I am in my 60's and I saw this film not long after it hit North America. I have seen it a couple of times since on TV. I was happy to find it in my local library. It is a great comedy as well as a look into the darkness of the character of two bumbling idiots, and the dignity of royalty that comes from within and the loyalty of a feudal class that has passed into history.
This film can be appreciated on many levels. For those addicted to 'shoot-em-ups' with non-stop action - let's hope that one day you will grow to appreciate this kind of film as well.
pb_guy

Two peasants on grave-digging duty stumble across the general of a fallen clan, along with a disguised princess and a cache of gold. The film (which later inspired George Lucas’ Star Wars) follows the mismatched group as they make their way across enemy territory, each with their own plans concerning the treasure.

A Kurosawa gem. A must see for all writers and directors. The perfect example of the Hero's Journey in a story with a Samurai set to protect a Princess on an incredible adventure with two bumbling thieves. Yeah, it sounds familiar because George Lucas said he was influenced ny parts of this film when writing his own adventure classic — "Star Wars: A New Hope." Mifune is brilliant as always.

A bit distraught from the lack of success of his last two films which he deemed heavy and tragic, Akira Kurosawa took a new tone with this movie stating: " I want to make a 100% entertainment film, full of thrills and fun ".

I enjoyed this interesting film. We can see the basic elements of the story that can form the basis of star wars. Kurosawa seems to always produce a provocative film on serious human questions or challenges. This one is the destruction of another clan/kingdom at all costs to attain domination. We still see this going on in all theaters of civil. ethnic, religious or national wars. Wherever one entity is threatened, total annihilation of 'the other' is pursued.
Seelochan Beharry

I believe I have said before in a comment on a Kurosawa movie - I am not a fan of the grimaced shouting!

of the 20 I have watched so far Ikiru continues to be my Kurosawa favourite with Dersu Uzala 2nd.

After its final scene, I was sorry that there was no second DVD, just a pull out review insert by film historian Armond White (see write up in summary.). Love the story (action adventure comedy drama about a young princess, her loyal general and two greedy dimwits,) music score, pace, acting and non-stop humor. Great film by Japan's most important film maker 黒澤 明 in the 20th century.

DO NOT watch this movie only because you heard that it inspired Star Wars. Here are the things from this movie that appear in Star Wars:

1. The thread of the story follows two bumbling, low-class characters that stumble into a much larger story.
2. Wipe transitions.
3. A strong female protagonist.

Now that we have that out of the way, you should watch this movie on its own merits. It's arguably too long, but still well made and well done.

A really good "must see" movie that only suffers from its length and editing.

A very old Japanese movie but it is still entertaining. It is too long for my taste. Parts of the movie could have been cut.