Seven Samurai
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Seven Samurai is a 1954 epic film directed by Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirō Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Yoshio Inaba. It drew a wide audience and shaped its genre.
Plot
In 1586, a bandit gang discusses raiding a mountain village, but their chief decides to wait until after the harvest for a better haul. Overhearing this, the farmers consult the village elder Gisaku, who advises them to hire samurai willing to fight only in exchange for food. Traveling to a nearby town, the villagers find Kambei, an aging but experienced rōnin, whom they see rescue a boy from a thief. A young samurai named Katsushirō asks to become Kambei's disciple. The villagers ask for Kambei's help, and he agrees after recognizing their suffering.
Production
Written by Shinobu Hashimoto and Hideo Oguni, the film was produced by TOHO. Fumio Hayasaka composed the score. Asakazu Nakai handled the cinematography. The film runs 207 minutes. The crew and editing refined every shot.
Reception
On a budget of $2,000,000, Seven Samurai grossed $105,000,000 worldwide at the box office. A critic consensus praised its screenplay and score.
Legacy
Its legacy endures through a remake, a sequel and a lasting franchise; later cinema cites its influence and symbolism.
See also
References
- "The 100 Greatest Films of All Time". topfilms100. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- Ebert, Roger. The Great Movies. Broadway Books.
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