MovieChat Forums > Shichinin no samurai (1956) Discussion > I might get stoned for saying this but.....

I might get stoned for saying this but...

posted 12 years ago by moviewizguy
36 replies | jump to latest

Does anybody agree with me that the film would have benefited if an hour was cut from the film? I felt that the 3hr 20min was just too long for a story like this to be told. I enjoyed the first half, but I felt the second half dragged, especially the battle scenes. I'm reading on here that many found the action scenes to be realistic. I, on the other hand, found them to be incomprehensible and felt that they lacked excitement. I was also confused by which samurai died by the end of the film because the fight scenes weren't shot clearly enough (especially when they fell in the mud). Also, the romance subplot didn't work for me. It felt very cliched and Shino was getting on my nerves with her overacting. Overall, I'd give it a 6/10.

[–] Suzume-san 12 years ago

Whizz, clonk. That was me throwing a stone at you, Moviewizguy; quite a small one, though. I'm sure you'll realise that not many of us regulars on this board will agree with you.

Most people find that the film repays repeat viewings; there's far too much there for anyone to get first time around. Make sure you allow plenty of time, or maybe watch over two evenings. There is of course a natural break. When you know the characters better you'll find things less confusing, and be able to appreciate Kurosawa's artistry better.

Let us know how you get on.

[–] nickm2 10 years ago

Forgive me but I cannot resist:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds-cOl2ArO0

Why can't you wretched prey creatures understand that the Universe doesn't owe you anything!?

[–] NoHeadedHershel 12 years ago

I agree. I understand why this movie is iconic, but I think it's overrated. I don't mind long movies if the material warrants it, but trimming the establishing shots could have cut a half hour off the movie.

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Following the constitution is NOT crazy talk!

[–] 12 years ago

[deleted]

[–] CowboyDev 12 years ago

See, I never had a problem with the length at all. It's an epic in every sense of the word.

[–] 12 years ago

[deleted]

[–] GonoManiax 12 years ago

At first I thought that it was way too long, but after it ended I just wanted to watch it again!
Absolutely loved it.

9+/10 for me. Brilliant masterpiece.

[–] Reza-Raiesie 12 years ago

*Throws a stone at the you*

EDIT: BTW, I have respect for your opinion.

One who's genuinely sleeping can be awoken, but one who pretends to be sleeping cannot.

[–] afterburns 12 years ago

A small stone - between the eyes. :-P

I disagree with your opinion, as well as with your writing. Wthout going into editorial mode, why do you refer to the film in the past tense.? Why are your opinions in the past tense? Your last sentence begins with "It felt ...." OK, you FELT that way. But now, in the present, how do you feel? Trick question. We speak of film and our opinions in the present, assuming, of course, that you want to appear credible and thoughtful or that you have not revised a former opinion.

KIAI ... please.

[–] Strangerhand 11 years ago

Heh-heh, not to mention starting a post with something like "Does anyone agree with me."

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Decent people shouldn't post here. They'd be much happier posting somewhere else.

[–] PreachCaleb 11 years ago

It can't be a cliche if it's one of the first to do it. Sure a samurai falling for a peasant girl might seem cliche now, but back then it wasn't. 60 years of movies doing the same thing have turned it into the cliche.

And as for the length, well, it can't be an epic if it doesn't feel epic.

Straightedge means I'm better than you.

[–] seahawk3133 11 years ago

I usually get bored after about 2 hours of watching a movie but this movie could have lasted 5 hours and I wouldn't have been bored.

[–] pathofthesword 9 years ago

I couldn't have said it better.