Most critics call this Western remake of Kurosawa's The Seven Samurai a classic. But few will admit that it's a great film. Maybe it's because they're asking the wrong question: "How can a movie this entertaining be great?" It can be, and is, both a rousing adventure flick and a seminal Western.
At heart, it's a character-driven action storya tall tale of seven men seeking redemption by performing one selfless act in their meaningless, violence-ridden lives. Fortunately for, they make their conversion from mercenaries to noble protectors look cool. They're men of few words, but when they do talk, their talk is tough and wry. And, when they're not talking, their guns are blazing in excellently directed action sequences, or their actions are enhanced by Elmer Bernstein's memorable, Oscar-nominated score.
Director: John Sturges Producers: Walter Mirisch Starring: Yul Brynner Starring: Eli Wallach Starring: Steve McQueen Starring: Charles Bronson Starring: James Coburn
