Seven Samurai

On Thursday 26 June at 19:15 Hugo Emmerzael will give an in-depth film lecture prior to the screening of Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece Seven Samurai . Free with Cineville. Scroll down for more info.

In a small Japanese village, the villagers are threatened by bandits who are targeting their crops. In their desperation, the villagers hire seven samurai – each with their own background and character – who are willing to risk their lives to defend the village. What follows is not only an epic fight for survival, but also a poignant reflection on courage, sacrifice and solidarity.

Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai is much more than a classic action film. It is a multi-layered story of heroism, loss, and the human condition. Thanks to Kurosawa’s masterful direction, his visual flair, and his deeply human drama, the film has become a landmark in world cinema and an enduring source of inspiration for generations of filmmakers.

This screening is part of the Akira Kurosawa in Focus series, made possible by Eye Filmmuseum, featuring beautifully restored versions of some of his greatest films.

Film college: June 26

Akira Kurosawa (1910–1998) is considered one of the most influential directors in film history. His oeuvre, which spans seven decades, brought classic stories to the screen in an innovative and universal way. From the psychological drama Rashomon to the visually stunning Ran , his films are characterized by profound themes, impressive cinematography and layered narratives. Kurosawa managed to connect Japan's past and present in an allegorical way, developing a film language that resonated worldwide.

Who was Akira Kurosawa, and why do his films continue to make such an impression? What does his work say about Japanese society, and how does it relate to broader developments in film history? Film critic Hugo Emmerzael uses context and film fragments to delve into the life and work of this legendary director, who has become almost synonymous with Japanese cinema.

Hugo Emmerzael

Hugo Emmerzael is a film critic, curator and programmer. He is an editor at Filmkrant and writes for MUBI Notebook , Filmmaker Magazine and Senses of Cinema , among others. As a speaker, he brings the richness of film history to life with knowledge and enthusiasm. Since 2020, he has curated the Directors' Forum at the Netherlands Film Festival and has been a jury member at festivals such as Cannes, Venice and Karlovy Vary.