Seven Samurai

The glorious vigour and strength of this film is presented with such theatrical relish and flair: its energy flashes out of the screen like a sword.

There are many excellencies in [Seven Samurai]. The acting of the men who are unknown to American audiences but whose talents are obvious; the careful building of suspense; the realism of the battle scenes... [and] the beauties of the countryside.

[Seven Samurai ] rates my unqualified whoops of approval.

Those who enjoy a good wild Western will find this picture to be great sport.

The film is much too long -- two hours and 21 minutes. But at the end of that time, one has not only come to know its people intimately, but is prepared for the message to the effect that it is always the soldier who loses.

Responding to his sensitive, knowing direction, the actors have given inspired performances. Revealed in [Seven Samurai] is Kurosawa's talent for putting violent action on the screen, making it terrifically exciting to audiences.

For three and a half hours, this epic immerses you in a tradition that passes on its wisdom to the modern world through sheer entertainment.

Whether it’s the story, the characters, the action, the grand sweeping nature of the film, or just the excitement and fun that comes with this story, it is satisfying in pretty much any way I look at it, along with being as essential as any other classic.

Seven Samurai is one of the crown jewels of cinema, a movie that could be screened for visiting aliens in order to show what the art form can achieve.

The 4K restoration isn't without problems, but it does allow one to better appreciate the beauty of Akira Kurosawa's black-and-white masterpiece. The film is male-centric, but more important are some cultural points within the script.