Criterion: The Hidden Fortress (****) Gold in the wood
This is a good film, with some wonderful elements. Even if it is a bit too indulgent with wackiness, the story and Kurosawa’s eloquent use of wide screen are worth repeated viewings.
Criterion: The Lower Depths (****) life by the drop
Into this miserable world walks an old, happy man (Hidari) who has something positive and distinct to say for everyone. This is enough to get several of the stories to explode into the open.
Criterion: Vendetta of a Samurai (****) – Correcting a history of violence
Mifune, learning from his mentor (Shimura) a sense of subtlety, is able to further his effectively obvious passion through restraint. Even without words, we understand both perfectly.
Criterion: Seven Samurai (*****) stands the test of time
Seven Samurai should be Movies 101 for any serious lover of film. If you haven’t seen it, you should.
Criterion: The Idiot (**) – Pure soul / faithless world / messy film
There is no known full version of this film. If there were, it might take me a year to finish. It would likely be a lot better, though.
Criterion: Rashomon (*****) weak by nature
Rashomon stands as a gateway to our existence. It is one of the greatest films ever made, and should be viewed by anyone seeking insight through true artistic achievement. It should be used as a template for those wishing to begin to understand the ever contrasting nature of humanity.
Criterion: Snow Trail (****) – Mifune’s debut has another star
It’s Shimura who steals this story, though. His performance connects the viewer to the humanity of some of the fiercest combatants of the Western world in a format we all can relate to, no matter the barrier.
The Magnificent Seven (****) is star power at its best
Even if you are not a fan of the recent spate of pale remakes that come along with every generation, this update is worth your time. It will take a spot in my collection, to be sure. Right after Kurosawa.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 