JohnDoe
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The Magnificent 7 (1960) - Trailer Included
The Magnificent 7
DVD Cover
Music:Elmer Bernstein
Starring:Steve McQueen, Yul Bryner, James Cogburn, Charles Bronson, Brad Dexter, Jorst Bolt, Robert Vaughn
"The old man was right. Only the farmers won. We lost. We always lose." - Chris
Taking the story of legendary Director Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai and converting it into a western was inevitable when you consider that the director was himself inspired by the cowboy epics of his idol John Ford. (Later his film Yojimbo would become Sergio Leone’s A Fistful of Dollars)
Translating perfectly to the old west, this classic sees seven hired guns follow their violent instincts to defend a poor Mexican village that is being attacked by a marauding gang.
"You came back - for a place like this. Why? A man like you. Why?" - Calvera
Opening with Calvera (Eli Wallach) and his horde ravaging the small farmland settlement, once the smoke clears two peasants are sent into a white mans world to buy firearms. "Even if we had the guns, we know how to plant and grow, we don't know how to kill." -Hilario
After witnessing two lethal marksman, Chris (Yul Bryner) and Vin (Steve McQueen) in action the wheels are set in motion, soon these men of the land learn it is cheaper to buy flesh than cold steel.
Recruited for their ruthless skills with the tools of death, Bernardo (Charles Bronson), Brit (James Cogburn), Lee (Robert Vaughn), Harry (Brad Dexter) and the kid (Jorst Bolt) form the tough guy crew.
"There's a job for six men, watching over a village, south of the border." - Chris
Aware they are outnumbered and outgunned the seven decide to take the job of helping those who cannot help themselves. Teaching the meek how to fight and learning that a warriors life means the sacrifice of a simple one.
"The reason I understand your problem so well is that I walked in the same trap myself. Yeah. First day we got here, I started thinking: Maybe I could put my gun away, settle down, get a little land, raise some cattle. Things that these people know about me be to my credit - wouldn't work against me. I just didn't want you to think you were the only sucker in town." - Chris
So who's the star?
John Doe says:
A western adventure film that treats the audience with intelligence and still dazzles with it’s staggering action and very human heroes. Reworked numerous times since (A Bug’s Life) the film stands up because of its universal themes, exceptional cast and assured direction from a smart storyteller.
Director John Sturges (The Great Escape, Never So Few, Bad Day at Black Rock, The Eagle has Landed) builds tension with the plot and captures his actors effortless intensity, heightening onscreen physical action and making you pay attention to the more introspective human emotions that surface during the story.
Capturing the vast landscape in the lens and then contrasting it with interior shots the cinematography tells its own story without words. Framing the heroic bunch with gravitas and also being smart enough to keep the camera at a distance where we can tell what is going on during the shootouts and bloodshed.
Elmer Bernstein’s rousing score still raises hairs and stands out as possibly the greatest western anthem ever.
On-set feuding due to the blind ambition by the up and coming stars resulted in memorable performances from everyone involved. The chemistry between all the cast is electric.
Steve McQueen (Bullitt) is always trying to steal the show, toying with his hat brim or loading a scatter gun with a shake. Yul Bryner (Westworld) is his usual stoic self and in real life got so pissed off that he threatened to play the part with his hat off, the threat being his bald head would steal the show.
James Cogburn (Affliction) uses his gruff voice and slinking body language perfectly to become a dangerous man. Charles Bronson (The Dirty Dozen) brings a softness to the tough guy part and though he is hulking onscreen there is a tragedy to him right from the start.
This is a film where stars were made and it’s the first film John Doe ever saw with the players who have become lifetime favourites since. The sentimentality factor on this is through the roof too, Johnny grew up watching as a kid on Bill Collins Saturday night with the family.
This is certified must see for any lover of mythic tales told with heart. The crisp DVD transfer in widescreen with 5.1 sound brings the film to life and though JD had seen it countless times on VHS the first time the disc went in the player it was like seeing it new again.
The DVD:
Transfer: Widescreen 2:35:1/5.1 Dolby Digital
Extras: Commentary with Walter Murch, Robert Reylea, James Cogburn and Eli Wallach. Making of the Magnificent 7: Guns For Hire plus theatrical trailer.
Watch the original 1960's trailer
And here's a montage to the now classic theme from the film.
Rugby World Cup 2007
One of my all time classic favourites...along with 'Seven Samurai'.
"They were seven. And they fought like seven hundred..."
...the audience won this battle...
As always John Doe, excellent.
Dusk
You just write such excellent movie reviews, man ... You really do ...
I'd write more, but Dusk has already written everything that needs to be written ... (Her comment says it all) ... I'd only echo her thoughts ...
David ...
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Really enjoyable! Makes me want to watch Seven Samurai again.
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
Film & TV on DVD
Hi Dusk,
I really love this film too, its an exceptional reworking of a brilliant original. The cast are quintiessential tough guy cool forming one of the great ensembles.
Thanks David, love that you enjoy reading them...it makes it easy when the films I write about are part of
my DNA.
Hi Cib,
I watched it over Easter and man was it a good time. I saw this film so many times as a kid, but on with DVD quality it's something else.
The Seven Samurai transfer is also excellent because its the uncut version of the film. Lots of new scenes.
Hi Luke,
Thanks for the compliment. I thought you would be a fan of this one. Have you already reviewed it on your site?