Why 7 Samurai by Akira Kurosawa is So Great

7 samurai composition side

In praise of the film 7 samurai by Akira Kurosawa:

  1. First of all, the film is hilarious. The jokes in the movie are heart-warming.
  2. The character development is fantastic. Each character in the film has depth, and growth and change throughout the film.
  3. Strong differentiation between the characters of the film. Especially the ‘outcast’ samurai (Mifune) who steals the show.
  4. Phenomenal composition. No other film has so many ‘screenshottable’ scenes. The fact it was shot in the 1950s blows my mind– the ingenuity of the compositions, framing, and the triangle compositions.
  5. Great story. You cheer for the underdogs, and the building of the 7 samurai team is a great narrative.
  6. Sweet relationships between the samurai, which brings a huge smile to your face.
  7. Beautiful use of light.
  8. Strong philosophy here — lots of great quotes. For example the badass Samurai with the scar on his face– ‘A man only interested in testing his own limits’. A good inspiration for myself. Also — the inspiration of being a Samurai (becoming a masterful individual, solo).
  • 7 samurai

CINEMA BY KIM

Cinema and film as a great stimulus, aid and teacher for photographers and visual artists alike.

Cinematography and life lessons:

Cinema and Film Reviews

Space Films

Cinema and philosophy

King Leonidas— a true man of virtue.

GODFATHER

Gangster Films

ACTION FILMS

CITIZEN KANE:

Articles on Cinema

Great Cinema

More posts