Let me ask you a quick question: When you're watching a movie, what's the first thing you notice or look for? Acting? Lighting? Color? Shots? Shapes? All of these are just naming a few great elements of what makes a movie so special, as there's plenty more out there that I probably left out, but those are mostly the key ones that some film makers choice when making a movie. But when I watch a movie, the first thing I look for is hidden quality, storytelling by the characters movements, acting, lighting, and the use of silence to add emotion to a scene. And yes, this movie absolutely has all of those things I love in movies and much more. I think I died and went to movie heaven.
Sometimes when I talk about a beloved movie that many film makers and critics out there consider a "masterpiece", I think it's very important for me to talk about the actual film making and what makes it so great, as this gives a better thought of what I see when I watched the movie. I mean, it's much better than saying what you like or didn't about a film without talking about the film making itself. Oh and this also my first Akira Kurosawa movie I've watched and reviewed, so there's that. I've heard nothing but amazing things about Kurosawa movies and how every famous director has put him up there as the best director that has ever lived, and I totally understand why, because Akira Kurosawa is one of the most stylish, influential, and one of the most tremendous film maker that has ever lived. From start till finish, I was completely in awed from what I was watching and it's still fresh in my mind as I'm writing this.
For Kurosawa's film career, he has made over 30 films and a few TV movies, but "Seven Samurai" seems to be the one movie that everyone knows about (even if there haven't seen it). And I understand why, as everything with the camera work, editing transitions, and the use of mother nature as an emotional trigger for the audience, is everything that an audience can emotional relate to and draw their eye to. Because the choices of weather used in scenes that basically sums up what kind of mood a character or a scene itself is feeling. Wind, sunshine, and rain, really do add a lot to the scene, as you can tell what you're suppose to be feeling. Akira Kurosawa was quite famous for how he wanted to get the weather perfect in his scenes. Over a course of a year, he shot this movie for 148 days and it was often him waiting for the weather for the next scene.
And that's not all, Kurosawa told his actors to chose a gesture for their character and stick with it. That way, we know exactly what kind person their are and how they're feeling. It's bold film making like this is what made Akira Kurosawa a massive influence to cinema today.
Another thing I loved about this movie is the characters, as I actually did care for them and their struggle. I sometimes find it very hard to have a full emotional attachment to characters in movies, but here, it amazes me how I know so much from the characters just by their movements that really dose say a lot without them saying anything. All the praise has to go to the actors for this, as it was them who had to deliver and they absolutely do. I'm unaware with all of these actors, but then again, I don't watch that much black and white Japans movies these days. All of the cast were all superb in their roles and most have been a very different cult challenge to pull off, because it's not easy as it looks, but all of them nailed it.
The camera work in this movie is so impressive, so unique, and freaking glorious. The way the camera moves tells a story of itself that doesn't require any character to spill out the story or what's going on. I could show any scenes from this movie to someone who hasn't see the movie themselves and even they will have a full grasp on whats going or how someone is feeling without knowing nothing about the movie itself. That's how brilliant this movie.
Overall: Seven Samurai is a epic masterpiece with flawless imagery and a unique style of violence and battles. I can not wait to see Kurosawa other movies, as I have a feeling I'm going to love them.
Seven Samurai can only be described as magical piece of art.
Don't let the 210 minute tag on the movie scare you. It is worth the ride and experience.
Each samurai has a distinguished trait which makes them memorable and allows the audience to form a bond with them
The cinematography is simply outstanding especially when it comes to the scenes that include rain.
An easy to comprehend plot with thrilling action scenes is also what adds to the appeal of Seven Samurai.
Depicts the Japanese culture and relation between Samurai and Farmers in the 1600s.
Memorable movie quotes:
* This is the nature of war: By protecting others, you save yourselves. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself.
* Danger always strikes when everything seems fine.
This is considered one of the greatest films ever made for a reason. I honestly don't think I can add that much to the discussion, but here goes. I start watching it and always think I'm not going to like it as much as I remember. I'm not crazy about the opening due to the pace, but I feel like it is perfect once you progress further. Getting to know the different samurai and watching them interact is just really entertaining. Each is so distinct and relatable in a different way. Frankly, the story is wonderful and I love when they did it again in the American west.
Then there is the technical side of things. This does not feel like it belongs in the 50s at all to me. The film is shot so distinct and beautifully. I really love the way the rain battle looks in the end. The dark color of the water on the ground just looks so great to me, like a chalk drawing or something. And the theme music makes me think it is something I listen to in my car all the time, even though I hadn't heard it in a few years since my last watch. It immediately becomes a classic tune to me.
So yea, this is up there for a reason, and I say you should certainly see this before you die. Just remember to set aside a good 3 1/2 hours before you start.
Whole fucking system is corrupted!
Thought - provoking film +amazing music totally recommended
My father is a fan of Al Pacino and he always told me about a film where he was in called Serpico. I already knew the story of the film. It was about a policeman, Frank Serpico, who were the only honest man of his division, he believed in justice but all of the others around him were corrupt. He was the only one who doesn't accepted any kind of bribes, he not let himself take by greed and he had the courage to denounce the situation even knowing that everyone would turn against him. Sounds like a great story, but even with my dad always recommending me this film I don't know what took me so long to see it but I'm glad I finally did.
Al Pacino is one of the greatest actors in the history of cinema no doubt, and in here his work doesn't surprise because he is amazing, once again. Serpico is such an interesting and complex character and Pacino is able to play him in such a cool and smooth way.
This story is very believable, and told in a very real way with the perfect atmosphere of the 70's, afterall it's based on the true story of Frank Serpico. Serpico is a fantastic film due to the fantastic direction of Sidney Lumet.
Breathtakingly beautiful film. The first three quarters have familiar beats but they never get tiring leading to a pinnacle of a last quarter that absolutely broke me. Ends in a picture perfect “happily ever after”, which, for critics, could have been a gripe. But I don’t know who deserves the “happily ever after” more than these characters.
Please watch this beautiful film. If you have anything bad to say about it after, you’ll have to get by me first.
The visuals/cinematographic aspects of this film are excellent and really show imagination and push the film in the direction where it is meant to go. However, the characters are nearly all complete pieces of shit who I don't care about in the slightest. The main guy has absolutely no presence at all, which may or may not be intentional but it's still irritating and if it was intentional then it failed miserably at sucking me into his position. Paz De La Huerta plays these annoying bitchy characters far too well. The French guy is actually pretty cool but he's only in like 30 minutes of the movie. The philosophy that this movie centers around is the most pretentious bullshit imaginable. I'm no prude but the sex scenes in this movie are absurd and could have been done in a million better ways. There are also certain things that this movie does that are overly irritating. Yeah I get it, the strobe lights and that disgusting abortion scene are supposed to irritate me but they just go too far and those goddamn car crash simulations are practically giving me PTSD.
Long story short, I respect the imagination, directing talent, and effort that Enter the Void showcases but I fucking hate this movie. Oh, and the best part is the Beginning credits
Wonderful and sad animated movie.
Did you know, that picking something up with your foot is surprisingly easy?
What? No, there's no particular reason for me mentioning this.
Overly dramatic movie, the trailer tells the whole story already and of course it has a "happy end".
The amnesia thing is way too convenient for the premise, waaaay too convenient.
Predictable in every way, shallow characters, nothing is explored whatsoever.
The past of the couple? Only a few hints at best.
Did she ever get her memories back? No-one involved cared about that tiny thing.
She's going to San Jose? What significance does that place have? Never explored.
Her family is dead, we do not know about any friends at all. Her husband was killed.
She's all alone and most likely incredibly traumatized but going to San Jose after 3 months.
Well, okay then.
This movie is uninspired all around. From writing, through acting, to directing/production.
A filler movie for a timeslot not even hiding it, nothing more.
Oh, we fulfilled our runtime requirement, let's wrap it up with killing the perp and skip 3 months ahead for a closing scene.
Cut.
What do you mean, it doesn't make sense?
I have seen this film many many times, last night on my hd tv in blu ray, and looked absolutely amazing, this is a masterpiece, this is cinema's mona lisa, absolutely spellbound watching it, gets better with every viewing
