Seven Samurai

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1:37

Seven Samurai

1956

3h 28m

Action

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100%

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103 Reviews

97%

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50,000+ Ratings

A samurai answers a village's request for protection after he falls on hard times. The town needs protection from bandits, so the samurai gathers six others to help him teach the people how to defend themselves, and the villagers provide the soldiers with food. A giant battle occurs when 40 bandits attack the village.

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Critics Consensus

Arguably Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece, The Seven Samurai is an epic adventure classic with an engrossing story, memorable characters, and stunning action sequences that make it one of the most influential films ever made.

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

The glorious vigour and strength of this film is presented with such theatrical relish and flair: its energy flashes out of the screen like a sword.

Rated: 5/5

Oct 27, 2021

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Marjory Adams

Boston Globe

There are many excellencies in [Seven Samurai]. The acting of the men who are unknown to American audiences but whose talents are obvious; the careful building of suspense; the realism of the battle scenes... [and] the beauties of the countryside.

May 4, 2021

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Helen Bower

Detroit Free Press

[Seven Samurai ] rates my unqualified whoops of approval.

May 4, 2021

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Marcelo Paredes

Cinencuentro

... Seven Samurai is a monumental work not only because Akira Kurosawa demonstrates technical mastery in handling so many characters on a grand scale,...but also because it presents a profound human drama. [Full review in Spanish]

Oct 6, 2025

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Pat Padua

Washington City Paper

For three and a half hours, this epic immerses you in a tradition that passes on its wisdom to the modern world through sheer entertainment.

Apr 30, 2025

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Aaron Neuwirth

Why So Blu

Whether it’s the story, the characters, the action, the grand sweeping nature of the film, or just the excitement and fun that comes with this story, it is satisfying in pretty much any way I look at it, along with being as essential as any other classic.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 2, 2024

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Tom B

Epic film. Phenomenal cinematography and story telling, especially given that it was done in 1954 -- 70+ years ago.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/02/25

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Advik

I like long movies, but this was one of the few where I felt exhausted throughout. However, the direction and acting are so compelling that you cannot help but to feel inspired by its efforts.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/07/24

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Rose A

A true classic, amazing

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/15/24

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Jack

It’s literally one of the most influential movies ever. Just go watch it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/22/24

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Dan B

Everything. The greatest film ever made.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/31/24

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alan g

One of the best epic films ever made. Compelling characters, action and even compassion. A little slow at times and maybe uneven but great story telling.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/29/25

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Akira Kurosawa

Director

Toshiro Mifune

Kikuchiyo

Takashi Shimura

Kambei Shimada

Yoshio Inaba

Gorobei Katayama

Seiji Miyaguchi

Kyuzo

Minoru Chiaki

Heihachi Hayashida

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Seven Samurai: 4K Restoration Trailer - 70th Anniversary

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Seven Samurai: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

A samurai answers a village's request for protection after he falls on hard times. The town needs protection from bandits, so the samurai gathers six others to help him teach the people how to defend themselves, and the villagers provide the soldiers with food. A giant battle occurs when 40 bandits attack the village.

Director: Akira Kurosawa
Producer: Sojiro Motoki
Screenwriter: Shinobu Hashimoto, Akira Kurosawa, Hideo Oguni
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Toho Company
Genre: Action
Original Language: Japanese
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 19, 1956, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Jul 5, 2024
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 29, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $487.3K
Runtime: 3h 28m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)

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