The Best Films You've Never Seen: Seven Samurai

The Best Films You've Never Seen series returns in 2025 with Akira Kurosawa's 1954 watershed epic 'Seven Samurai'.

Image credit: still from 'Seven Samurai' (1954), courtesy Madman Entertainment.

Set in sixteenth-century Japan, the film tells the story of a village of farmers who hire seven samurai (ronin) to protect and combat invading bandits from stealing their crops. This three-hour ride from Akira Kurosawa seamlessly weaves philosophy and entertainment, human emotions, action, and poetic violence, into an unforgettable tale of courage and hope.

'Seven Samurai' debuted in Sight and Sound's 2022 Greatest Films of All Time list at number 20, long revered by cinephiles, filmmakers and artists inspiring Hollywood westerns like John Sturges' 1960 classic 'The Magnificent Seven', George Lucas's original 'Star Wars' trilogy and was a major influence of the Wu-Tang Clan's conceptual cannon.

This screening will open with an introduction from RMIT Cinema Studies academic Dr Stephen Gaunson, who will explore the films cultural legacy and discuss 'Seven Samurai's' role as a technical and creative milestone that not only became Japan's highest-grossing film but also set a new benchmark for the international industry.

Presented by RMIT Culture in partnership with RMIT Cinema Studies.

 

Rating: PG

Language: Japanese (English subtitles)

Country: Japan

Year: 1954

Duration: 203mins

Format: DCP B&W

Share

Upcoming events

A blonde man with a laptop on his lap sitting beside a dark-haired, smiling woman with a fringe who is holding a notebook. They sit on a bright blue bench in an open outdoor area.

RMIT Study Expo

Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 29 Jan 2025

The RMIT Study Expo is your chance to learn everything there is to know about your future study. Tour the Melbourne City campus and discover what RMIT has to offer.

sweet-enough-1220x732.jpg

Sweet Enough

Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 25 Feb 2025 - 21 Mar 2025

Sweet Enough looks at sugar from a feminist perspective, examining the complex history, uses and roles of the medium, while celebrating the artists layered relationship with the sweet stuff.

rachel-kushner-reference-1220x732.jpg

Rachel Kushner: Creation Lake

Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 04 Mar 2025

RMIT Culture and The Wheeler Centre present twice Booker Prize-nominated author Rachel Kushner, discussing her propulsive new eco-espionage novel in conversation with RMIT's Rebecca Harkins-Cross.

Load more
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information