It is basically impossible to top Akira Kurosawa’s
classic Japanese epic “Seven Samurai.” Mike Massie said in his review, “But the
thundering, rousing music by Elmer Bernstein is a stupendous start for this
Americanized, Western take on one of the greatest of filmic imports. In
shifting locations, time periods, and languages – along with several plot
elements – this rugged, action-packed adaptation (by William Roberts) is, on
its own, a staggering success.” Despite not straying from Kurosawa’s basic
story, “The Magnificent Seven” certainly has its own type.
Calvera (Eli Wallach, playing as cruel and crafty a
character as ever before), a bandit leader not afraid to rob from the poor,
rides into a small town to once again steal supplies from Sotero’s (Rico
Alaniz) community of farmers, who are barely able to feed their families. If anyone
dares to stand up to Calvera, they get immediately shot. This method causes
many of the townspeople to think about leaving the town, or hiding food, or
begging for mercy. Staying is thinking of a slow death.
With the advice of the wise elder, three of the men
travel to the border town to buy guns to defend themselves. “We don’t know how
to kill,” they insist. “Then learn…or die,” responds the elder. In town, they’re
quickly treated to a large, foreign display: Dodge man Chris Larabee Adams (Yul
Brynner, dressed in all black, but still hands down a champion of purity) and
Tombstone traveler Vin Tanner (Steve McQueen) volunteer to drive a hearse up to
Boot Hill to bury Old Sam the Indian, a corpse not fit to be buried amongst the
dead people of the prejudiced, predominantly white citizens who run the area. However,
after a few, well-laced gunshots by the two clearly comfortable with guns, the procession
is allowed to finish their task.
This exciting, significant act perfectly describes the
heroes – men who don’t think twice about doing the right thing, even if it puts
their lives in danger. The audience never finds out anything more about their
past or origins or even the reasons for their chance meeting, but it doesn’t
matter. Massie described, “They may be Western character stereotypes, but these
roles couldn’t be better suited for a cinematic clash of good against evil. No
time or subplots are wasted on painting portraits beyond what is minimally
necessary (though once the battling starts, there are opportunities for
bravery, fear, regret, conviction, and other details on psychological
stability). Each character is distinct – and unshakably righteous – but
shrouded in mystery.”
Massie continued, “Adding to the leading duo are other
typical players, but they too are the types of gunslinging ruffians that need
little more than a bold entrance.” Harry, played by Brad Dexter, thinks there
are hidden money to be won. O’Reilly, played by Charles Bronson, is an
expensive hired gun, bot doesn’t have any predictions at the moment. Britt,
played by James Coburn, is the silent one, but faster with his knife than an
opponent is with a gun. Lee, played by Robert Vaughn, is a solid shot and a man
on the run. Finally, Chico, played by Horst Buchholz, is a reckless,
overconfident, rash young man – the type that isn’t worth enlisting, but comes
in handy when he refuses to be excluded from the gathering of seven rather
magnificent men. Massie said, “There’s more than enough nobleness, skill, and
daredevilry to go around.”
Massie continued, “Whether a test of pride,
desperation, competitiveness, risk, camaraderie, or even just the amusement of
the stupefying odds (40 against 7), the motives and actions of this gathering
of warriors is a nonstop source of entertainment. It’s difficult not to root
for these underdogs (particularly as they confront a murderous bully), even
though their proficiency with deadly weapons places them at a decided advantage
– not unlike the ragtag assemblage of antiheroes that would eventually populate
“The Dirty Dozen” and “The Wild Bunch” (and, to a lesser degree, “The Great
Escape,” which would reunite three of the main cast members).” Preparations,
booby traps, and the element of surprise all put together for a slow build to an
exciting climax, where death and destruction are certain to occur to the determined
fighters – along with a bit of romance, a little humor, plenty of suspense, and
Bernstein’s theme music at all the right moments. Brilliantly, the film isn’t
as easy as a group of professional gunners going up against criminals for a
just cause. There are twists, escalations, and situation reversals that make
them all accept their identities and egos. Massie ended his review by saying, “When
things get really tough, these seven men can’t be bothered with the
sensibilities of self-preservation – it’s about standing their ground and
challenging wickedness, solely because that’s what the good guys do.”
I know this film probably copies “Seven Samurai”
verbatim, but it’s still a Western classic that everyone should see. I enjoyed
it a lot when I saw it years ago while exercising. Currently, this is streaming
on Tubi, so check it out and enjoy yourselves.
I was surprised to find out that this film had a few
sequels. We will be looking at the first one next week in “The Magnificent
Seven Month.” In the meantime, I will be taking some time off until next week
so I can recuperate from reviewing films every day last month.
