The Magnificent Seven (1960) NR
These Seven, Still Magnificent.
Some classic movies have a nasty habit of dating. Viewed in the context of these times, and up against the all-pervading special effects and higher production values we have become used to, our warm memories of film night down at the local Church hall are often left wanting on closer inspection through 21st century eyes.
John Sturges' The Magnificent Seven is not such an example. As rich and endearing now as it was 48 years ago, this classic Seven more than capably lives up to its title.
Wall-to-wall with what were to become Hollywood icons, The Magnificent Seven tells - with enormous heart, plenty of action, and lashings of American charisma - the engaging tale of a band of skillful gunslingers protecting a bullied village of peasant Mexicans from Calvera, and his troop of banditos.
This is the Western genre at its absolute best. Of course, there are other outstanding examples, but The Magnificent Seven sits comfortably in the top three.
But, as a Western, set in the 1860s, it makes some pretty salient comments about life in the 1960s, and beyond.
Supporters of a 'code' of conduct, the heroes - a somewhat bedraggled, down-on-their-luck group of tough hombres - led so brilliantly by the ultra-macho Yul Brynner, with lovable rascal Steve McQueen at his side - take on a contract from a literally dirt-poor Mexican town. Terrorized by Eli Wallach, as Calvera, and his wicked band of thugs, the Mexicans come to the border seeking guns. And leave with men.
Not just males, but real men. Men who on differing levels aspire to help the helpless, defend the defenseless, and uphold not so much the law, but what is right. This is well shown early in the picture as Brynner and McQueen, innocent bystanders, transport a dead Native American man to the cemetary, despite the ill-feeling in the 'civilized' town towards men of color.
The fact that the seven are willing to help a group of impoverished Mexicans also makes a statement that justice truly is blind. It’s a statement as relevant today, as it was 48 years ago.
Of course, some things have changed in the movies over those 48 years. Gunshot wounds, and the resulting death are no longer protrayed through the facial reactions, or histrionic death dances of the victims. Would that we could go back there. I'd give a hundred Robert Vaughn or Charles Bronson Magnificent Seven death scenes for any one of our modern, blood-pooling, brain-tissue dissemintating efforts any day of the week. They are no less meaningful to the story, plus, they don't make for nightmares.
Rather, The Magnificent Seven is the stuff of dreams. Enjoy it, many times. The kids will love it, and it may even help them see how movies once were, and how they can be, again.
By Brett Stringer
