Instant classic. The movie is pretty much immaculate. The only things I'd point out as less than stellar, Kikuchiyo'death being not as impactful as it could've been, are minicule and nitpicking at best.

The pacing is perfect. A 3 hour run time can put most die hard movie fans off, but the gripping storytelling, acting from all of the cast with such range of emotions - heartfelt to dramatic - and cinematography just catches you and never let's you go until the title cards say "The End".

Takashi Shimura, Isao Kimura and Toshiro Mifune all give exceptional performances. The wise veteran, giving wisdom, the naive protoge and the brash unpredictable rogue. Mifune steals any scenes he's in with his charisma, his energy, his range and the weight behind everything he says. You could follow him for the run time and be just fine.

Kurosawa's masterpiece, indeed. Every shot is beautiful. Timeless direction and camera work.