Lesson from the Seven Samurai so relevant today

I have always been a fan of The Magnificent Seven - a very long western starring Yule Brynner, Steve McQueen and so many other major stars. The

film is based on the original Kurosawa (1954) Seven Samurai which takes place in late 16th century Japan but is based on Kurosawa's vision of turning a classic American western into something very original. So 6 years later, the American version reverted to the western. Both films are worth seeing - of you have about three and a half hours. The Kurosawa version is considered by many to be one of the greatest foreign films ever and had a lot of influence. But in Japan, he was not as popular with critics as he was abroad - though not quite the Jerry Lewis of Japan.

• Seven Samurai: How Akira Kurosawa Influences Filmmakers

• Culture - Why is Seven Samurai so good? - BBC

Wednesday night TCM had a Kurosawa feast from 8PM through the middle of the night with three movies. It took me two evenings but I

There are big themes in both versions - in fact, the American version pretty much follows the original's script despite the differing cultures and being 3 centuries apart. Below are some quotes I pulled out that seem very relevant to today:

watched Samurai for the second or third time. (I still have Roshomon and Yojimbo to watch) This time I focused on the acting, especially Toshiro Mifune who is so good - and so are the others. The actors in both films match each other in many ways - even in their look. But Mifune is unique -

Kambei leader of samurai:

This is the nature of war: By protecting others, you save yourselves. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself

Kambei leader of samurai:  

Danger always strikes when everything seems fine.---- About 4 weeks ago

You said he'd be a treasure in hard times. The hard times have only just begun. ... two weeks ago.

Consider who we're dealing with here. Give a wolf a taste of your leg and he'll ask for your hand. -- never waste a good crisis.

Actually, kids work harder than adults. But only if you treat them like adults. .... distanc learning.

You all make great scarecrows. Problem is, the enemy isn't a bunch of sparrows and crows! .... NYC Teachers