Seven Samurai *Re-Release* ★★★★★

Released: 27^th September 2024

Director: Akira Kurosawa

Starring: Takashi Shimura , Yoshio Inaba, Daisuke Katō, Seiji Miyaguchi, Minoru Chiaki, Isao Kimura, Toshiro Mifune

Akira Kurosawa is one of the most important figures in 20^th century cinema, who inspired a legion of followers including the likes of George Lucas, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. The hallmarks of some of Kurosawa’s works like The Hidden Fortress can particularly be found in the original Star Wars films. Perhaps Kurosawa’s defining work is the 3 ½ hour epic Seven Samurai, a film still held in the highest regard, over 70 years on from its initial release. It now has a re-release courtesy of the BFI, giving those familiar with the timeless classic or those wanting to experience it for the first time, an opportunity to see it on the big screen.

The story is set in 16^th Century Japan and sees a mountain village constantly ransacked by bandits. In a desperate effort to stave off their attackers, the village bands together to find the titular Samurai to keep them safe. The story has been directly and indirectly remade with the likes of The Magnificent Seven and even Pixar’s A Bugs Life taking inspiration from the story, showing its appeal and adaptability to different scenarios.

The length may prove an obstacle to some and while the story may be simplistic. There is plenty to admire within the performances which find a way to inject humour, into what might in other hands be a bleak situation, keeping it engaging and fun. Toshiro Mifune, a frequent collaborator of Kurosawa brings much of that humour and wit to Kikuchiyo.

The action remains impeccable over 70 years later, something Kurosawa delivered in later films like Ran but here there is a real sense of danger and the rain-soaked battlefields still look remarkable, certainly an inspiration for Peter Jackson’s Lord of The Rings trilogy many decades later.

There are so many reasons why Seven Samurai remains such a special film and still held in such high regard, it marked a departure for Kurosawa’s own films with its influence still apparent on contemporary filmmakers. Historical epics the world over owe it a debt of gratitude bringing scale, visual grandeur, action and humour together in a way few directors have been able to since. While being so heavily imitated and referenced, it holds up immaculately on its own terms and is rightly lauded as one of the finest films from one of cinema’s true great directors.