Seven Samurai (1954)

A village ravaged by bandits finally decides to stand up for its right. They agree to fight rather than run away. So, they decide to look for samurais who can lead the attack while they can feed the samurais in return. 5 such samurais are found and 2 more from the village volunteer to form the team of 7 samurais. Each of the samurais has his own distinct character

The leader of the pack forms good battle strategies and the bandits are slowly eliminated one by one. But, there is loss of lives as well. 4 samurais leave their lives on the battlefield. In the end, the villagers reclaim their land.

Hits

• Toshiro Mifune's histrionics and antics are immensely funny though irritating at times. Extremely talented and flexible actor.
• The battle strategy is detailed and nicely executed.
• The BG score has some poignant and touching themes
• The emotion and involvement with the movie gradually builds up and when the samurais die, we feel bad. 

Misses

• Why the hell are all the men in the village bald in such an ugly manner? This make-over is pathetic.

Comments

• Quite a long movie and it takes a while for the action to start. The process of forming the team of samurais is quite painstaking. 
• The way the main samurai runs around like spring chicken is quite funny

VERDICT

A slow epic that requires patient viewing.