ByTowne ByTowne Cinema
ByTowne Cinema
325 Rideau St. Ottawa K1N 5Y4
Info Line: (613) 789-FILM
The Magnificent Seven
Print this pageMust-See Cinema! Don't see it because it's a Western, see it because it's Magnificent!
Showtimes:
No screenings currently scheduled.
Boldly drawing on Akira Kurosawa’s revered masterpiece The Seven Samurai, director John Sturges found in the traditional Western the perfect vessel for Kurosawa’s honourable warrior codes, outlaw versus drifter themes, and suitably tense action set-pieces. Thus, The Magnificent Seven emerges as not only ludicrously enjoyable entertainment but also a superior and thoughtful character study.
The story – oppressed villagers beg mysterious loner to round up some hired gunmen to fight fearsome bandits – may lack depth but is ultimately perfect for the type of crowd-pleasing antics that the Western thrived on. However, Sturges’ efficient shift in location is not the only aid to his cause. Blessed with such a charismatic cast, bristling with chemistry, the film elevates beyond simple Good versus Evil ciphers, allowing Sturges to consolidate themes of male bonding and alienation into teeming drama.
The film is punctuated with outstanding performances, particularly the relationship between Brynner’s black-clad, enigmatic loner and McQueen’s laconic gunman. Elsewhere, Horst Bucholz’s deluded wannabe and Brad Dexter’s avaricious glory-hound provide excellent support along with distinctive early career turns from Coburn, Bronson, and Vaughn.
This remains a high mark of the Western, replete with a memorable Elmer Bernstein score. Intelligent without being too ambitious, Sturges crafts an exciting adventure with lasting stature.
– Danny Graydon, BBC Films
The ByTowne doesn't have a parking lot of its own, but denizens of downtown can usually find street parking close by fairly easily.
This web site is very useful, but the hard copy of the ByTowne guide still has its merits. People rely on it and love it. Plus, its calendar pages can be pulled out and posted on your fridge door, something that we still can't achieve with the web site. Get your copy today at many local stores, coffee shops and info centres around town! 