Netflix Instant Movies That Don't Suck

While I realize it owes everything to Seven Samurai and there’s nothing surprising in the story, I was so thrilled to see a no-nonsense, classically-styled samurai movie that I forgave the lack of originality. It’s forgivable because the movie is richly detailed, finely acted, and single-minded of purpose. It stands up to Japan’s greatest films, and the climactic battle represents some of the best army battles I’ve seen since The Two Towers. The main character is as strong as Toshiro Mifune, and the colorful villain provides the most unique aspect of the story. It’s not a perfect movie. I wouldn’t have minded another half-hour to get to know the characters better (and it’s rare that I wish a movie were longer) but I think the two-hour run time makes it more accessible, which I think is the film’s strongest point. If you know anyone that has never seen a Japanese film (probably 90% of America) then this is the perfect place to get them started. It will lead many teenage boys to discover Kurosawa.