The Magnificent Seven

The Magnificent Seven is a great western. It may not be an all time classic but for sheer entertainment it is wonderful.

Based on Kurusowa's masterpiece Seven Samurai the tale of seven misfit samurai reaching the end of their era and struggling to find a place in society it is transplaced to the wild west with seven gunslingers. The seven are given a meaning to their lives by the noble opportunity to save a Mexican village being blackmailed by bandits.

It's one of those few films with en ensemble which is truly an all star cast working to the best of their powers namely because actors like Steve McQueen were not that well known at this time and took advantage of their opportunity at fame. It established him and others like James Coburn.It's really just a series of cliche's as the seven, each working out his own problem knocks the villagers into shape and put on a stand against the bad guys. But somehow its pulled off brilliantly by the magnetism of everyone involved.

My favourite of the Seven is Robert Vaughn, the Man From Uncle, a washed up figure who finally overcomes his fear of life.

There are some brilliant set pieces. It's directed by Preston Sturges who was involved in The Great Escape which has some similarities and used many of the cast, Coburn, McQueen, Bronson. Never get tired of watching this one.