August is often a lull in the summer blockbuster schedule, give or take a Suicide Squad. This year, as the domestic theatrical business shakes off the pandemic and tries to get back on its feet with blah offerings like Space Jam: A New Legacy, the Coolidge Corner Theatre is premiering a new program they’ve called SAMURAI SUMMER. One month, seven action packed Japanese classics from Shogun Assassin to Yojimbo.

My knowledge of samurai films is severely lacking, so I’m grateful to the Coolidge for putting together such a stellar lineup. In fact, I’ve not seen any of these films outside of clips of Seven Samurai! This is exactly what I’ve missed during the pandemic – the chance to experience important films in the way they were meant to be seen. Even better, Shogun Assassin, Seven Samurai, 13 Assassins, Yojimbo, and Sword of Death will all be screening on 35mm prints! I’m particularly excited for the midnight screening of Blind Woman’s Curse, a film I’ve never heard of nor know anything about, but you better believe I’ll be there. A film by Takashi Miike is always welcome, and I’m sure 13 Assassins is no exception. No matter which film you choose, I’m sure each will be a blast.

Moviegoing isn’t just about seeing the latest studio film at an AMC. It’s about film history, revisiting old favorites in a communal space, or just seeing a cool movie from 1965 you didn’t know existed until last week. The Coolidge and Brattle theatres (and the Harvard Film Archive when it reopens, hopefully early next year) are fundamental pillars of film culture in the Boston area. I don’t want to live in a world where the only movies I can see on the big screen come from Disney. 

I’m not sure what else to say about this collection of samurai films because I don’t want to look up more details than necessary. I’m in this for the surprise! It’ll be a blast! Say hi at the Seven Samurai screening!

Samurai Summer films will be screening during the month of August at the Coolidge Corner Theatre. The program kicks off with a midnight screening of Shogun Assassin on Saturday 8/7