Movie Review # 562: The Magnificent Seven (1960)

Well everyone, today, I have a surprise for all of you, as we are going to be reviewing an older film from decades ago, apparently 1960 to be exact. It is an old classic Western film that starred Steve McQueen, Yul Brynner, Eli Wallach, and quite a few other stars. Not only that, but it is surprisingly a film that I became eager to see almost a decade ago when I first heard about it (more on that in a bit). So now, with that said, let’s discuss the old Western classic, The Magnificent Seven.

Plot: When a gang of bandits, led by the villainous Calvera (Eli Wallach), raid a poor Mexican village, three of the citizens of that village, the elder leader of the village (played by Vladimir Sokoloff) encourages some of the citizens to leave the village, and seek help from anyone who may know how to use guns, and other weapons against their enemy. Finding aid from a Cajun gunslinger named Chris Adams (Yul Brynner), will Adams, and some other new recruits that he helps the Mexicans hire, will the Mexican village have the courage to fight against Calvera, and his gang, and be rid of them once and for all?

Alright, so, part of what made me eager to see this film as if about a decade ago was when I was on YouTube, I started watching a video reviewing series by the name of Animated Look Back. Basically, a YouTuber named Lazerdude99 (aka Ken) started this video series, in which he reviewed, and analyzed (and still does so over a decade later) animated movies, mostly older ones. Anyway, in his original intro for those episodes (which the music changed a few years later for some reason), he played the main musical theme, which maybe a couple years later, I asked him where that music was from. He then told me that the music was from 1960’s The Magnificent Seven. Well, I still never saw it until just this past weekend. So, was it good. For the most part, yes it was. First of all, how could you not love the theme song/music for this film. It is catchy, upbeat, and surprisingly one of those times where, even if this film is NOT a musical, the score is still very memorable, and bound to stick in your head for a long time to come. Somehow, with films like this, or 1963’s The Great Escape, for instance, Elmer Bernstein knows how to make very memorable scores for films that he has scored in. If he’s not listed as one of the best composers for films just like Hans Zimmer, James Horner, John Williams, or some of them, then he should be. Next, there are most of the characters. Some of them may not have been given much screen time, and maybe could have been a little more, especially some of the members of the Magnificent Seven group. Yes, most of them are fleshed out. Still, there were maybe one, or two that could have maybe been given their due a little more in the film than they were in the end. Additionally, how could one not appreciate the fact that there is very little blood shown in this film? Okay, I understand that when say a person gets stabbed, shot, you make it, then of course blood will show. But when you compare the violence in older films like The Magnificent Seven, or even The Great Escape, where people get shot, and/or killed, then compare that to newer shows, and films like The Matrix, and the newer Hawaii Five-O, you’d be surprised by the amount of violence shown in both cases. I mean at least in older films like The Magnificent Seven, even if someone got killed, either no blood, or very little blood was shown. Yet, in newer shows like Blue Bloods, the amount of blood, and gore is basically thrown in your face to show that the person is dead. Somewhat bothersome, wouldn’t you say? Anyway, the acting is also outstanding. Steve McQueen, Yul Brynner, James Coburn, and Eli Wallach are especially great to watch onscreen during this film’s showtime. You can also tell that the chemistry, and banter between the characters is perfect, and that they seemed to enjoy working together onscreen? As for the special effects, even if those may not be the best especially by today’s standards, they’re still very fun to watch, and listen to, especially when it comes to hearing the gunshots in a film like this one. And another thing! It was great that the Mexicans were willing to seek outside help, and do whatever it took to protect the people that lived in their village. Finally, it was also great that some of the characters were willing to step up to the plate, and try to be the best leaders possible, no matter how easy, or difficult that seemed to be. Honestly, that could be a good lesson to each of us in real life to be willing to do things that we may feel uncomfortable with from time to time, you know?

And that’s my review for The Magnificent Seven. It is a really fun film with very good lessons to learn, and/or be reminded of, an excellent score that should have won an Oscar, really fun characters, and things like those. If you really are into Western films, and you haven’t seen this one yet, I would highly recommend it. You are definitely bound to have a fun time with it, and enjoy it. Again, definitely see it, and see what you think!

Final Grade: A