This all time great film is commonly compared to the Western film it inspired "The Magnificent Seven".Though there are two aspects which give the original more meaning and depth.Firstly is the richly detailed characterisation of all the individual members of the samurai , with special emphasise on the code of honour and the passing of the traditional chivalry into an uncertain age of less certain and stable values systems.In transitional Japan of the 1950s this would be a vital and current valid study of rapidity of change , its desirability and where would it lead.
The other is the presence of guns , the samurai have to take on the bandits with sword and guile whilst the other party have guns at their disposal.
Here is an excellent video review of the drama and central theme of the film:
This excellent review gives a detailed background to this amazing work of art.
Kurosawa had more influences than just The Magnificent Seven , he also inspired the Fistful of Dollars series and was , ultimately uncredited , light in the Japanese segments of the ground breaking film Tora!Tora!Tora!.
The video below gives an indication of the vast Influences and Inspirations Kurosawa gained from Western Literature and Arts as well as his own contributions to Western Films and genres we now take for granted:
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