As a cinephile who has traversed the vast landscapes of cinema history, I must say that “Red Sun” holds a special place in my heart. This film marked a pivotal moment in Charles Bronson‘s illustrious career, propelling him into the international spotlight and cementing his status as an icon of machismo.
In the later part of the 20th century, Charles Bronson, renowned for his roles in action flicks, westerns, and war movies, was often associated with being tough both on and off the set. Among his many television and film appearances were several spaghetti Westerns, such as “Red Sun.” Directed by Terrence Young, who is famous for helming James Bond films like “Dr. No,” “From Russia with Love,” and “Thunderball,” “Red Sun” was released in 1972. Besides Bronson, it featured Ursula Andress (from “Dr. No”), Alain Delon, Toshirō Mifune, and other notable stars. Based on a true story from the American frontier, “Red Sun” also starred these talented actors.
When the Japanese ambassador gets robbed while traveling to meet the U.S. president, the bandit known as Link Stuart (played by Bronson) is betrayed by his gang. In the end, Link partners with samurai bodyguard Kuroda (Mifune) to recover the ceremonial sword that the rest of the gang has stolen. This film, Red Sun, which combines Asian martial arts and Western cowboy genres, is filled with action, drama, and humor. It’s an underestimated movie that demonstrates Bronson’s skill and emphasizes cultural exchanges through its exceptional cast. Now you can watch it on Tubi.
The Best of What Spaghetti Westerns Had to Offer
Initially, Terrence Young wasn’t planning to direct “Red Sun,” and his preferred choice for the character Link Stuart wasn’t Charles Bronson. Instead, Young had Clint Eastwood in mind for “Red Sun.” However, he felt that Bronson, with whom he had previously worked on “Cold Sweat” in 1970, was not suitable for the role as envisioned for the movie.
In their collaboration, the British director and American actor, Young and Bronson, joined forces once more. Ursula Andress, portraying Christina, hailed from Switzerland, while Alain Delon was French. Toshirō Mifune, a renowned Japanese actor, had previously starred in Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, the cinematic source for Bronson’s The Magnificent Seven. Notably, the production of Red Sun took place in Spain and was supported by film studios from Spain, Italy, and France.
The film titled “Red Sun” is often referred to as the initial fusion of “Eastern and Western” styles in the genre of spaghetti westerns. According to Ben Chambers from “The Geek Show”, this movie marked a significant milestone in achieving such a blend.
As a cinephile, I must say that the presence of global film legends such as Toshiro Mifune, Alain Delon, and Ursula Andress truly transforms this movie into an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The captivating cinematography and compelling narrative serve only to elevate the overall viewing pleasure.
Roger Greenspun from The New York Times concurred but emphasized that despite its international flair, “Red Sun” is essentially a traditional Western production. Brian D’Ambrosio, however, views the movie as more of a showcase for Toshiro Mifune rather than Charles Bronson. In his book “Menacing Face Worth Millions: A Life of Charles Bronson”, Ambrosio wrote that Mifune’s character holds more importance in the film than Bronson’s, although he acknowledges that both Bronson’s authenticity and Mifune’s swordsmanship are among the film’s strong points.
A Universal Tale of Honor, Friendship, and Survival
When Link Stuart (Charles Bronson) and Gauche (Alain Delon), the leader of their bandit group, seize a train with a Japanese ambassador, his samurai escorts, and a sword adorned with a gold handle, they find themselves in a situation much more complicated than anticipated. In an unexpected turn of events, Gauche betrays Link, leaving him for dead, and swears to eliminate one of the bodyguards, Kuroda (Toshirō Mifune).
In the course of their shared journey, Link and Kuroda form a connection while battling mutual foes on their mission. They eventually cross paths with Cristina, Gauche’s romantic interest, and unexpectedly find themselves siding with Gauche and his group against the Comanches in what Greenspun referred to as “the most impressive scene” within the film.
In the aftermath of the shootout, it’s just Link, Kuroda, Cristina, and Gauche left standing. However, when it comes to Kuroda’s fate, it’s Gauche who pulls the trigger, mortally wounding his comrade. Believing himself secure due to knowledge of the heist’s remaining funds’ location, Gauke thinks he’s in the clear. In a surprising twist, Link chooses honor over wealth and takes Gauche’s life instead.
Red Sun Helped Increase Charles Bronson’s Visibility on the International Stage
The Film “Red Sun” received a mix of positive and negative criticisms. While the Los Angeles Times’s Kevin Thomas found it amusing, appreciating its tender portrayal of an uneasy alliance between Bronson and Mifune that blossoms into friendship, others like Tony Zaza criticized it for being devoid of whimsical charm and excessively gruesome.
Instead of saying “Bronson increased his popularity in Japan and on the international scene,” you could rephrase it as “Bronson gained significant recognition in Japan and worldwide.” Bronson himself recognized this growth in his career, stating, “My breakthrough came in European films that the Japanese mistook for American productions, while the Americans saw them as foreign.
This trend persisted when he was awarded the Henrietta Award at the Golden Globes for “World Film Favorite – Male” alongside Sean Connery in 1972, marking the beginning of his most memorable role in Death Wish. With increasing chances to work in the US, Bronson solidified his position as a box office powerhouse and became synonymous with an intimidating masculinity.
Bronson’s influence extends beyond his screen character, as the film Red Sun paved the way for other “East Meets West” movies that blended spaghetti Westerns with Asian martial arts themes, performers, and aesthetics. Movies such as The Stranger and the Gunfighter, Kung Fu Brothers in the Wild West, and The White, the Yellow, and the Black were all released during 1973 and 1974 and can be found streaming on Tubi.
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2024-11-11 04:03