Akira Kurosawa’s
films have been adapted many times, which is fitting considering how many
classic narratives he also adapted into his own unique features. Seven Samurai
must be the most popular of these narratives, remade several times in new
settings and the same storyline. Seven
Warriors sets the classic story of outnumbered noble fighters in The
Warlord Era of China, with former soldiers choosing sides between defending the
weak and becoming thieves and bandits. Taking on the style of Hong
Kong ’s New Wave Movement with the legendary Sammo Hung at the
helm, Seven Warriors is an
energetically updated version of Kurosawa’s narrative, now dated in the most
spectacular of ways.
Not much needs
altering from Kurosawa’s original tale, although guns have been included into
the fight choreography along with some classic kung-fu choreography. Seven
former soldiers are hired by the villagers of Guangxi to protect them from the
marauding gang of former soldiers relying on the small villages to take what
they want. Outnumbered and unlikely to survive, these seven risk their lives
for no pay of any kind, choosing honor over wealth. It is simplistic
storytelling, leaving the action to speak for the alterations made.
The soundtrack
alone sets this apart as a classic 1980s kung-fu film, as does the high octane
speed of the fight sequences. Despite being a bit more modern and utilizing
firearms in the action, the choreography fits with many Chinese martial arts
movies of the era. There is not much that looks significantly improved by the
high definition presentation, but the aged look of the film is yet another
indicator of the classic kung-fu style.
Entertainment Value:
7.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 6.5/10
Historical
Significance: 6.5/10
Special Features: 0/10
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