Scene Analysis: Seven Samurai - Kyuzo's Duel

The scene I analyze is the duel of Kyuzo. In less than two minutes, Akira Kurosawa builds up the great image of a master swordsman.


The video is on S Drive->Public->Japanese Film->Scene Analysis Clips

Shot 1: A medium long shot. Camera captures this shot from behind. Kyuzo is farther from the camera than the other samurai to show that he is about to leave after the first time duel. What Kyuzo says would reflect what happens later in the scene.

Shot 2: A medium long shot. Camera captures from front. The other samurai is about to draw his sword and wants to duel Kyuzo with real sword.

Shot 3: An extreme long shot. It covers a large and wide area to show the flee of the villagers because of the dueling of two samurais. It shows the timidity of villagers.

Shot 4: A long shot. This shot shows the stance of ready to duel of both samurais. It also place Kambei, Katsushiro and other villagers at the back of the shot to give audience an idea of where everyone is in the scene.

Shot 5: An extreme long shot. Camera goes back to the villagers to show the coming back of the villagers. They want to see the duel of two samurais but they are also afraid to be injured.

Shot 6: A long shot. Camera moves back to the duel to show the duel is starting.

Shot 7: A medium long shot. Kambei seems like very calm but Katsushiro seems like little worried. They stand together to show Kambei is an experienced samurai and pave the way for Kambei's judgement.

Shot 8: A long shot. It is interesting to look at two different ways to hold swords. Kyuzo look like very calm and patient but the other samurai is irritable. He reminds me of Kikuchiyo who wants to be a samurai so he shows off his sword all the time.

Shot 9: A long shot. Camera moves back to Kambei, Katsushiro and villagers.

Shot 10: A long shot. Kyuzo barely moves. He waits for another samurai to come near him and hit him.

Shot 11: A medium shot. Kambei and villagers step forward to show that they want to know the result of the duel but Katsushiro is still worried and it shows his innocence as a samurai.

Shot 12: A long shot. Kyuzo stands still and the other samurai fells down.

Shot 13: A medium shot. Camera quickly moves back to the others and we can see Kambei shows his eagerness towards Kyuzo on his face.

Shot 14: A medium close-up. It is interesting to give a close-up to Katsushiro as the end of the scene instead of giving to Kyuzo. Probably director wants to show how this duel influence Katsushiro to be a better samurai.