Seven Samurai (1954)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  207 Minutes  

Rated:  Not Rated 

Genre: Action, Drama

Director: Akira Kurosawa

Starring: Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima, Yukiko Shimazaki, Kamatari Fujiwara, Daisuke Katô

IMDB Rank: 8.6/10

Part 1 Time:  112 Minutes 

Part 2 Time:   95 Minutes

Where does the first part end? A small group of villagers attempt to fend for themselves. Kambei (Takashi Shimura) brings then back then lectures the entire village.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “If you only think of yourself, you’ll only destroy yourself.  From this day forward, anyone caught doing that…” Kambei speaks to the villagers, then walks away.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Hot damn! Look at all those girls!” Kikuchiyo (Toshirô Mifune) states while watching the village girls cut down wheat.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, some of villagers begin to question the defense strategies brought forward by the samurai. However the samurai are quick to remind the villagers the importance of sticking together.

Which part is better? Part one outlines the preparations made by the samurai to prepare for a possible attack from the bandits. Part two highlights the attack and defense of the village as the bandits attempt to raid. Although there is good character development in part one, part two is given the slight edge as it show the samurai skill and cunning against the bandits.

Academy Awards: Best Art Direction- Set Decoration Black and White (Nominated), Best Costume Design Black and White (Nominated)