Seven Samurai

Somehow, I think my expectations of it was too high. It didn't quite elicit the response that i thought it would. Perhaps its due to the fact that its a bloody 3.5 hour long show, and the viewing was disjointed.

But still, it is interesting to see the development of the the panning screen technique (often used in Star Wars, and George Lucas has credited it to the influence of Akira Kurosawa), as well as the social commentary of the time.

In war, the conflict resolution often is said to be biased against the common people. In this take on conflict though, Kurosawa presents another point of view - The village who hired the seven samurai managed to escape relatively unscathed, while of the original seven, we see three in the end credits looking at a mass graveyard, topped with the four katanas of their fallen comrades. While in peace, the villagers live a comfortable, meaningful life. However, during war, they are helpless, and rely on these samurai to provide them with safety and security. And as soon as the need disappears, they go about their tasks, thankless to those who have given their life to the sword, and who in times of peace, as exemplified by the scene of the samurai watching the people at work planting next season's crops, are useless.

Is it a natural contrast in purpose? Where do the warriors go when there is no war? I doubt that it is a new issue. On one hand, we cannot deny the helpfulness of those who defend us, but in times of peace, they can seem all too useless, or unnecessary.

This is taken from a view of a feudal society, where the castes are well defined, and cross caste relationships are unapproved. Once a farmer, always a farmer. Perhaps the discrimination is less apparent in an open world, where there are no strict caste restrictions. But is it still there?

What use have we of a military force when peace is prevalent?

Does the threat of future conflict warrant a maintenence of a defence force?

Well, there is always the Singapore model. But we can see the roots of dissatisfaction kicking in already. Goodness knows how many people I know have many comments about it.

Well, I still prefer Dreams. Perhaps its the episodal format, keeps it sharp and thoughtful. Seven Samurai is a little long in the buildup, but I think it builds rapport for the characters.

And Kurosawa always seems to like having a wild man running around in his movies...... I wonder why.