P> A small village is attacked each year by bandits that steal their harvest. The villagers decide to hire protection in the form of a few soldiers, offering them only food, lodging and the challenge of battle as recompense. After hiring one warrior, who proceeds to gather the rest, they all return to the village to plan strategy and engage the enemy.

A simple premise... An awesome movie. Shichinin no Samurai, called The Seven Samurai in the United States, is a movie that is by turns exciting, absorbing, moving and funny. Herein we feel the full spectrum of the human strengths and weakness. Our heroes are courageous and rough; they offer us insight into the human potential and the harsh realities that lie within us.

What does this have to do with the swordsmanship? Why do we care? Watch the movie. Keep an eye out for a scene wherein we first meet Kyuzo. It takes place in an open field with two Samurai facing each other to duel. The sword fight itself is reminicient of Yagyu Shinkage Ryu's first kata. Kyuzo is what I think of when I contemplate the Bushido.

Okay... Go watch the movie and, if you like, email us your thoughts when the movies done.

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