Seven Samurai (1954)
Akira Kurosawas Seven Samurai is a monumental tale of honor and sacrifice, as a group of masterless samurai defend a poor village from bandits. Starring Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura, it combines human drama, action, and philosophy in one of cinemas most influential epics.

Throne of Blood (1957)
In Throne of Blood, Akira Kurosawa transposes Shakespeares Macbeth to feudal Japan, crafting a haunting samurai tragedy steeped in fog, fate, and betrayal. With Toshiro Mifunes intense performance and stunning visual design, its one of Kurosawas most chilling and poetic works.

The Hidden Fortress (1958)
A rousing blend of adventure and comedy, The Hidden Fortress follows two hapless peasants escorting a princess and her loyal general through enemy territory. Directed by Akira Kurosawa, its a thrilling tale of courage and greed that famously inspired Star Wars.

Yojimbo (1961)
Yojimbo sees Toshiro Mifune as a wandering samurai who plays two rival gangs against each other in a lawless town. Directed by Akira Kurosawa, its a darkly humorous and stylish masterwork that reshaped the archetype of the lone antihero.

Sanjuro (1962)
A witty, ironic follow-up to Yojimbo, Akira Kurosawas Sanjuro finds Toshiro Mifune guiding a group of idealistic young samurai through political intrigue. Blending humor with sharp social insight and swift swordplay, its a lighter yet profound companion piece to its predecessor.

His influence on filmmakers throughout the entire world is so profound as to be almost incomparable Martin Scorsese

Akira Kurosawa is one of the worlds greatest filmmakers. His films have been acclaimed by critics and audiences the world over, and his celebrated samurai epics featuring international star Toshiro Mifune have inspired filmmakers as diverse as Steven Spielberg and Sergio Leone, and count