Japan’s answer to the Western, samurai films are among the nation’s most popular cinematic exports. These tales of bravery and intrigue during the Edo period have left their mark on American films ranging from THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN to STAR WARS, and remain rousing entertainment. Join us for a weekend with these sword-wielding warriors including such classics as Masaki Kobayashi’s SAMURAI REBELLION, Kihachi Okamoto’s SWORD OF DOOM and two favorites from one of the masters of the form, Akira Kurosawa: YOJIMBO and SEVEN SAMURAI.

Series compiled by John Hagelston and Grant Moninger. Program notes by John Hagelston.