Red Sun (1971)

58% of users liked it
(2,981 ratings)

In what was billed as "The First East-Meets-West Western," Toshiro Mifune plays Kuroda, a samurai warrior who accompanies a Japanese diplomat to the United States. The diplomat has brought with him a golden, jewel-encrusted sword to present as a token of good will to the president, but as they… More In what was billed as "The First East-Meets-West Western," Toshiro Mifune plays Kuroda, a samurai warrior who accompanies a Japanese diplomat to the United States. The diplomat has brought with him a golden, jewel-encrusted sword to present as a token of good will to the president, but as they travel by train through the west, they're ambushed by a pair of outlaws, Gauche (Alain Delon) and Link (Charles Bronson). Gauche and Link steal the sword, but Link leans the hard way about his partner's trustworthiness when Gauche double-crosses him and makes off with the booty. Since both Kuroda and Link have a grudge against Gauche, they warily join forces to track him down and return the sword to its rightful owner. Along the way, they have to deal with cultural conflict, Indian attacks, and encounters with beautiful women (played by Capucine and Ursula Andress). Given its cast and theme, Red Sun was predictably enough a major box-office success in Europe and Japan, but it passed through with little notice in the United States. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 2 hr. 10 min.
Directed By: Terence Young
Genres: Western, Action & Adventure, Art House & International

In Theaters: Jun 9, 1972 Wide
On DVD: Jul 8, 1997

Critic Reviews

Simon Foster, sbs.com.au
Red Sun is a perfectly enjoyable, character-driven adventure.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Lucas M

It's a fun western movie. The thing that made, Red Sun, don't be so good is the cliche of the tough guy, that is Charles Bronson. The story: original, screenplay: full of action, but commit some flaw. Terence Young's direction is weak, and Toshiro Mifune looks like the… More
It's a fun western movie. The thing that made, Red Sun, don't be so good is the cliche of the tough guy, that is Charles Bronson. The story: original, screenplay: full of action, but commit some flaw. Terence Young's direction is weak, and Toshiro Mifune looks like the only thing that save Red Sun. Good film...
Corey W

If theres one thing worse than dodging ruthless criminals, blood-thirsty Indians, and a crazy blonde hooker....its themselves! An unlikley pair must team-up in order to get the same thing....revenge and loot! A perfectly acted, bloody tale that'll leave you breathless. Just… More
If theres one thing worse than dodging ruthless criminals, blood-thirsty Indians, and a crazy blonde hooker....its themselves! An unlikley pair must team-up in order to get the same thing....revenge and loot! A perfectly acted, bloody tale that'll leave you breathless. Just wonderful!
Dean M

All-star, fitfully entertaining Western has an interesting premise - samurai vs. cowboys - but ultimately wastes the considerable talents of the great Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune. Charles Bronson has another of those offbeat-character parts that he underplays into a leading role.
Bruce B

A Great Movie, You will find this in some catalogs as a Spaghetti Western, I don't know it just didn't have that good ole Spaghetti Western Quality aka: B-Movie effect. After all some outstanding stars in this one. Charles Bronson, Toshiro Mifune (The Greatest Sword Fighter… More
A Great Movie, You will find this in some catalogs as a Spaghetti Western, I don't know it just didn't have that good ole Spaghetti Western Quality aka: B-Movie effect. After all some outstanding stars in this one. Charles Bronson, Toshiro Mifune (The Greatest Sword Fighter Ever), Alain Delon (Fabio Montale ) , And the ever so trampy Ursula Andress Now I am not sure why guys were so excited to see Ursula in any movie, nothing I have seen impresses me. But this movie is worth 4 stars, I really though it was filmed in the US, but come to find out its in Spain. Charles Bronson and Toshiro Mifune run around the country side trying to track down Alan Delon who stole the gold the sword and has Ursula, In the End only Charles Rides away but not in to the sunset, its a shame because I believe that Charles and Toshiro could have made many movies together. Its a good Western Add it to any collection, if you can find it. (Very Expensive). 4 Stars
Ken S

A Spagetti Western/Samurai flick starring Toshiro Mifune, Ursula Andress and Charles Bronson. Directed by Terrance Young! Seriously, how is this movie not better known?
Lesley N

A Charles Bronson / Toshiro Mifune western/road movie - how can you not need to see this? Bronson plays the good bandit buddy who has seven days to help Japanese ambassador bodyguard Mifune retrieve a stolen ceremonal sword after being double-crossed by his bad bandit buddy. WIth… More
A Charles Bronson / Toshiro Mifune western/road movie - how can you not need to see this? Bronson plays the good bandit buddy who has seven days to help Japanese ambassador bodyguard Mifune retrieve a stolen ceremonal sword after being double-crossed by his bad bandit buddy. WIth much swordfighting and gunplay along the way, and a brief dalliance with a loyalty-conflicted Ursula Andress.
Jonny C

Great western. Super tough guy Charles Bronson joins forces with a Samurai and a Bond Girl, in this entertaining western. There's plenty of humor and gunfights, and director Terence Young's flowing direction, and the stunning Ursula Andress, make it very easy on the eyes.
Sarah B

Although I couldn't remember this film at first, reading the synopsis brought it all back to me. The cold-eyed yet incredibly charming and attractive villain played by Alain Delon, the always glorious Toshiro Mifune and the steely heroine Ursula Andress; there isn't much… More
Although I couldn't remember this film at first, reading the synopsis brought it all back to me. The cold-eyed yet incredibly charming and attractive villain played by Alain Delon, the always glorious Toshiro Mifune and the steely heroine Ursula Andress; there isn't much plot to speak of. However this is Bronson's film. The interplay between him and Mifune is a delight, I've never seen Andress act better than in her scenes with Bronson, he's just that compelling and he manages to express such emotion so simply. Despite his roles in the Great Escape, Magnificent Seven and the like, I've never seen a better role for Bronson. A glorious little-known film.
Patrick D

In theory a samurai-cowboy buddy movie sounds great. In practice: not so much. I felt this movie dragged as Bronson and Mifune got to know each other, which was the majority of the film. However there are some great parts, mostly ones involving Alain Delon. This film is only really… More
In theory a samurai-cowboy buddy movie sounds great. In practice: not so much. I felt this movie dragged as Bronson and Mifune got to know each other, which was the majority of the film. However there are some great parts, mostly ones involving Alain Delon. This film is only really for huge fans of some aspect of this film (ie Bronson, Delon, Westerns, Samurai flicks). The end it pretty great as well.

Read all 9 featured audience ratings

Cast

Charles Bronson
as Link
Ursula Andress
as Cristina
Toshiro Mifune
as Kuroda

Alain Delon
as Gauche
Capucine
as Pepita
Barta Barry

See full cast