SEVEN SAMURAI
DIRECTOR: AKIRA KUROSAWA
JAPAN, 1954
When bandits threaten, the residents of a small farming village seek an army of samurai to protect their harvest and families. Veteran warrior Kanbê (Takashi Shimura) answers their call, bringing seven masterless samurai together in a bond of honor and respect—and humor, thanks to the antics of swordsman Kikuchiyo (Toshirô Mifune). Hailed as one of the greatest films of all time, Kurosawa’s masterpiece not only spawned the samurai film genre, but also prompted numerous imitations including THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN and THE WILD BUNCH. “Kurosawa’s masterpiece. The greatest battle epic since BIRTH OF A NATION. Widely imitated, but no one has come near it.”—Pauline Kael. (207 mins.)