A poor village under attack by bandits recruits seven unemployed samurai to help them defend themselves. In 1954, Akira Kurosawa made foreign film history with Seven Samurai. Everything about this film is just absolutely terrific. The film lasts around 3 1/2 hours, and every minute of it is unbelievable film making. Hollywood made an American western based on this story called The Magnificent Seven staring Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson and other headline stars of the day. This movie is a master-class in storytelling.