Reply #19: Well, [View All]

[necso]

everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion.

It is, however, generally better to have a well-informed one.

Just a few points:

1) An appreciation of Japanese culture is most helpful when viewing Kurosawa films, particularly the less transcultural ones.

2) The "comic relief" character is a classic figure in Japan. -- For an even more exaggerated one, view the minor Kurosawa classic "The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail".

3) What you call under-developed characterizations (in different words) is to my mind one of many hints that these are not really seven individuals, but rather different facets of the character of one man (Oishi Kuranosuke, of 47 Ronin fame). And whether you accept this premise or not, these seven characters essentially define elements of character, and don't have to be completely expressed characters themselves.

("Rashomon" views "reality" from different perspectives -- those of different characters; while "The Seven Samurai" views character from different perspectives (those of different characters) -- and conflicts of character are played out across characters, not within a single one... a subtle device. -- And this is something of an oversimplification, since the characters are explored to different depths, and this is driven both by how much exploration this element of character warrants (due to its complexity, inherent contradictions, etc) -- and by the need to develop the plot, appeal to an audience, etc.)

4) Particularly in the earlier Kurosawa films (like what is perhaps Kurosawa's best, "Ikiru"), one must be able to separate out the Japanese elements to see that part of the "message" which is transcultural. A good example of this is the funerary scene in "Ikiru", which is very Japanese: getting drunk, emotional -- and (being able to and) saying things that otherwise would be unthinkable.

But subtract out the more cultural-specific elements and what you have is a very transcultural message -- men promising to change their ways in some momentary passion (or given some powerful message, or sterling life-example) -- and then quickly reverting to their old ways.

Similarly, in "The Seven Samurai", there are numerous transcultural messages (although many are of a military nature), such as: using cunning to defeat an enemy; the necessity of taking out the enemies' "guns"; making best use of one's circumstances and resources; doing the unexpected to disconcert one's enemy and to take advantage of their surprise; concerning oneself with the morale of the "troops" and trying to improve it; holding to one's code in the face of adversity and death; finding meaning in life even when one's way of life is vanishing (adapting, yet remaining true to oneself); etc, etc.

...

Perhaps you need a study guide.

Personally, I just watched "The Seven Samurai" again, and I was surprised at what I had missed previously. Moreover, doing the final battle scene in the pouring rain is simply amazing, particularly considering the risks that this entailed.

Kurosawa is a master, but a broad understanding of culture (especially Japanese culture) is most helpful to appreciate his films.