Widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made, Akira Kurosawa‘s 1954 epic “Seven Samurai” was long overdue for a 4k restoration. At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the Toho Company debuted the long-awaited restoration, and now the newly restored film is getting a limited US theatrical release through Janus Films.
“Seven Samurai” tells the tale of a sixteenth-century village that is exploited by bandits. Its desperate inhabitants hire a veteran samurai for protection, who gathers six other samurai to join him. “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 4K restorations summary reads.
The Impact of “Seven Samurai”
The film stars the legendary Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura. It was also one hell of a follow-up to Kurosawa’s widely acclaimed films “Rashomon” and “Ikiru.” “Seven Samurai,” debuted in 1954 at the Venice Film Festival where the director and co-writer won the Silver Lion for best director.
Janus will screen the 4K restoration of “Seven Samurai” on In New York on July 5th at Film Forum, and Los Angeles on July 7th at the Egyptian Theatre. It will then open wide on July 12th at Los Angeles’ Laemmle Royal Theater.
You can check out the trailer below:
