Red Sun (1971) User Reviews

We didn't see this side of Bronson that often.

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 23 April 2020]

East meets West in this rather ingratiating period Western. Set in 1860 America, it has a Japanese ambassador (Tetsu Nakamura) traveling by train to meet the President. There, the ambassador will give the President the gift of a special sword. But then bandits including Link (Charles Bronson) and Gauche (Alain Delon) seize control of the train, intending to make off with the loot on board. But the back-stabbing Gauche betrays Link, steals the sword, and rides off into the sunset. Now, a samurai named Kuroda (Toshiro Mifune) must track down the bad man, kill him, and retrieve the sword within seven days, or else commit hara-kiri. Since he and Link both have an interest in Gauche, the two of them team up - albeit reluctantly on Links' part.

Overall, this is good fun, and is capably directed by Terence Young. It was more violent than this viewer expected; while some people will be put off, I didn't mind at all. It's got decent action throughout, with the finale taking place within tall grass as the main characters are attacked by aggressive Comanches. It's also got plenty of sex appeal, as some of the ladies, such as Ursula Andress as Gauches' girlfriend, show off some skin. But what really makes "Red Sun" work to the extent that it does is its humour. The culture clash leads to some real chemistry between Bronson and Mifune. Bronson is especially amusing. We didn't always get to see this kind of performances from him: jovial, smiling, cracking jokes. And he goes to work on manipulating Mifune with a vengeance. Link wants to keep Gauche alive as long as possible so he can find out where the loot is stored, and has to convince Kuroda not to kill him immediately.

Other familiar faces turn up: Anthony Dawson, Luc Merenda, Monica Randall, etc. But if you're a fan of the stars, you'll find that this is primarily a solid vehicle for their abilities. Delon makes for a great villain, looking right at home in Western duds. Putting in a special appearance is another lovely lady, Capucine, who plays Pepita.

While somewhat overlong, "Red Sun" does show the audience a pretty good time.

Seven out of 10.

Keep Him Alive Long Enough

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 17 September 2011]

Red Sun is the type of film they mean when they talk about international production. American Charles Bronson, Japanese Toshiro Mifune, German Ursula Andress, French Alain Delon, Italian Capucine and for good measure this film was shot on the plains of Spain which did not look like they'd seen much rain by Englishman Terrence Young.

The film concerns the train robbery of a gang in which Alain Delon is in charge. The money isn't enough for Delon, the train is carrying some Japanese passengers with a ceremonial samurai sword, a gift from their Emperor to our president. Two of three Japanese are killed, the mistake Delon makes when he decides the sword would make a nice souvenir is that he lives a real live Samurai in Toshiro Mifune alive with a vengeance quest. Delon makes a second mistake in double crossing Charles Bronson and not killing him as well. Bronson is a member of his gang who cuts all ties, but forms an uneasy alliance with Mifune.

Mifune wants Delon dead, but Bronson just wants him alive long enough to say where he's hidden the money. Bronson and Mifune go to a bordello run by Capucine to get Ursula Andress, a hooker favored by Delon as a hostage.

Red Sun works nicely as a film because of the interesting if antagonistic chemistry between Bronson and Mifune. From an uneasy alliance they develop a genuine regard for each other. As for Delon he has a gentlemanly demeanor that's a very thin veneer for one of the meanest mean streaks ever on the big screen.

Fans who are younger will recognize the plot of Red Sun being later used in a modern day feature Renegades with Kiefer Sutherland and Lou Diamond Phillips as the uneasy allies with Rob Knepper as the gang leader with a mean streak.

I'm not really big on foreign made westerns, but I make an exception in the case of Red Sun.

RED SUN (Terence Young, 1971) ***

[Bunuel1976 · 7/10 · 27 September 2007]

This Franco-Italian "Eastern Western" has intrigued me since I read about it on a magazine, in view of its then-upcoming showing on Italian TV, when I was about 7 years old – but it literally seemed to vanish from the face of the earth in the interim! Given that fact and Leonard Maltin's unpromising ** rating, I had suspected that it was going to be a big disappointment when I eventually catch up with it – but, happily, it turned out not to be the case. It is actually a very enjoyable large-scale action film which, while perhaps lacking the touch of greatness, deserves to be re-evaluated more positively.

The four international leads – Charles Bronson, Toshiro Mifune, Alain Delon, Ursula Andress – are top-notch and the supporting cast also includes Capucine, Anthony Dawson and Luc (here billed as Luke) Merenda. The chemistry between betrayed outlaw Bronson and samurai warrior Mifune is especially successful and provides the film with some nice humorous touches (as well as a couple of good lines); their casting is all the more interesting for its pairing one of THE SEVEN SAMURAI (1954) with a member of THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (1960), that film's equally popular Americanization! Delon has a smaller part than I was expecting but he does well as Bronson's double-crossing partner-in-crime who, apart from the pre-requisite European sophistication, has a vicious streak about him. Andress adds the required eye-candy as his sluttish girlfriend and, along with Monica Randall (playing Mifune's inexperienced one night stand at Capucine's rundown brothel), provides the film with some unexpected – if very welcome – dashes of nudity.

Besides, there's a fine if subdued score from Maurice Jarre; as befits the film's title, too, renowned cinematographer Henri Alekan often bathes the scenery in a warm golden hue and the use of remote locations throughout is inspired. Still, the film could probably do with a few trims here and there, as some scenes tend to go on too long – such as the afore-mentioned mid-section revolving around Bronson and Mifune, and the climactic Indian attack. The full-frame presentation is not too bad considering: I can only complain of excessive headroom on occasion and a general washed-out look to the print on the U.K. disc I watched.

The inspiration for Shanghai Noon

[scheelj · 7/10 · 24 July 2012]

One thing's for sure, this is the only movie where you get to see a Samurai fight a Comanche. Charles Bronson plays an outlaw who robs a train. Among the passengers on the train is the ambassador of Japan and his samurai bodyguard, played by The Seven Samurai's Toshiro Mifune. When Bronson is double-crossed by one of the men in his gang, he teams up with the samurai to chase down the villain and get his revenge. If you think this sounds like a Jackie Chan/Owen Wilson movie, you're right on. Shanghai Noon was definitely a parody of this film. This is a very enjoyable, action-packed, unique western, but it definitely has some R-rated content. At the end of the day, it's hard to find a better Charles Bronson western. 4 out of 5 action rating

Imagine....Charles Bronson, Alain Delon ANDToshirô Mifune in the SAME movie!!

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 19 July 2016]

I had to see this film...mostly because of the strangeness of the cast. In addition to the three guys I mentioned above, Capucine and Ursula Andress appear in the film....making it a film starring an American, a couple French folks, a Swiss lady and a Japanese man! Talk about a strange conglomeration of actors!

When the film begins, the first Japanese ambassador to the United States is on a train heading through the west towards Washington, DC. However, a gang of bloody bandits hold up the train and kill a lot of folks...and steal the gift from the Emperor to the President. The ambassador is determined to get this back and sends one of his samurai (Mifune) to recapture the sword that was stolen by Gauche (Delon). It also happens that Gauche (which, oddly, means 'left' in French) just tried to murder his partner (Bronson) and so the Samurai and the angry crook decide to work together to get their revenge on Gauche. But, not surprisingly, the partnership is a rocky one...and the pair have to eventually learn to work together in order to get what they want. This process makes up the bulk of the film.

While the mismatched theme is very familiar, the situation is, at the very least, hard to believe and a bit contrived! You simply have to ignore this and watch the film and enjoy it for what it is-- an escapist action film. The Comanches in the film, by the way, fight like idiots--charging up to be bumped off one after the other! Not especially good or bad...just competently made and worth your time overall.

"It's My Money. I Stole It."

[spookyrat1 · 7/10 · 18 April 2020]

Almost 30 years preceding the very popular Shanghai Noon's release came its direct ancestor, Terence Young's Red Sun, an only slightly, more serious in tone relation and for me, a more entertaining watch. Featuring an international talent-laden cast with a British director helming a spaghetti western in Spain, it's a heady mixture and by no means a great film (though John Huston apparently thought so), but in my opinion, a memorable one.

In a narrative very similar to the above-mentioned later Jackie Chan vehicle, Japanese Ambassador bodyguard Toshiro Mifune, enlists double-crossed desperado Charles Bronson's assistance, in retrieving an intended ambassadorial gift sword to the American President, that was stolen by Bronson's duplicitous partner (Alain Delon) during a train robbery.

There is no doubting the plot is rather elongated and somewhat contrived, but it allows plenty of opportunity for the Bronson and Mifune characters to amusingly interact with a surprising amount of comic side-play. It's really their movie and they both make the most of it, bonding of course in a diverting east meets west fashion. Delon has his moments too as an enjoyable bad guy and Ursula Andress who only makes her appearance when the movie is well into its second half, is only there for eye candy. (I'm trying to think, but hard - pressed to come up with one of her movies where she is not dubbed). Let it be said though, she always makes captivating eye candy.

There's laughs, action (both sword and gun play), a good set-piece climax at an abandoned mission and in its nearby corn-field, with a surprisingly touching and effective final couple of scenes. Really is there anyone who isn't really interested in seeing a Charles Bronson / Toshiro Mifune western/road movie? I'm sure Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson gave it plenty of attention.

Culture Clash in the Old West

[donlecouteur · 8/10 · 10 May 2005]

On the surface Red Sun appears to be a fairly standard shoot-em-up with the attendant 'who's the real nasty?' sub-plot thrown in for a bit of mystery. But the careful observer will discover many more layers of this particular onion pitting cultures (and genders) against each other with a few surprising results and plenty of thought-provoking situations designed to keep this one on the shelf as a 'keeper'.

Bronson fans (like me) will note this is the second of his 'samurai connection'westerns...Magnificent Seven being the first...though the debate will probably never be resolved as to which was the better performance. True, some of the dialogue in this movie borders on juvenile, but overall I rate the movie very high.

"I think you're one helluva man"

[hwg1957-102-265704 · 7/10 · 1 July 2017]

'Red Sun' directed by Terence Young is a western about a group of outlaws who rob a train of gold coins but complications ensue when one outlaw is double crossed and also a ceremonial sword is stolen from a Japanese ambassador who happens to be on the train too. Two men find themselves bound together in search of the double crosser who has the gold coins and the sword so essentially it is a chase movie and apart from being a bit too long it is an exciting film. To see Toshiro Mifune from 'The Seven Samurai' and Charles Bronson from 'The Magnificent Seven' riding side by side as if they were in some kind of movie time warp is quite entertaining and the east-west contrast is done well. They both play against each other nicely with humour and feeling.

Apart from Mifune and Bronson there is good support from Ursula Andress, Capucine and in a minor role the always welcome Anthony Dawson. Alain Delon is good as the main villain too but isn't in it enough. Mifune steals the film even when he isn't saying anything. He lifts the film whenever he is on screen.

Praise also must go to the music score by Maurice Jarre, particularly in the action sequences and Henri Alekan's cinematography of the landscape is beautiful and adds greatly to the film. A fine western that entertains all the way.

As far as Western- / Samurai-Crossovers go, this is pure perfection

[t_atzmueller · 8/10 · 24 December 2014]

People are simply suckers for crossovers: be it Superman and Spiderman slugging it out in the comic books, Hercules fighting Aztecs in the Italian muscle n' sandal flicks or Dracula dueling Jessie James. In "Red Sun" the dream for many a kid came true: samurais going head to head with cowboys and Indians.

The concept of mixing Eastern culture and (especially) martial arts with the archaic Wild West has been often tried, sometimes with success but more often with complete failure (Jackie Chan escapades, numerous Spaghetti-Western-Kung-Fu-crossovers and the "Kung Fu" TV-series, which was a technical and aesthetic failure, even though the audience loved it). This had little to do with the incompatibility between east and west but rather lacking directors who could handle both genres with equal dignity.

The story is rather plain and simple: Bronson and Delon plan to rob a train that happens to carry the imperial Japanese ambassador. The heist goes fine but fiery-eyed Delon (remember, he is French and left-handed) betrays his partner, leaving him at the mercy of the Japanese entourage – but not before stealing a Samurai sword that was meant as a present for the US-president. The ambassador makes Bronson a deal he cannot refuse: bring back the sword within a week or loose your head. To insure that Bronson is doing his job, the disgraced sword-keeper (Mifume) is sent along, likewise obliged to commit 'hara-kiri' when the seven day span is over. Both men form an uneasy camaraderie, one driven by obligation, the other from thirst for revenge and each perceiving the others culture as plain alien.

It would be very hard to duplicate this 'innocent' clash of the cultures-scenario today: too many similarities, too many cross-cultural interchanges have occurred. Today a kid from Japan would be no more alien to the image of an American cowboy than your average businessman would be to the concept of eating raw fish with rice, namely sushi, which they eat anyway during lunch-break. Back in the early 70's, those images tended to be way more exotic to the average-Joe. Back then we could believe Mifumes wide-eyed look of disbelieve at 'culture' of the Wild West as well as Bronsons inability to comprehend his 'partners' culture. Needless to say, this leads to many-a comic relief and, once the colts and katanas are pulled, plenty of action.

Mifune and Bronson are simply veterans at what they do (so is Ursulla Andress, by the way, namely dressing, undressing and throwing tantrums). They really don't need much dialogue to bring their sentiments and thoughts across – each confused and by degree disgusted by the others culture and behaviour. No matter how you look at it, the chemistry works and is believable. Throw in Alain Delon doing what Delon can do best – namely look chiseled like a roman statue and throw glares that could cut through ice – you've got the perfect cocktail of experienced acting and charisma.

Terence Young made this happen by applying the same he did to the first two James Bond films: make a serious movie but don't take the movie too serious. The result was a comic-book Western that owed more to the Euro-Western of the 60's (perhaps even a bit more to the German Schnitzel-, rather than the Italo-Spaghetti Westerns) than it did to John Wayne or "Bonanza".

Granted, this is not a cinematographic masterpiece, this isn't Sergio Leone nor is it Eastwoods "The Unforgiven". This would be comparing "Dr. No" to the ultra-realistic violence of "Casino Royal". Neither films need to be taken serious but should rather be enjoyed. This isn't "Dance with the Wolves"; this is about a bandit and a samurai on a mission to retrieve the emperors sword, on the way slugging it out with bandits and Indians. Throw in the (as usually) excellent soundtrack by Maurice Jarre and what you get is the perfect blend between Euro-Western and Samurai Adventure. 8/10

Fast action, one-dimensional characters in a Spaghetti Western with gunplay and blades

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 26 March 2007]

This Spaghetti Western with enjoyable casting (Bronson , Mifune , Delon and Andress) concerns the robbing a Japanese blade from a train crossing American West and the Japan Ambassador had for gift of emperor (the Japanese Ambassador refers to the emperor as the "Mikado") to US President . The thieves result to be Charles Bronson and Alain Delon . But Bronson (one of The Magnificent Seven) is double-crossed by Delon , then Toshiro Mifune (one of the Seven Samurai) along with Bronson team up as two unlikely heroes . It is a surprisingly low-key Bronson/Delon Western , this time accompanied by the Japanese star number one , Mifune . Bronson as another of his two-fisted gunfighters and joining forces with a Katana expert , a specialist on martial arts well played by Toshiro Mifune to find a missing valuable blade and the stolen loot.

The picture contains an interesting plot , Western action , shootouts and a little bit of campy and refreshing humor . It's an improbable blending of standard Western , tongue-in-cheek and chop-socky . A clever premise , gunslingers against samurais , and agreeable international cast make this oater well worth the watching . As the movie stars U.S. born Charles Bronson, Japanese actor Toshirô Mifune, French actor Alain Delon and Swiss actress Ursula Andress , it was filmed in desert of Tabernas , Almeria , Spain, as usual , by the British director Terence Young . Pretty good Charles Bronson in his ordinary tough role , this film is one of Charles Bronson's 70s westerns ; his westerns made during the 1970s include Chino by John Sturges (1973) , Red sun (1971) , Chato the Apache by Michael Winner (1972), From noon till three by Francis D Gilroy (1976), Nevada Express by Tom Gries (1975) and The White Buffalo by J.L. Thompson (1977) . Besides , there appears usual secondaries from Italian Western such as : Anthony Dawson , Guido Lollobrigida or Lee Burton , Ricardo Palacios , Bernade Barta Barry and several others . Considerable and spectacular musical score by Maurice Jarre (Lawrence of Arabia) . The motion picture was regularly directed by Terence Young (Dr.No , From Russia , Thunderball.. among others) but turned to be entertaining . The picture takes part of a sub-genre in which during the period of the 70s combined Spaghetti Western and art martials with original influence from ¨David Carradine's Kung Fu ¨ series , for example : ¨Karate law in the west ¨(Tonino Ricci), ¨The Karate , the Colt and the impostor¨ (Anthony M Dawson) , ¨ My name is Shangai Joe¨ (Mario Caiano) and its sequel ¨ Return of Shangai Joe ( Bitto Albertini)¨, furthermore ¨ The white, the yellow and the black¨(Sergio Corbucci) that bears remarkable resemblance to ¨Red sun ¨ . It's an offbeat , muddle and uneven Western but will appeal to Bronson , Andress and Delon fans.

Toshiro Mifune GREAT!!!!

[Buslady · 10/10 · 6 April 1999]

I just got Red Sun and enjoyed it. It's kinda hard to explain it in writing, you have to watch it. It's worth the time. Charles Bronson fans will like his performance as Link, a thief who's forced to team up with Toshiro Mifune's character Kuroda-a Samurai who has 7 days to get back a sword stolen while traveling to the US capital in 1870(around that time); the sword was to be a gift to the prez.

Toshiro's performace was great, simply great. Fans will like this. It is very odd to hear him speak english...especially when he never really learned it in the first place! There's many great little bits in the movie like when Link is trying to escape from Kuroda...he just can't get away from him. They way Kuroda begins to really relax in the saloon cracks me up..he's usually stiff and mean looking..well, not that mean looking. I voted a 10 for this....

Clash of culture.

[lost-in-limbo · 7/10 · 26 April 2007]

In the late 1800's, Arizona. Two desperadoes Link and Gauche with the help of some professional bandits and Mexican outlaws, rob a train which was carrying gold guarded by union soldiers, but also on board is the Japanese ambassador who is heading to Washington D.C. In the process Gauche takes their sacred gold sword, which is a gift from their Emperor to the U.S. president. Also Gauche back-stabs Link by attempting to kill him, so he keeps the cash for himself. Unknowingly to Gauche, Link survives. The ambassador's bodyguard Kuroda, plans to get that sword back and kill him straight away for honour, but Link needs him alive, so he can find out where he hid the stolen loot. The two unwillingly pair up with the same goal, but Kuroda has only got seven days to do so, or he and Link will die by his sword.

Terrance Young's multinational (Spain, Italy and France) production of "Red Sun" is a boldly unusual western in the shape of the odd couple (west meets east) set on the old-western frontier, which has a nicely balanced out comic vein and stupendous lead performances. You could call it an experiment and it's an interesting blend, even though the story seems familiar, it does keep to its strengths and never wanders off onto pointless sub-plots. What goes on is elaborately important to the story. A snappily eventful script comes through with the witty humour being drawn upon the pair's bumpy relationship, involving their differences and actions. Charles Bronson is at his charismatic best with a lively turn as the rascally equipped gunfighter Link and the legendary Toshiro Mifune authentically emits classy grace with ace determination and stubbornness as samurai bodyguard Kuroda. They excel together and make a real good pairing. This is what sells the film from the get-go. Alain Delon makes for an formidable villain figure, as the deviously suave Gauche and beautiful bombshell Ursula Andress (who offers a brief topless scene) is terrifically dynamic as Gauche's robust firebrand girlfriend Cristina. Anthnoy Dawson and the wonderful Capucine also show up in minor parts. Young's direction can stumble in some shapeless touches, but mainly he keeps a busy pace and engineers some excitingly biting passages of raw action; like the suspenseful dying half with a bit of splatter on show. Editing is smoothly tailored. Maurice Jarre's uncannily saucy music score is less than grand, but atmospheric enough to the period. Henri Alekan's spaciously scenic cinematography, is kind of lost on the small screen and in full frame. This is sad as the picturesque locations are important to the feel of certain scenes. An assiduously engrossing display of swords and guns, which is far from a masterpiece, but chiefly entertains and makes suitable use of a flavoured international cast.

A waste of talents

[ereinion · 5/10 · 30 December 2004]

One of the frequent occurrences in movie industry is when a studio is desperate for a hit and hires several big name actors and then gives them a hopeless script and an uninspired director to work with. Such is the case with "Soleil rouge". A cheap French/Spanish/Italian production starring Charles Bronson in the part of a "charming" outlaw and thief Link, Toshiro Mifune in a near-ridiculous incarnation of a Samurai that is on his quest to avenge the killing of his samurai buddy by the French thief Gauche played by Alain Delon in his probably dumbest and poorest role ever and finally the Swiss diva Ursula Andress, the only real thrill in this movie, but not because of her acting skills.

The chemistry between Bronson and Mifune doesn't work so well and they fail to impress and save this film.Somehow it all seemed so promising to the producers;hire Terence Young, the director of the three best Bond films and three cool macho heroes, one from the East to make it interesting and with Ursula Andress the mega babe of the 60's, how can it fail? The worst thing is that it also is very misleading to the average man who thinks he's in for a real treat the moment he spots the film in his video store. By the time the uninspired and dull showdown is over, one can only comfort himself that it could have been worse. And indeed, there are worse films, specially from that time and in Italian/French/Spanish production. I don't mean to be disrespectful to those countries and their film industry, but the horrible dubbing and making movies just for money was a usual thing back then, not just in those countries.

In the end, one can just wish this affair never happened. And I fail to understand why so many like this movie. To me it's just a great waste of such fine talents. Even Ursula Andress has done better films and I bet she doesn't exactly brag about being in this film. Oh, and it also features Maurice Jarre's worst score.5 out of 10.

Marvelous cultural juxtaposition of western salty hero and samurai knight archetypes

[hanshan · 24 September 1999]

Culture clash ending in mutual respect, with an understanding of BOTH cultures... good western action-adventure at the same time. Battle of wills and skills as Bronson butts heads with Mifune, who of course has all kinds of surprises Bronson's character has never seen. They are forced by circumstance to collaborate and travel together. Bronson the epitome of western tough and smart guy, in this case whose ethics are not always ivory soap; Mifune plays the epitome of determined, skilled, smart, ethical samurai knight type. Very funny watching them struggle with each other, surprise each other, and learn from each other... and deal with bordello, desert, etc. They have to retrieve the treasured sword and in the process chase down and fight a truly nasty slick cold fish. You'll end up liking Bronson and loving Mifune. Both actors did a wonderful classic job with this one!

Pretty silly, but worth a look for fans

[Michael_Cronin · 6/10 · 6 January 2005]

Toshiro Mifune & Charles Bronson in an early 70's Western with Alain Delon as the bad guy & Ursula Andress playing an opportunistic whore?

Sounds irresistible, but it's all a bit of a mess, which is often what happens when there's too much of a good thing. Plenty of talent & personality in the acting department, but too little attention paid to the story itself.

Bronson plays a train robber forced by the Japanese ambassador to help find a priceless sword stolen by Bronson's double-crossing partner Gauche, played by Delon. Accompanying Bronson is Mifune playing, surprise surprise, a powerful samurai.

Mifune, as always, is riveting, & Delon seems to be enjoying himself as the devilish Gauche. Bronson's a bit on the lazy side, but it's fun to watch the sparring between him & Mifune. Ursula Andress' role seems pretty pointless, but she was never hired for her acting abilities anyway.

The film breezes cheerfully along, but the big showdown ends up being confusing & dull, with a tribe of vicious Comanches thrown in at the last minute, as if to provide some excuse not to have Mifune cut Delon's head off straight away. The climax, as such, only comes after being dragged out for too long, & so, falls flat. The subplot involving Cristina (Andress), Gauche's old flame, makes things even messier, & her character's motives are never all that clear.

Still, it's well worth a look if you're a fan of any of the principal actors, or Westerns in general. Just don't expect a masterpiece.

Cheap but good fun !

[redx1708 · 7/10 · 16 August 2015]

I saw this years ago when it ran in the Cinemas. Had actually forgotten all about it until they showed it as the Sunday afternoon feature on the telly. It was good fun back then, and still is. The plot is pretty thin, but i guess they had to dream up some reason for placing a samuray in the wild West. This is definitely not a masterpiece, but then it never pretends to be. I bet somebody thought it would be a great idea to reap some of the popularity of the spaghetti westerns and the samurai movies. And as such it Works very well. Easily forgotten maybe, but very entertaining while it lasts. On top of that they put in some very good names. Alain Delon is perfectly evil as the bad guy, Mifune carries himself with all the natural grace of the honorable samuray, Bronson actually shows more than one facial expression and Ursula Andress shows her tits ! What more can you want ?

Comedy western buddy pic starring Toshiro MIfune!!

[ArtVandelayImporterExporter · 7/10 · 15 June 2023]

Movie starts out with a fairly standard, violent train robbery starring Charles Bronson. But wait, is that super-handsome Alain Delon in the black hat?

Now right there you've probably got enough manliness to carry a movie.

But who's stashed away in the one train car the robbers haven't investigated yet? None other than Toshiro Mifune as the Japanese ambassador's personal security detail. Pay attention to his first closeup. Boom. There's your movie star. And I mean Capital S-T-A-R.

They say Mifune's dialogue was always dubbed in his English-language movies. Who cares. Just watch the guy's face. He could have been a silent movie star or been dubbed in French. He'd still be the greatest.

As events have it, Bronson and Mifune team up in what amounts to a western-comedy buddy pic to get revenge on Delon and grab the stolen loot.

Bronson plays his character with a nice comedic touch, which is a perfect balance to Mifune's smoldering intensity.

We are truly living in the golden age of television when I can plug in my pirate stick and find a movie from a half-century ago that I had never head of, with this cast (I haven't even mentioned Ursula Andress and Capucine), and it exceeds expectations so entertainingly.

Red Sun

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 13 August 2019]

It is 1870 and Japan has sent an ambassador to the United States; having arrived in San Francisco he and the two samurai accompanying him are now crossing the country by train. As the train crosses the desert bandits led by two men; Link Stuart and Gotch 'Gauche' Kink rob the train. During the robbery Gauche kills one of the samurai, steals a ceremonial sword intended to be given to the president as a gift and betrays Link, leaving him for dead. Link is then forced to work with Kuroda Jubei, the surviving samurai. If they don't retrieve the sword within seven days Kuroda will commit hara-kiri; but not before killing Link. He is also determined to kill Gauche on sight... Link wants to question him so he can get his cut of their stolen money. As they travel Link tries to lose Kuroda; they face Gauche's men; pick up Gauche's girlfriend Cristina, who isn't keen to go with them; and face hostile Comanche warriors.

Westerns and samurai films often contain similar plots so it is hardly surprising that somebody had the idea of combining the two. While it may be a bit of a gimmick it leads to an entertaining film. Link and Kuroda are an unlikely partnership so it is almost inevitable that this also becomes a buddy movie as they gradually grow to respect each other. As with most buddy movies there are quite a few laughs along the way. Charles Bronson and Kuroda Jubei are both on good form in these roles. Alain Delon is decent enough as Gauche although his character could have done with more screen time. Ursula Andress is solid as Cristina. The action is good, with shootouts and the use of Kuroda's samurai sword. The sword use is done in a way that makes in acceptable for a man with a sword to beat a man with a gun. The Spanish locations work well as a fill-in for the US South West; while watching I was unaware that it was filmed on another continent. Overall I wouldn't call this a classic western but it is an interesting twist on the genre which I'd recommend to western fans.

Samaurai-Spaghetti-Western Slightly Disappointing but Unique

[LeonLouisRicci · 7/10 · 21 July 2016]

Both Likable and a Slight Letdown.

A Movie that has a Great International Cast Starring Charles Bronson and Tishiro Mifuni, and a Unique Appeal of being a Samurai-Spaghetti-Western.

Featuring Ursula Andress…"That's Christina for ya, you never know what gun she's going to reach for."

Also with Alain Delon as an Aloof, Greedy, Murdering Gunslinger, who seems to be Enjoying Himself (the actor and the character).

The Film has been Cut a Lot of Slack because of its Differentness and Star Attraction. The Crossover Appeal is also a Factor.

But while it is Entertaining and Fun, Violent and Well Executed, something doesn't Click and the Overall Result is Good but Not Great. The Action has some Flourishes that Impress but are Not Stunningly Different, and the Indians are Nothing more than Ducks in a Row to be Mowed Down without much Effort.

Two Scenarios Stand Out among the Lackluster. The Confrontation at the Ranch with the Mexicans and the Finale in the High Grain. Otherwise things are Amusing and Interesting but Pedestrian. Bronson is more Animated than Usual and Mifune's Samurai is Elegantly Stoic.

Overall, Definitely Worth a Watch and if You Lower Your Expectations there is much Off-Beat Enjoyment to be had.

Samurai cowboy Yee Ha!

[lastliberal · 8/10 · 11 September 2008]

The things that had me on the edge of my seat during Brokeback Mountain was the amazing cinematography and the thrilling music. I just wanted to get as close as possible to the screen.

Those two things were not as impressive in Soleil Rouge, but they were good enough that Oscar nominee Henri Alekan's (Roman Holiday, Wings of Desire) cinematography and three-time Oscar winner Maurice Jarre's (A Passage to India, Doctor Zhivago, Lawrence of Arabia) music make this film worth watching all by itself.

Directed by Terence Young (Dr. No, From Russia With Love), the film stars one of my favorites, Charles Bronson (Mr. Majestyk , Once Upon a Time in the West, Death Wish 1-5) and Japan's greatest actor, Toshirô Mifune. If that is not enough, it also starred Golden Globe winner Ursula Andress (Dr. No) and Alain Delon (Le Samouraï, The Leopard).

Now, how in the world do you get Mifune in the old west, dressed as a Samurai, no less. He is accompanying the Japanese Ambassador on a train that is robbed by Bronson and Delon. A sword destined to be given to the President is stolen and he must serve his mater and retrieve it. Bronson is double-crossed by Delon and left for dead. Mifune and Bronson join together in a strange journey to retrieve the sword and Bronson's loot.

Mifune is classic Samurai, and Bronson is the funniest I have seen him in the many films I have watched. he has that magic that made Mr. Majestic so fun to watch.

Along the way, they stop in a whorehouse and pick up Andress as a hostage. She is Delon's girlfriend. She gives us a good view of her hootage as she changes a shirt while waiting with Bronson. Spanish actress Mónica Randall also gave us a skintastic display when in bed with Mifune.

Lots of western action with shootouts between Bronson and the bay guys, and the whole gang against the Comanches. Mifune uses his sword to good effect as he adds the expected bright red to the screen.

Eastern philosophy meets Western crudity in a classic.

the samurai and the bandit

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 20 July 2016]

In 1870, Japanese Ambassador Sakaguchi is traveling through the American west on a train. Link Stuart (Charles Bronson) gets on the train. He's a part of a large gang attacking the troops on board from the outside and the inside. He's double-crossed by his partner Gotch 'Gauche' Kink who takes the gold and a sword from the emperor intended as a gift for the president. Samurai Kuroda Jubie (Toshirô Mifune) joins with Link to hunt down Gauche. The Ambassador gives them seven days before both him and the samurai are honor-bound to commit harakiri. Link needs Gauche alive to find the hidden loot. They kidnap Gauche's whore Cristina (Ursula Andress).

The samurai and the bandit idea is a solid setup. Charles Bronson and Toshirô Mifune are a good odd couple. It does get a little muddled trying to do too much in the third act. Link and the Samurai should face the Indians by themselves and then they should face Gauche's gang in the climax. Overall, this is a good spaghetti western. A samurai in the old west is a great idea.

Terrific Movie! Bronson - Mifune - Deion

[CathodeRayTubesRock · 8/10 · 22 October 2019]

Just re-watched this in 2019. Charles Bronson and his manly humor are worth the watch alone. Add in Toshiro Mifune as, (his usual), perfect samurai. Then Alan Deion as a straight up killer. Ursula Andress being her usual beautiful sexy self. It all adds up to a one-of-a-kind classic.

Brazen train robber and noble shogun ally to recover stolen riches

[Chase_Witherspoon · 6/10 · 23 February 2024]

Talented cast led by Bronson as a likeable 1880s train robber who reluctantly pairs up with samurai sentry Mifune to recover stolen a sword (and proceeds of the brazen train robbery) intended as a gift from the Japanese imperial government to the POTUS during a diplomatic visit.

Delon is the suave, black-clad villain displaying a casual attitude until things start to go awry, veteran British actor Anthony Dawson plays one of his henchmen, whilst sultry Ursula Andress co-stars as Bronson's feisty bargaining chip to lure Delon out of hiding and reveal the whereabouts of the stolen sword and money. Whilst her role is minor, it's always a pleasure to see stunning Capucine, here playing a worldly brothel madam who helps Bronson to gain the upper hand (she also loans Mifune the beautiful Monica Randall as an overnight concubine).

Young's eastern western contains a multitude of plot strands weaving anti-heroes, double-crossing villains, vivacious women, marauding Comanches with several broad themes of honour, betrayal and pathos that sometimes resembles a lighthearted buddy picture. Whether 'Red Sun' manages to blend its ambitious concepts effectively is entirely up to the beholder, although its cast, their performances and the technical aspects of the film are all first rate.

Watchable but disappointing

[loudbike · 5/10 · 29 September 2005]

Another IMDb member suggested in their comments that a nude scene from Ursule Andress should help save a movie. Add another brief nude brothel moment, and Cappucine and a cast of otherwise pretty good actors and the movie becomes watchable but continuity disasters and bad directing can't garner much more than a mediocre 5 out of 10. Watch for wardrobe blunders as well. Anachronisms are so rampant that we found ourselves watching for more as we labored through the amateur camera work and dialog. If you're a Bronson fan, then sitting through this is mandatory so the "Ive seen all of his movies" quote can be used with pride, but I doubt this one is in his personal top 10 favorites.

This is one movie that Mifune would probably like to forget this one as well..