Make your foray into Kurosawa with "Seven Samurai" or "Yojimbo" and find out where Lucas/Spielberg/et al got all their epic ideas (and why they shamelessly wore them on their sleeves). In doing so, witness the mastery of one of the greatest leading men in film history: Toshiro Mifune. Luckily, I got to see "Seven Samurai" in a new 35mm print at the Belcourt a few months ago. 'Twas bad-ass (all 4 hours).

While we're on Japanese film ... did the Ring scare you? Then steel yourself for "Audition."