The Magnificent Seven (1960)

 Overlooked beauty
Seldom mentioned in discussions of "The Magnificent Seven" is the appearance of the stunning Mexican actress Rosenda Montero, the romantic interest of the character Chico. Now in her 70's, she appeared in very few American films,(She appeared in "She," with Ursula Andress) but had a big career in Mexican movies. I would love to have seen more of her exotic beauty in "Seven," but there were only a few shots of her. I think she is one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen in a film, in terms of pure, raw beauty. April 6, 2008

 The Magnificent Seven
One of the best westerns made. The cast was the right mix for the story line. March 26, 2008

 Great Western
Even if the western genre isn't your thing this is a "must have" for any DVD collection. As fresh today as when it was filmed. The price is fantastic! March 11, 2008

 Pinnacle of the "strong, silent type" western
For those who like movies where bravery triumphs evil, cowards find redemption, and the cynical find something to believe in, you must own "The Magnificent Seven". Tired of being plundered every year by the evil Calvera (exquisitely played by Eli Wallach), poor Mexican villagers come to an American town to buy guns for protection. Yul Brynner convinces them to buy men instead, because "nowadays, men are cheaper than guns". The men who take on the job of protecting the village are outnumbered 100 to 7. They represent a cast that shames any modern ensemble: joining Yul Brynner are Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, James Coburn, and Robert Vaughn, supported by Brad Dexter and newcomer Horst Buchholtz. The showdown between Wallach and Brynner beautifully illustrates their moral differences. Wallach declares "if God did not want these villagers sheared, he would not have made them sheep", to which Brynner replies "ride on". It takes some time for the movie to reach the intense action of their ultimate battle, but this is part of what separates the "Seven" from other westerns. In the end, good triumphs over evil, one of the Seven stops denying his roots and stays behind with the villagers, and the excellent musical score helps us all ride into the sunset. Trivia note: Brad Dexter later saved Frank Sinatra's life on the set of the movie "None But the Brave". (He moved Sinatra away from a set that was collapsing). Twenty years later, when Dexter was living in a county nursing home, Sinatra found out about it and had him moved to a first-class, private facility. January 29, 2008

 a 'Magnificent' westernized version of Kurosawa's masterpiece......
If you are looking for a film with humor, action, romance and triumph, MAGNIFICENT SEVEN is the film for you. Directed by John Sturges in 1960, the story line is lifted directly from Akira Kurosawa's SEVEN SAMURAI, a 1954 masterpiece, that depicted the struggle between Japanese peasants and the heartless bandits who intend to seize their land and assume ultimate control over their hard earned resources.

In the case of MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, the plot has been transposed to the struggle between Mexican bandits--specifically the evil Calvera (Eli Wallach)--and the farmers for whom corn is their predominant cash crop. The title 'Seven' are a group of gunslingers, lead by Chris (Yul Brynner), a skillful renegade. He bands together an unlikely posse. This includes the inexperienced Chico [or "boy" in English], played by German actor Horst Buccholz, Harry Luck (Brad Dexter), Vin (Steve McQueen), Bernardo O'Reilly (Charles Bronson), Britt (James Coburn), and Lee (Robert Vaughn). Together these gunslingers train the locals how to shoot guns and defend themselves, as well as instilling in them a sense of courage and newfound self-worth.

It's so wonderful, for me, to see Yul Brynner in one of the best roles of his career. Before, the only association I really had with him was that of "The King" in THE KING AND I, and it's truly a pleasure to see him as a swaggering and heroic cowboy. What's more, the score is truly unforgettable--particularly, the theme song that resonates throughout the film, composed by Elmer Bernstein. Enjoy! January 27, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...