A film that has influenced many of the industry’s greatest filmmakers is returning to theaters, allowing audiences to experience the true essence of cinema once again. In 1954, filmmaker Akira Kurosawa bestowed the world with his masterpiece, Seven Samurai. As reported by Deadline, Akira Kurosawa’s movie is coming to US theaters in 4K restored format this July. The feature is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential films in cinema history, with its influences seen in many action films, including Star Wars, The Hateful Eight, John Wick, and even Rebel Moon. This restored version of the samurai epic made its debut at the recently held Cannes Film Festival and is all set to entertain fans in the US.
What is ‘Seven Samurai’ all about?
Set in 1586, in the Sengoku period, Seven Samurai tells the story of a village of desperate farmers who seek to hire samurai to combat bandits. The bandits will return after the harvest to steal their crops. Answering their call is a samurai who has fallen on hard times. Once he agrees to help the villagers, he recruits six others to help him teach the people how to defend themselves. The culmination of their efforts helps the villagers fend off 40 bandits who attack the village.
Apart from helming the classic, Kurosawa also served as the co-writer and editor of the film. It was the second-highest-grossing domestic film in Japan in 1954. This masterpiece is the result of the challenges and obstacles faced during its year-long production. As mentioned above, it is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films in cinematic history. Since its release, it has consistently ranked highly in critics’ lists of the greatest films, such as the BFI’s Sight & Sound and Rotten Tomatoes polls. It is also deemed one of the most “remade, reworked, and referenced” films in cinema.
The new official restoration synopsis elaborates, “This three-hour ride from Akira Kurosawa seamlessly weaves philosophy and entertainment, delicate human emotions, and relentless action into a rich, evocative, and unforgettable tale of courage and hope.”
The movie cast an ensemble including talents like Takashi Shimura as Kambei Shimada, Yoshio Inaba as Gorōbei Katayama, Daisuke Katō as Shichirōji, Seiji Miyaguchi as Kyūzō, Minoru Chiaki as Heihachi Hayashida, Isao Kimura as Katsushirō Okamoto, and Toshiro Mifune as Kikuchiyo. Further rounding off the cast are Yoshio Tsuchiya, Bokuzen Hidari, Yukiko Shimazaki, Kamatari Fujiwara, Keiko Tsushima, Kokuten Kōdō, Yoshio Kosugi, and many more.
Seven Samurai screenings begin on July 5 in New York, followed by a Los Angeles premiere on July 7. The film opens wide on July 12.
