Rating: 
Summary: SEVEN STARS FOR SEVEN SAMURAI!!!
Review: This movie gets better every time I see it. The first time I saw it I thought the fight scenes were slapstick and hilarious, not until I bought this DVD did I realize that Kurosawa was going for realism rather than typical Hollywood sensationalism. The commentary on this DVD is excellent and supplies a plethora of info on Kurosawa's life and career as well as on the impact this movie made for Japanese cinema. The picture quality is excellent, but not in the widescreen format as shown on AMC. The sound is as good as possible I suppose, considering the age of the movie, but I find listening to the commentary much more enjoyable. The subtitles are easily readable, an improvement over AMC's presentation.
Rating:
Summary: Great review from Florida
Review: A wonderful movie, with all the elements you could want - action, character development, tension, humor, brilliant photography. News to the reviewer from Palm Beach, FL USA - the 1956 "Seven Samurai" IS the original rather than "The Magnificent Seven"- wasn't the black and white film a giveaway?
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Film
Review: I was not disappointed by this movie. Not only is Seven Samurai a wonderful story, but the cinematography in this film is incredible. Together with the quality of the DVD itself, these elements combine to make Seven Samurai a film that will leave a lasting impression on you. Even through lulls in the many terrific action scenes, it is hard to lose interest in the plot. You may even pick up some Japanese if you really pay attention! I liked the commentary, but I would suggest watching the entire movie first with the commentary turned off, so you don't miss the little details that help make the movie enjoyable. This film may not be as fun to watch as some more recent action flicks, but Seven Samurai is riveting in a different way. Akira Kurosawa weaves a plot that makes the viewer sympathize with the heroes; you will mourn their losses and cheer for their victories. Toshiro Mifune shows amazing flexibility, displaying everything from a hilarious drunken rage to a sober thoughtfulness. I can't say enough positive things about this movie, and the features of the DVD only add to the classic.
Rating:
Summary: A MASTERPICE OF A MOVIE !
Review: I had never had the desire to watch a movie in subtitles. For some reason I always thought that it took away from the viewing of a film. Which is probably one of the most important aspects of watching a film altogether. So one day I decided to see what this film was about. There has been so much to say about it, I thought I would give it a try. THIS MOVIE BY FAR IS THE BEST PIECE OF FILM WORK I HAVE EVER VIEWED TO DATE! It has action, drama and romance in one perfect and complete package. The movie was always interesting and kept you glued to it from beging to end. It is about a small village that must seek the assistants of Samurai to protect them from a clan of invading murauders. Sounds like been there done that as far as Hollywood is concerened. But this movie flows with such grace and power you can't help but watch every minute of it! It's that good! Oh as far as subtitles are concerened, don't worry. You won't even notice your reading. That is how involved you become in this movie! You are almost oblivious to the fact your reading. It flows like second nature to you! This movie was also remade to a western theme called "The Magnificent Seven" which I watched as well. It was good but not nearly as good as "The Seven Samurai". To end this I would like to say that if you enjoy movies you should really view this film! It is a masterpiece of great film making and acting and is a must own title for everyone who enjoys a good movie!
Rating: 
Summary: Inspiring, fresh cinema
Review: The Seven Samurai is Akira Kurosawa's great masterpiece (remade into the western The Magnificent Seven). It's set four hundred years ago, in Japan, when bandits stormed the land stealing the possessions of peasants. The focus is on one particular village. In an attempt to save the village, from a horde of bandits, the peasants decide to hire the service of hungry samurai.What's noticeable in The Seven Samurai is the way in which the peasants are portrayed. They are shown as having extreme emotions, being ragged and miserable. The nature of humanity is shown as peasants argue and steal amongst themselves. They are curious and gossip about everything they see. When Toshiro Mifune first appears he captures the moment. Up to that point the action is frantic. His character is intense, excited at everything, even death, shown scratching himself with anxiety. Kambei Shimada is the wise old samurai, Katsushiro Okamoto is the young samurai who becomes a follower of Kambei, Katayama Gorobei (strong man) is the jolly samurai, Shichiroji is a good friend of Kambei who looks for a challenge despite the lack of compensation, Heihachi is the clown, Kyuzo the masterful samurai, and Kikuchiyo who is animalistic, the essence of life. I think an enjoyable film is a film that tells a story in such a way it draws you into its world. The story is magically told in The Seven Samurai. The camera observes every moment, movement and reaction without every becoming boring. In a way, it's an allegory about the nature of man. The attention is never just focused on Mifune's character, Kikuchiyo, as even the peasants are interesting to watch. Like reading a great book that's hard to put down, I felt sorry when The Seven Samurai finished. Truly, one of greatest films.
Rating:
Summary: 7 Samurai is the original - NOT Hollywoods Magnificent 7
Review: There seem to be some misunderstanding among some reviewers. Kurusawas Seven Samurai is from 1954. Hollywood took the story up and copied it as a Western in John Sturges "The Magnificent Seven" in 1960. So Seven Samurai is the Original, which inspired the Western genre in Hollywood. Enjoy :-)
Rating:
Summary: Great Film
Review: First of all, to the guy who said the Seven Samurai is a rip off of the Magnificent Seven, you're wrong. The Magnificent Seven is actually a remake of this film. As for the film, I say that it has fantastic cinematography, and wonderful characters. The plot is simple, but just allows the characters to shine that much brighter. The quality of the video on the DVD isn't spectacular, but when you consider the film's age some scratches can be expected. In conclusion, its a great film and a good transfer, you can't go wrong with this one.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent - No Wonder US Film-makers admire Kurosawa
Review: This is an excellent film. So many US films were patterned after A Kurosawa movie. In this case, you have the MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (1960).
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful. You need this.
Review: Fully deserving its current status in critics' and audience polls, Seven Samurai is cinema at its very finest. Its journey West over the last fifty years has been piecemeal. Initially, it was released in a severely truncated version, and was still hailed as a masterpiece. Gradually, its runtime was added to block by block, until finally we have the film as it was originally intended. Kurosawa tips his cap to John Ford and the Hollywood Western, which gives his films an edge over some of his contemporaries in Japan. Seven Samurai (The movie the Magnificent Seven was based on) travels well. Its themes are universal. The composition of the scenes is astounding. The battle scenes are rightly famous, but it is in the quiet moments - the calm before the storm if you like - where the film shines for me. The gentle humour of the script, and the gradual building of tension is a wonder to behold. Despite its length it never drags. It pulls you in from the first minute and never lets go. Even in scenes where the Samurai are eating rice, you can't look away from the screen in case you miss a masterly touch. After Rashomon, Kurosawa was pretty much given cart blanche. He could make any movie he wanted, his way. Seven Samurai went massively overbudget, largely due to the location filming (Not much of it is studio-bound, which means you get some lovely scenery and a beautiful sense of realism). Seven Samurai is testament to Kurosawa's genius. His way was the right way. And do not listen to the people who claim it is presented here in an incorrect screen aspect ratio. This is the full picture. No reason to take my word for that though. Look the film up on the Internet Movie Database, click on the Technical Specs link and there will be your information. So if you're put of getting this disc because of that, don't be. You like cinema, you need this. The ultimate action movie, but also one with intelligence, integrity, character and verve.
Rating:
Summary: Genius!
Review: Nothing short of genius! There are too many so-called cinema buffs who limit their viewing habits according to subject matter. Don't make that mistake. Even if you love chamber-drama-euro-arthouse fluff, Seven Samurai will have you glued to the screen. The level of craftsmanship and depth of vision exhibited by Kurosawa is inspiring.
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