The Magnificent Seven [Blu-ray]

Best movie I've ever seen, the characters, actors & actresses top notch keep me entertained through the hole film. Love it

Very pleased

This is a great movie, but it does contain many graphic scenes.

"The Magnificent Seven" is an iconic movie that is much more than "just a Western."Starring Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen and a slew of other Hollywood notables - including Robert Vaughn in a wonderful portrayal as a gunslinger who has lost his nerve - it set the bar very high for those cowboy movies that would follow it in the Sixties.Not many were able to match it for great writing, wonderful cinematography, terrific performances, and a musical score that has stood the test of time.That said, when I heard that Denzel Washington was going to star in a remake I must admit that I had my doubts. Those doubts were not based on the fact that Washington is a black man cast as the leader of a band of gunslingers that rides into town to do battle with a ruthless land baron. History tells us that - despite Hollywood's best efforts in the past to paint the West lily white - there were many black cowboys and lawmen. Nor were my doubts rooted in any fear that Washington could not play the role effectively. He is, after all, one of the world's truly great actors.No, what had me worried was the fact that the original is pretty close to being a perfect film. I simply couldn't see how anyone could do it better.As it turns out, my worries were misplaced. This version of the story, first brought to the screen in the Fifties as "Seven Samurai" in Japan, is not a pale copy of the original directed by John Sturges. It is, instead, a re-telling of the story, not a simple remake.That is evident in the fact that, while it is even more violent than the original, this film gives viewers a much deeper look into the characters of the seven men who take a stand against a virtual army of bad guys. For example, Ethan Hawke's portrayal of Goodnight Robicheaux doesn't simply mimic Vaughn's portrayal of the gunslinger who has lost his nerve. Instead, Hawke's character is suffering from what we today refer to as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. A Civil War sniper nicknamed "The Angel of Death," he can no longer face the prospect of taking more lives.Director Antoine Fuqua is a veteran when it comes to directing action films, though this is his first Western. Initially, there were doubters who did not think he could pull this one off given the legendary status of the original and the fact that he is working on a much grander scale than, for example, he did when he directed Washington in "The Equalizer." In my opinion, those doubts were unfounded. Throughout the film Fuqua demonstrates that he had a clear vision for what the movie should be and what it should say and that is evident in his staging of scenes and the portrayals of the characters.The casting for this film was first rate. Chris Pratt as Josh Faraday, for example, brought not only steely eyed menace to his portrayal but a touch of humor as well. Vincent D'Onofrio as Jack Horne was perfect in the role as a solitary mountain man who joins Washington's band. D'Onofrio is one of America's best character actors - his portrayal of the alien in "Men in Black" was, for example, Oscar worthy despite the Academy's refusal to recognize it as such - and he brought the full range of his talent to his role. Peter Sarsgaard as villain Bart Bogue was also wonderful in his role as the greedy land baron who has terrorized the town. Haley Bennett, as the young widow who convinces Washington's character to help rid the town of Bogue and his men, gives a strong performance as well. There are, in fact, no weak links in the cast.The late James Horner's score has some faint echoes of the original music but stands on its own, in my opinion. The script by Nic Pizzolatto and Richard Wenk is, I think, richer in tone than the original. Some critics have complained about the writing, though for the life of me I cannot understand why. The dialogue is crisp and the characters well drawn.The final verdict: An excellent movie that is well worth 5 stars.

This fine film is one of the best westerns made in the 60s. The fine cast is comprised of many great stars to be. Elmer Bernstein's memorable score is a plus.I highly recommend The Magnificent Seven.

My Daddy never missed a western. I'm sure I watched the original with him when I was a kid. I remember that rousing theme music! Can't remember details so many years later, although I thought Yul Brenner looked odd in a cowboy hat.Magnificent Seven 2016 with Denzel, Ethan and Chris does not disappoint. It's fantastic!!! I did not seek out this movie, it just came on because the movie I had just watched starred Chris Pratt. Something about this story feels current. I think it's empathy. You can feel the emotions of each character, even the bad guys. It has a "fly on the wall" quality, like you are really there living alongside them.Here's a funny fact: I notoriously fall asleep during fight scenes, they either don't interest me or maybe they bore me. However, the showdown in this film lasted for over 30 minutes and I was tense and riveted the entire time!!! This may be called a remake but it feels completely original and authentic. Daddy would have loved it!!!

Top notch. Incredibly enjoyable western. Wish there was another

Love this from start to finish