It is fair to say that Akira Kurosawa is a legend in the world of cinema. With over 50 years of experience, perhaps one of his most known directorial accomplishments is the movie Seven Samurai. Its influence on modern action movies like Avengers: Endgame is quite noticeable.

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With that in mind, the success of the Avengers: Endgame owes a large debt to Akira Kurosawa’s masterful work. Joe Russo and Anthony Russo were, on some level, influenced by Kurosawa and if it wasn't for Seven Samurai, Avengers: Endgame would have looked very different.

The Characters

Seven Samurai

Seven Samurai was responsible for pioneering the notion of an ensemble of characters coming together for the same goal. Endgame is incredibly similar both in concept and character archetypes. In both works, the characters are on the same team, and they understand that they have the same goal. In both scenarios, if the goal is not achieved they are all doomed.

Similar to the samurais the superheroes must band together to hold off an attack from the powerful invading race. The enemy can't be dealt with unless they work in sync. Also, each one of these characters have a unique ability, and it must be used efficiently to defeat their enemy. The only difference, really, is the scale. The samurais have to save their village while the Avengers have to save the universe.

Social and Cultural Relevance

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Image Via Marvel Studios

Different from the Avengers' cultural setting and background, Seven Samurai is a period piece set in Japan. It also explores how Japanese culture values honor, nobility, class restrictions, and focuses on the concept of good against evil. In parallel, Endgame tackles similar themes and concepts but adapts them for an American audience. A common concept found in both works would be good facing evil.

Honor and nobility are what motivates the samurai to overcome adversity. In the case of the superheroes, the themes and motivations are more in tune with a modern audience. Honor and nobility of the Japanese sword fighters are exchanged for duty, friendship, and patriotism of the mostly American avengers. Although they diverge in their themes and concepts, both films still manage to connect with the viewers regardless of their background.

Editing

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Without a doubt, Kurosawa's unique editing techniques inspired numerous filmmakers. Perhaps the most noticeable technique is cutting during an action scene. This type of cut is very distinguishable within the Russo brothers' movie, and like Kurosawa, it's used to move the story forward.

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This type of cut is commonly used when cutting one shot to another on the motion of an actor. It is also used to hide the cut and avoid calling attention to it. Cutting on motion has become a norm for any Hollywood blockbusters, whose cut rate has steadily increased to make the movies feel action-packed and fast-paced. These cuts are visible to the trained eye during the fight scenes that occur in Endgame.

The Narrative

The Principal Cast of 7 Samurai

Although set in two contrasting worlds, Kurosawa fabricated the plot element of highly skilled warriors being recruited against a common enemy. That still is the core of every good against evil story. In both movies, the groups are hesitant to get involved in this suicide mission, with the only upside being that they know they are doing the right thing. More often than not, they are the only ones that can tackle such a mission.

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The narratives begin to reach the climax when there's a call to action: a call for the heroes to hunker down and redouble their efforts. It's the death of one of their own that leads them to seek revenge and save the world from their respective band of foes. Independent of the world these righteous warriors inhabit, the narratives are similar and show how far Kurosawa's influence has endured

The Colossal Battle Sequences

The portal scene from Avengers Endgame

If you watched any Marvel film, it is notable (to say the least) when there's a battle scene between the good and evil armies. When watching Seven Samurai the viewer can't help but be in awe when a battle scene takes place. Kurosawa's command of action, together with a steady build-up, and clarity of movement make these scenes incredible to watch.

Moving forward in time, with today's technology and cinematic developments it's easier to create jaw-dropping battle scenes. Perhaps one of the most remarkable scenes of Endgame is the sweeping tracking shot catching up with all the heroes as they go to war. This shot sets the plain field for the audience, and they can visually understand the full scope of the war and be immersed in that world. Seen before in many of the Kurosawa films, this shot aids the viewer when trying to understand which side they are on. It also helps the audience grasp the idea that it requires a group of highly skilled warriors to deal with it.

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