An epic tale held together firmly by all seven major characters, with so much attention invested into each of them that the entire story would deviate devastatingly if even one was removed. The simplest action like sticking a katana on dirt, or a flag on a roof, feels like a time-transcending elegy. All actions are exaggerated to amplify emotions, the evergreen comedic moments effortlessly connect audiences across decades. Features the most playful and the most uncool performance by cool samurai Toshiro Mifune. Kurosawa's most powerful and most defining work in his entire career.