On M List of Movie Reviews

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The Magnificent Seven (1960)

Rate: 9
Viewed: 12/03, 4/14

Mag7
4/14: Last time, I rated The Magnificent Seven '4' because it was a slow picture.

Having seen it again, my opinion is more improved. I look at acting as part of my criteria. Hence, most of the players have done well, but it's Yul Brynner, Charles Bronson, and Horst Buchholz who stand out the most. Without question, Yul Brynner is the undisputed leader of the ensemble cast. He has a quiet commanding presence, setting the tone of the film. Sorry, Steve McQueen...you lost. And it's not even close.

Charles Bronson is likeable and personable, and the relationship his character has with the three Mexican boys is touching. The best scene is when he talked about the definition of responsibility after hearing from them what cowards their fathers were. Not much credit is given to Horst Buchholz who's the true star of the show. He's charming and funny in an affable way and surely wears his heart on his sleeve.

Many Western pictures are more or less the same: bandits accost a flock of people and the good guys come to their rescue and defeat them. That's why I had a lowered opinion of The Magnificent Seven the first time around. The redundant plot is somewhat the same for Valdez Is Coming and Guns for San Sebastian. However, I didn't realize The Magnificent Seven predates them by an average of nine years, setting an example for others to follow. I've seen Shichinin no samurai twice, and it's such an overlong, boring film. Hence, I prefer the other one.

All in all, if I want to see The Magnificent Seven again, Yul Brynner is the reason why.