‘Memorable’ Western movie is streaming on BBC tonight | Films | Entertainment | EUROtoday

A timeless Western celebrated by lovers as an “absolute benchmark of a movie” returns to TV screens tonight on BBC Four. The 1960 masterpiece The Magnificent Seven follows impoverished farmers in a Mexican village who enlist seven American gunfighters, headed by Chris Adams (Yul Brynner), to guard them towards Calvera’s (Eli Wallach) marauding bandits.

The employed weapons, that includes Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson amongst their ranks, put together the villagers for battle earlier than delivering an exhilarating climactic confrontation. Despite being greater than 60 years outdated, this Western stays a landmark achievement in cinema, with devotees hailing it as “a beacon of film” and “a classic”. Over on Rotten Tomatoes, the image boasts an excellent 93 per cent approval ranking from audiences.

One glowing five-star evaluation noticed: “A classic and highly influential Western that’s very likeable and entertaining. It’s actually a remake of Seven Samurai. The titular seven are all very likeable with distinct personalities, backstories, and skillsets.

“The movie’s soundtrack is iconic and really uplifting. The Bandit chief, Calvera, could be very memorable and charismatic. I admire that the villagers are much less cartoonishly pathetic on this model in comparison with the villagers in Seven Samurai.”

As reported by The Mirror, the reviewer elaborated: “I preferred the slick Cajun chief of the employed weapons, Chris. It’s cool to have a French-accented cowboy because the lead. It’s enjoyable to look at the cowboys train the farmers learn how to shoot rifles.

“The final showdown is very exciting, as the cowboys and farmers defeat the bandits while losing four of their own in the process. It’s a mildly bittersweet, but ultimately happy ending that’s more uplifting than the original Seven Samurai. It’s a solid remake that does its own thing while still understanding the core appeal of the original story.”

Another viewer remarked: “This stands as a beacon in good old-fashioned Western themed filmmaking. Those were the days when men were of steel and ships of wood, hey? John Sturgis [the film director] ushered in a new era with this movie.

“Great story, wonderful ensemble of a forged who all excels in character. Great cinematography, wonderful places. Absolute benchmark of a film.

“My favorite movie of all time. Classic Western – good versus evil and helping the weak. Great character actors, unbelievable ensemble and some terrific lines. Calvera: ‘Tell me why, why did you take the job in the first place?’

“Vin: ‘I as soon as knew a person down in El Paso who took off all his garments and jumped in a multitude of cactus. I requested him the identical factor, why? He mentioned, it gave the impression to be a good suggestion on the time.'”

A third commented: “I first watched this film as a younger teen and have been smitten ever since.” Another film enthusiast added: “Classic western incorporates a incredible ensemble of legendary actors, an unforgettable musical rating, lovely cinematography and even a good quantity of humour. It all results in an thrilling climactic shoot out. Brynner and McQueen are standouts.”

The Magnificent Seven airs on Thursday, January 29 at 8pm on BBC Four.