The Great Movies, volume 1: Seven Samurai

Choosing the first movie for my series of true excellence in entertainment was a no-brainer for me. I simply picked the movie that I consider the best ever made, or at least the best I have ever seen. Seven Samurai is an undisputed classic, arguably the greatest film made by arguably the greatest director in movie history. Akira Kurosawa's rousing epic has stood the test of time like few others. This is because the themes of the movie - honor, sacrifice, loyalty, bravery and kindness - are universal themes that have rarely been expressed as well on film. I know of no other movie that offers such a powerful glimpse of humanity at it's best and worst while also telling one hell of an adventure.

The story concerns a group of farmers in a village that are waiting for an attack by a gang marauding bandits. The farmers, who do not have the strength or the knowledge to fight back, know that the bandits will take all of their food and deal out unthinkable violence. In the past, the farmers have always endured the attacks and simply hoped that the bandits would leave them enough on which to survive. But one young villager says that he is sick of being kicked like a beaten dog and suggests they fight back. The other villagers are incredulous at this idea, some saying they would rather commit suicide then face another attack. But the idea gets approval from the village elder and it is decided that they will go to the nearest town and recruit wandering samurai warriors to help them. The problem? The villagers have nothing to offer these noble fighters except food, shelter and gratitude.

Thus begins the recruiting process, a marvelous sequence where we meet the men who will do this deed for the villagers simply out of honor. Each samurai has his own unique personality and story. There is the leader, Kambei, a war-weary veteran who is the first to accept the offer. He recruits others, including Kyuzo, a swordsman with no peer. When they head for the village there are seven of them ready to do what it takes to save the villagers. Well, actually, there are six and a half; tagging along is Kikuchiyo (the magnificent Toshiro Mifune), a peasant who has dreamed of being a real samurai. While the others do not take him seriously, he is anxious to prove his worth.

What unfolds is a terrific adventure, filled with action, humor, a little romance and humanity. Most of all humanity. Not all of the farmers are grateful that the samurai have come, fearful that they will take their women. And the farmers may not be exactly who the samurai think they are, either. In the second half of the film, when the bandits arrive, all will be tested in a battle not just for crops and sanctuary, but for honor, duty and the chance to live as real human beings.

Now for the caveats. Seven Samurai is in fact a Japanese film with Japanese language and English subtitles, so reading will be required. In addition, it is an older film, released in 1954, and it was filmed in black and white. It is also quite lengthy, clocking in at around three and a half hours. There is an intermission at about the halfway point. It is an epic story and the running time never seems excessive. It does not seem like a long movie while you are watching.

If you think you can deal with those three things, then you owe it to yourself to check out Seven Samurai. It is film making at it's absolute best, with a great director at the top of his game leading the way. Terrific performances, great storytelling and rousing action await you. I envy those those who get to see Seven Samurai for the first time.