The Magnificent Seven (1960)
Dir: John Sturges
Cast: Yul Brynner, Eli Wallach, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, Robert Vaughan, James Coburn, Horst Buchholz.
Plot Summary
In a Mexican village under siege by a band of ruthless bandits, seven gunfighters are hired to protect the villagers. John Sturges’ 1960 remake of Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai transports the story from feudal Japan to the Old West, blending timeless themes with the backdrop of a rugged frontier.
Plot Synopsis
After repeated raids from a gang of bandits, the elders of a Mexican village travel to a border town to seek help. They encounter Chris (Yul Brynner), a veteran gunslinger, who suggests that hiring men is more cost-effective than purchasing guns. Chris recruits six other gunfighters, each with their own unique skills and motivations: a drifter, a desperate professional, a knife specialist, a treasure hunter, a wanted man, and a young hothead. Together, they train the villagers to defend themselves and lay a trap for the return of the bandits.
Review
It’s difficult to write an entirely objective review of The Magnificent Seven—the film was my gateway to an appreciation of westerns. Growing up in the ’70s, I was not always drawn to the standard John Wayne films that would air on Sunday afternoons. But this 1960 classic, set in the fading days of the Old West, changed my perception.
Directed by John Sturges, the film is beautifully shot against the stunning landscapes of Mexico, creating a vivid backdrop for the action. The story, a reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, works well in this new setting, highlighting the timeless themes of honor, sacrifice, and justice. Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen deliver strong performances as gunslingers with a moral compass, and the supporting cast—including James Coburn, Robert Vaughan, and Charles Bronson—adds depth to the ensemble, with many of them going on to become iconic figures in cinema.
Sturges’ direction is meticulously precise, yet at times it feels a bit too slow. The film runs for 128 minutes, and it takes over 100 of those minutes to set up the climactic gunfight. While the pacing may seem drawn out, the first two-thirds of the film focus on fleshing out the backstories and motivations of the seven men, which, although engaging, doesn’t quite do justice to the complexities of their characters. Some standout moments, such as the funeral scene, offer memorable visual and emotional beats, but ultimately, the film leaves you wanting a deeper exploration of these complicated men.
Would I recommend The Magnificent Seven? Absolutely. The visuals are stunning, the performances are solid, and despite its pacing issues, the story remains compelling. But the true standout is Elmer Bernstein’s iconic score. It elevates every moment, drawing you in whenever the tension rises or action is imminent. The score becomes as captivating as a child fixated on an ice cream cone—unforgettable and mesmerizing, keeping your attention fixed on the screen.