I loved it. This movie is sophisticated and thoughtful filmmaking that is so much more than the simple title. Wanna know where Coppola, Spielberg, and Lucas got some ideas? Watch this movie to find out. The acting is sublime -- the expressions and vocalizations are effective even to someone like me who knows absolutely no Japanese. The music is wonderful. The cinematography is subtle and effective, with angles and focus chosen to emphasize the plot elements and mood. It feels highly realistic; the samurai aren't holier-than-thou lords of the sword wielding mystical powers -- they're merely trained men in a profession, men with thoughts and feelings. The weak and helpless villagers aren't necessarily really that week and helpless. And we aren't inflicted with atrocities perpetrated by the baddies so that we have evidence to make us pick a side. There are no tiresome epic battles with the the characters drawing upon mysterious wells of strength to finally prevail -- they're just fights that happen as they happen. I could go on. Dang, this movie was good!
Review of Seven Samurai
