Seven Samurai (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

Product Description One of the most thrilling movie epics of all t Seen Samurai (Shichinin no samurai) tells the story of a sixteenth century village whose desperate inhabitants hire the eponymous warriors to protect them from invading bandits. This three hour ride from Akira Kurosawa (Rasho Yoji Ran)—featuring legendary actors Toshiro Mifune (Stra Yojimbo) and Takashi Shimura (Ik The Hidden Fortress)—seamlessly weaves philosophy and entertainm delicate human emotions and relentless act into a r evocat and unforgettable tale of courage and hope. Amazo Unanimously hailed as one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of the motion pict Seven Samurai has inspired countless films modeled after its basic premise. But Akira Kurosaw classic 1954 action drama has never been surpassed in terms of sheer power of emot k ic ene and dynamic character development. The story is set in the 16 when the residents of a small Japanese village are seeking protection against repeated attacks by a band of marauding thieves. Offering mere handfuls of rice as paym they hire seven unemployed "ronin" (masterless samur including a boastful swordsman (Toshiro Mifune) who is actually a farme son desperately seeking glory and acceptance. The samurai get acquainted with but remain distant from the villag knowing that their assignment may prove to be fatal. The climactic battle with the raiding thieves remains one of the most breathtaking sequences ever filmed. I poetry in hyperactive motion and one of Kurosaw crowning cinematic achievements. This is not a film that can be well served by any synopsis; it must be seen to be appreciated (accept nothing less than its plete 203-minute version) and belongs on the short list of any definitive home-video library. --Jeff Shannon