Red Sun

I am amazed that I have lived so much of my life without even knowing this flick existed. This is the sort of thing I should have seen years ago, and watched over and over again. Think about it. A Western staring Charles Bronson (The Magnificent Seven) and Mifune Toshiro (Seven Samurai), facing off against Alain Delon (Le Samourai). As a little icing we get Ursula Andress (Dr. No). Bliss.Getting these four international actors together in the same plot isn't as strange as you think. Mifune is Kuroda Jubie, a guard for the Ambassador from Japan who is currently en-route to Washington D.C. where he is to deliver a magnificent sword as a present from the Emperor of Japan to the President of the US. Their train is robbed by Bronson, playing outlaw Link Stuart, but he is betrayed mid-robbery by his partner Gauche (Alain Delon) who takes the gold-encrusted sword. Joining together in a wary truce, Mifune and Bronson hunt Delon to recover their lost honor and stolen treasures. Andress is Delon's woman, but someone who can easily be convinced to switch her loyalties if the price is right.What is so amazing about this film is that, aside from its impressive international cast, is that is just a really good movie. What could have been played for laughs, as happened in the much later Shanghai Noon, is instead treated entirely straight, and a subtle story of honor and revenge is laid out with patience and perfection. Although technically a "Spaghetti Western", none of the tropes are brought into play, and everything is handled with respect and intention. Mifune is not Bronson's wacky sidekick, and Delon is no French buffoon.As an interesting note, this is the first film I have seen where Mifune speaks English. It was quite a surprise, and he does an able job with his lines, although they are not flawless. His character here is a straight-laced servant to his lord rather than the dangerous rouge from Yojimbo, and the scenes between him and Bronson are fantastic.This DVD presentation is a little lacking. It is strictly bare-bones, and the video looks to be a PAL transfer. It would be nice to see this gem get a deluxe Region 1 release, but until then I am just happy to have it in any format.

Cool radbitchin

Great transfer

Bronson and Mifune, What else is there to say?

Mr.Bronson goes back to Europe & gives us a strange western made by an Englishman, starring & an American & a French man & a Japanese.What I have always loved about this film is that all involved seemed to be wanting to give us the viewer just great entertainment.Story quite simple 1 villain hunts down another villain to get back a stolen sword, but the adventure on the way is terrific.Don't even think of the other cheap awful DVD copies, I have about 8 different versions here! Buy this copy, it is worth every penny.It's at last in the correct ratio & a clear picture to give all vibrant colors of the movie.

Red Sun is a classic western I remember seeing at a local theatre Saturday matinee when I was in college in the early 70's. It struck me at the time that Bronson was truly coming into his own as a leading actor in the industry. I remember the plot, all actors, score, photography, directing was a joy to watch. When I found it on amazon on DVD I bought it immediately. I still enjoy the movie, but I can't in good conscience give it more than 4 stars. (Most Bronson movies I review get 5 or 6 just because I really like Charles Bronson characters and movies). Red Sun as a story is a 5 star. Most of the acting is 4 - 4 1/2. At times the movie seems to wander off purpose as if it's trying to make sure it doesn't end in 60 - 75 minutes. I was a little disappointed that Ursula Andress didn't have a bigger part in this movie. (she's always a joy just to see). Today, after my second viewing of this DVD, I have to say I'd give Shanghai Noon higher ratings than Red Sun. (that's a stretch because Shanghai Noon is just a one long slapstick,comic,meaningless piece of pap. It's not a total waste of time or money, but given the choice, I'd sit on my deck in the sun enjoying a cold drink before spending 2 hours watching Red Sun.

I have searched near and far for a decent copy of this film and wham, I plugged in the title on Amazon.com and found this jewel. Evergreen films which looks like its source is from a Hong Kong distributor has delivered the best transfer of this film I have ever seen. You really appreciate the masterful photography of Henri Alekan especially at the climax in the cane fields . The soundtrack is crystal clear making the appreciation of the music by Maurice Jarre that much more satisfying. I never realized from my old murky VHS copy that Jarre mixes a blend of Anglo/Japanese themes making it atmospheric and soaring at the same time. The plot is simple: A railroad car gold robbery goes the way of the double cross as Charles Bronson is left for dead by greedy Alain Delon who also makes the fatal mistake of stealing an ancient samurai sword from Toshiro Mefune, a Japanese dignitary on his way to Washington to present it to the President. Bronson and Mifune team up to recover both gold and sword and meet Indians, Capucine and Delon's girlfriend Ursula Andress along the way. Director Terence Young keeps things flowing at a brisk pace and no wonder, he directed three Sean Connery Bonds, and also directed Bronson in 'THE VALACHI PAPERS'. Highly recommended to both Western and action movie fans. The DVD transfer is just like Ursula Andress--Drop Dead Gorgeous.