Seven Samurai

The movie flows so well from scene to scene, making its the 3.5 hour runtime feel like 1 hour and 40 minutes. A masterclass in framing action. The frame is busy with characters in the forefront and background. Constant movement from either the performers or the camera itself helps that as well. No scene feels dull. Each frame shows you everything you need to know about the scene. No need of excessive dialogue or music to tell you what to think. Even during slower scenes where it’s just two characters talking, either the background or the frame helps express what either character are feeling. Another aspect I want to praise is the sound. Its use of sound gives everything such texture. During the action, there’s a lack of music yet the sound of swords swinging, horses galloping, and the ground/mud splashing makes up for it. Compared to modern blockbusters, it seems smaller scaled yet the use of sound and movement gives the film its blockbuster feel. What the film provides as well, to my surprise, was a lot of humanity and care for its character. It’s easy for a new viewer to forget that older films (especially one as highly regarded as this one) can still feel relevant and modern. Despite its setting, the film is universal with its characters motivation and effective story. Each character, especially the titled seven samurai, has such distinct personalities that kept me invested. Each samurai has their own ambitions, flaws, strengths, and motive that is established either through dialogue or nonverbal action. More humorous than I expected with Toshiro Mifune’s character bringing much levity. As the film progresses and the conflict becomes more severe, we’re kept in our toes in how this conflict will end (even if this kind of story has been told many times). As the saying goes, action speaks louder than words and this film is that saying in full display. A masterpiece in every way.