This fine ensemble western, based on Akira Kurosawa’s Shichinin no samurai (Seven Samurai), relates how the titular group of adventurers and guns for hire are employed to defend a much-abused Mexican village from the depredations of an outlaw band. Yul Brynner as Chris, aided by Steve McQueen as Vin, recruits the team, including slick, knife-wielding Britt (James Coburn); soft-spoken and kind-hearted Bernardo (Charles Bronson); Lee (Robert Vaughn), a gunfighter who has lost his nerve; and Harry (Brad Dexter), who is convinced that Chris would only take the job for a big score; they also take on young Chico (Horst Buchholz), who dreams of life as a gunman as an escape from his youth on a farm. Eli Wallach is in excellent form as the outlaw Calvera, whose band threatens the village, and Vladimir Sokoloff provides the insight of age as the old man who lives near the village, one who understands more of the wider world than the locals. Jorge Martínez de Hoyos is sympathetic as the leader of those in the village who turn to these outsiders for help, in the process discovering the strength that lies within themselves as well. A superlative score by Elmer Bernstein with a memorable theme adds to the movie as well. Easily among the best westerns out there.

  Recommended. Otto finds this one pleasing enough to relax.

Movie 448 for 2021.