOJIMBO and SANJURO tell the story of a samurai who means well as everything around him seems to go wrong. All four are heard in Japanese with optional English subtitles. The Criterion Collection treatment, as usual, results in crisp, clean prints with great soundtracks. All four films are accompanied by their trailers, and in the case of SANJURO, that includes tantalising bits of behind-the-scenes footage. This set may not be worthwhile if you already own two or three of the Criterion versions, but if you have pre-Criterion prints you want to replace, or if you only have one, this would be very worthwhile for you. Wonderful prints of four great films by an amazing director.
Rating:
Summary: wonderful boxed set for Kurosawa fans
Review: Don't let the flimsy box deter you from picking up this bargain set of the Criterion Collection versions of four films by one of the best directors in cinema history. Japan's Akira Kurosawa was influenced by John Ford and other directors, and in turn influenced the work of George Lucas, Stephen Spielberg and many others. Kurosawa used techniques and shots that are still used and, as a true auteur, his vision can be felt in every scene. The four films here are all samurai films and all star Toshiro Mifune, a national treasure of Japan and a real joy to watch. SEVEN SAMURAI tells the story of a village of desperate farmers who hire the samurai to defend them from a horde of roving bandits. Mifune as Kikuchiyo, the clownish and crazy misfit, and Ko Kimura as Katsushiro, the new samurai just learning his trade, experience the most change in the film. The 1988 commentary track by Michael Jeck is just wonderful; we learn a lot about Kurosawa, Mifune, the actors and techniques, and other films, as we listen to it. THE HIDDEN FORTRESS tells the story of a princess and her protector as they move through enemy territory and encounter two bumbling thieves. An eight-minute featurette shows George Lucas talking about Kurosawa in general and this picture, in particular, as influencing Star Wars. YOJIMBO and SANJURO tell the story of a samurai who means well as everything around him seems to go wrong. All four are heard in Japanese with optional English subtitles. The Criterion Collection treatment, as usual, results in crisp, clean prints with great soundtracks. All four films are accompanied by their trailers, and in the case of SANJURO, that includes tantalising bits of behind-the-scenes footage. This set may not be worthwhile if you already own two or three of the Criterion versions, but if you have pre-Criterion prints you want to replace, or if you only have one, this would be very worthwhile for you. Wonderful prints of four great films by an amazing director.
Rating:
Summary: Must-buy for anyone even interested in Kurosawa...
Review: I bought this as a "blind buy" at Best Buy. I had never seen any of the 4 films and had about 100 dollars in my pocket. I had been wanting to see "Seven Samurai" for the longest time but could never find it. I saw that my local Best Buy actually had a few copies and immediately picked it up. I was sure I was going to buy it when someone who worked there asked me if I had seen the box set. So he pointed me to the box set and I bought it without a second thought. When I put in "Seven Samurai" I had never seen a Kurosawa film and 3 and a half hours later I had a new favorite film and new favorite director. The other three films, "The Hidden Fortress," "Yojimbo," and "Sanjuro" were equally amazing, most notably "Yojimbo." These films were so great that two days after buying it I bought Rashomon. I would recommend this to anyone with 80 dollars lying around and even a slight interest in seeing a Kurosawa film. You will not regret it.
Rating:
Summary: Must-buy for anyone even interested in Kurosawa...
Review: I bought this as a "blind buy" at Best Buy. I had never seen any of the 4 films and had about 100 dollars in my pocket. I had been wanting to see "Seven Samurai" for the longest time but could never find it. I saw that my local Best Buy actually had a few copies and immediately picked it up. I was sure I was going to buy it when someone who worked there asked me if I had seen the box set. So he pointed me to the box set and I bought it without a second thought. When I put in "Seven Samurai" I had never seen a Kurosawa film and 3 and a half hours later I had a new favorite film and new favorite director. The other three films, "The Hidden Fortress," "Yojimbo," and "Sanjuro" were equally amazing, most notably "Yojimbo." These films were so great that two days after buying it I bought Rashomon. I would recommend this to anyone with 80 dollars lying around and even a slight interest in seeing a Kurosawa film. You will not regret it.
Rating:
Summary: Truely inspiring films
Review: If you do not like reading subtitles, b&w films, or the choppy editing of days past you will probably not care for these movies too much. On the other hand, if you like great acting, action, and excellent film work the likes that most of todays special effects filled movies could never rise to match, then this is the collection for you. With today's movies focusing too heavily on computer generated effects to dazzle movie lovers and draw them to the theaters, these movies rely on excellent story telling with incredible writing. Kurosawa was a true genius of his time and will remain one of the greatest film-makers of all time. He is not only an inspiration to Lucas, Spielberg, and others he is my main inspiration that lead me to the path of film direction.
| 
