David W
A quirky yet thoroughly enjoyable western with a great cast, some quality action, a smattering of mild early 70's gore and some well played comedic moments. If you enjoy the western genre but are up for something different in the form of some Japanese samurai sword play and dark comedy then you could do a heck of a lot worse. Whilst not perfect its still a minor classic of 70's international genre mash-up action cinema.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
11/11/23
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CodyZamboni
This is a watchable, exciting mash up of samurai and Western genres, with Japanese style action gore, and surprising nudity. Movie's wacky set up is made more palatable by the strong, comic pairing of Charles Bronson and Toshiro Mifune.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
08/21/23
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Audience Member
A good Charles Bronson movie right here highly recommend it. James Welch, Henderson, Arkansas, June 5, 2023
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
06/05/23
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Steve M
Thought this was much better when I saw it in the theater in the way back. Guess movie making has progressed in the last 50 years.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
04/26/23
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matthew d
Perhaps the greatest international picture ever made!
English director Terence Young, of Dr. No, From Russia with Love, and Thunderball fame, directs a formidable ensemble of stars from across the globe for his stylish and entertaining spaghetti Western film Red Sun (1971). Young's direction is thrilling with intense action, amiable buddy comedy, tender romance, and deep character drama all with a stunning Western style. From a gigantic train robbery opener, long desert odyssey, to the fiery finale, Red Sun has all sorts of Western combat to entertain you. Red Sun is truly one of the greatest Western movies ever crafted with a magnificent global cast. Red Sun is all shot in wonderful wide shots of Spain with piercing close-up shots of eyes and faces from cinematographer Henri Alekan.
American tough guy actor Charles Bronson plays an engaging robber hunting down gold, Japanese legendary actor Toshiro Mifune plays an honorable samurai seeking vengeance and redemption, suave French actor Alain Delon plays an evil smirking gunslinger villain, iconic Swiss actress Ursula Andress plays a gorgeous femme fatale as Delon's love interest, and famed French model and actress Capucine plays a lovely madame of a brothel. I long for the days of Hollywood using international stars together for a fascinating and enjoyable film like no other. If only there were producers as ambitious as Red Sun's Ted Richmond and Robert Dorfmann to put something like this together again.
Writers William Roberts, Denne Bart Petitclerc, and Lawrence Roman adapt Laird Koenig's story that's apparently a true story from the old West with a flourish of heart. I like how a ruthless criminal is humanized into a man capable of caring for another's quest, a decent man remains true to his oath, and we get to enjoy it all. The jokes are hilarious, the character arcs are interesting, and the journey is harrowing. It's a neat Western adventure with humorous buddy comedy along the way. Editor Johnny Dwyre's steadfast cuts swiftly keep a brisk pace, ensuring Red Sun's 114 minutes feels more like 60 to me. His sleek cutting style looks like the stylish Italian directed Westerns of the 1960's with a modern 70's sheen to Red Sun.
American actor Charles Bronson is fierce, funny, and tough as the mean crook Link Stuart. He's just likable enough to not feel mean spirited and a fascinating Western hero as Link. Bronson's piercing eyes are hypnotizing. Bronson proves once again he was one of America's greatest actors. Swiss-German actress Ursula Andress is captivating as the sultry and voluptuous Cristina. Her prostitute is sympathetic and often funny. You feel bad for her as her emotions come across as real. Hearing her pretty Swiss accent is always fun like her dazzling blonde hair and unbelievable figure. Ursula Andress is simply enchanting in Red Sun.
Japanese actor Toshirō Mifune is extremely cool and poised as the honorable samurai Kuroda Jubei. I liked him immediately and it's such a trip to see such a giant of cinema play opposite Charles Bronson. He's often funny, but it's his stalwart dedication to his character and impressive swordplay that astonishes me the most in Red Sun. He's got a fun playness next to Bronson as they're both stubborn and motivated. Japanese actor Tetsu Nakamura is neat and refined as the honor bound Japanese Ambassador seeking to gift America's government with a golden katana blade.
French actor Alain Delon is fearsome as the ruthless robber Gauche. His quickdraw gunplay is shocking and his icy cold blue eyes are startling. I loved Delon in Le Samourai and Le Cercle Rouge, so seeing him in Red Sun is a blast. He certainly looks cool and tough with a sneering menace and striking stoic quality. French actress and model Capucine is lovely and charming as the brothel madame Pepita. She's very lovable the moment you see her. Spanish actress Mónica Randall is breathtaking and sweet as the shy escort Maria. They really cast actors and actresses from all over Earth for Red Sun. I read that John Landis has a cameo as a henchman.
Art direction from Enrique Alarcón is striking with two solitary heroes on the search for a vicious villain against stark dry deserts and vast mountainscapes. It's supposed to be America, but the Spanish backdrop is really wondrous to behold. Composer Maurice Jarre's gentle melodic film score creates a sweeping majesty to juxtapose his thundering music for the large battles on screen. Sound designer William Robert Sivel lets dynamite roar and horses whine next to tons of shimmering steel sword noises and loud pistol gunfire.
Tony Pueo's costume designs are neat with an ornate traditional Japanese samurai gear for Toshiro Mifune, layered cowboy garments for Charles Bronson, a slick black three piece suit for Alain Delon, and a massive fur coat and tight blouse for Ursula Andress. Everyone looks cool, especially with Alberto De Rossi's stellar make-up. Capucine and Andress simply glow here in Red Sun.
In conclusion, Red Sun is a fantastic Western film with impeccable and creative filmmaking alongside an unreal cast of international all star actors and actresses.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
Audience Member
RED SUN has to be regarded a masterpiece. A spaghetti-international comedy-Western starring Toshiro Mifune and Charles Bronson HAS to be good. And it is. Mifune learned and recited his English lines phonetically; his presence alone causes eyes to pop but he speaks well, too. And he's a walking Cuisinart. Bronson handles his role with comic aplomb, and it's one of his best, super gunslinger at his most noble because bushido runs off on him. An international cast with stunning ahead-of-its-time music by Maurice Jarre -- this film itself is way ahead of its time. No one has the right or the knowledge to rate it below five stars!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/27/23
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