The Red Right Hand
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SEVEN SAMURAI

Akira Kurosawa

*****
5/5
One of the undisputed masterpieces of world cinema, Akira Kurosawa's epic was inspired by the westerns of John Ford and had the compliment repaid with John Sturges's classic reworking, The Magnificent Seven. Showered with international awards, the film is a mesmerising combination of historical detail, spectacular action and poignant humanism. Over 18 months in production, it has been described as “a tapestry of motion”, with the final battle standing out for its audacious use of moving camera, telephoto lenses, variegated film speeds and precision editing. Takashi Shimura and Toshiro Mifune are the pick of an excellent cast, but it's the late director's genius that leaves the truly lasting impression.


(1954)
JP   B/W   190 mins