Reviews

I'll make this short and sweet: Brynner, McQueen, Bronson, Coburn are likable and magnificent characters in this movie even though I wish they all each had more speaking lines. Heck, I even liked the villain Calvera even though he was not very "villainy", but that's because I can't help to like Eli Wallach.

The problem I had with this movie was the casting of the other 3 played by Brad Dexter, Robert Vaughn, and Horst Buchholz. Dexter's character (Harry) was not interested in helping anybody except himself always asking about where the hidden treasure was at. The only reason he signed on was to hopefully come across a fortune whether it be gold, silver, gems, etc. Vaughn's character (Lee)was there to just basically hang out or hide out from whatever demons he is running from. The scene where he's having a nightmare is laughable I now have to fast forward through each time I watch the movie....and he NEVER takes off his black gloves for a moment. He even sleeps with his gloves on (what a freak). Horst Buchholz's character (Chico) is annoying at the beginning and several times throughout but at least he is willing to fight and not try to blend into the adobe walls as if he were a chameleon like Lee did when Calvera showed up the first time. Which is why he adds the "1/2" part to my Summary Title.

Yul Brynner as "Chris" is eye candy as usual. He just oozes sex appeal all over the screen. He can just sit there and blink and say nothing. The man drives me mad. My favorite scenes are when he lights up his cigarillos in the hearse. So sexy...I have serious breathing problems looking at him. And a big thank you to the scriptwriters for not letting his gorgeous bod not get shot up by the bandidos! Chris' bond with the villagers are the friendships he forms with the initial 3 farmers who seek him out.

McQueen as "Vin" is the camera's darling as he is constantly trying to steal the scenes, which he does. He also has the best lines in the movie. His bond comes with the idea of not drifting anymore but settling down in that town or some place similar. He's just so dang cute.

Bronson as "O'Reilly" was quite the stud all buff chopping wood. Who would've thought the dude from Death Wish could make me go gaga? When in the Mexican village, his bond is formed with several children there making his character even more likable as he is almost like a big brother to them. They vow to make sure if anything happens to him they will bury him, avenge his death, and make sure his grave always has fresh flowers.

Coburn has this intimidating presence on screen. They don't give him a lot to say but I got the impression that he is a dedicated person who finishes whatever he starts. He bonds with the village even though it's not shown/acted out but we know he has one when he says "Nobody throws me my own guns and says run. Nobody." Buccholz I wanted to punch in his young brat face one too many times. He tries too hard to be like the big men. At times, I'd say to the television, "Oh Shut up!" or "Not this kid again!". Sometimes the looks on the others' faces seemed to say the same thing, as if this kid "Chico" gets on their nerves. Chico's bond is with a village senorita he finds down by the arroyo and he comes from a similar farming village but is in denial because he wants desperately to be a gunslinger. Being a farmer isn't glamorous enough and he's ashamed of farmers.

The music is wonderful. So wonderful, I made the opening song my ring tone. Even though the casting flaws (in my opinion) I still love this movie.

I enjoyed this film very much. Yes, I only watched it because it stars Yul Brynner. He has some excellent lines in this movie. Lines that stick with you and you find yourself repeating them later. Those sort of movie lines.

He plays a Russian major who displays a wide range of emotions in this movie. He's strict, he's kind, he's vulnerable, he's tender, he's mean, he's funny, he's sad, he's lonely, he's happy, he's caring, etc. He smiles, he yells, he laughs, he dances, he sings. You will find yourself liking and loving his character, and you will long Then there's that "Kiss" between him and Deborah Kerr. I felt that kiss right through the television screen! He's a pretty darn good kisser if you ask me.