I agree with most posts. I think this was an underrated film, surprisingly hard to find. It was quite critical of the British elements of counter terrorism. It seemed a little simplistic, but it told a story not usually found in most movies. I think that it was a good, balanced viewpoint of colonialism, terrorism as well as romance. This would be an intriguing remake, if today's times were a little different. Today's culture is far into the anti-terrorist mode to understand the psychology of insurgency. Vietnam was much more complex, with the S.Vietnamese bureaucracy betraying themselves and China masterminding the NVA for its own purposes. William Holden played the naive, if somewhat self-important voice of reason. He played the angle from his side, and was critical of the British viewpoint. The "loyalty" aspect was quite intriguing and prevalent throughout most of the film, and he distinguished that element again in the Wild Bunch. This was a pretty good movie.
32 Reviews
About a period in history seldom talked about in Western films.
planktonrules6 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
The communist uprising in Malaysia following WWII lasted for many, many years and many people were killed. Yet, oddly, it's seldom the subject of films--as if it never took place.
The film begins at the end of WWII---as a MODERN helicopter brings word of the Japanese surrender. Jump forward a decade and two comrades in the struggle against the Japanese have gone on very different paths. One (William Holden) is now a hugely successful plantation owner. The other (Tetsurô Tanba) is now a communist revolutionary--leading the revolt against the interim British government. As for Holden, he's pretty apolitical but his girlfriend (Capucine) is appalled by the stupidity of the British government--she is sympathetic towards the revolutionaries. When she is captured and accused of smuggling weapons for the communists, Holden is finally compelled to take sides.
The film is pretty good, but there is another character that was a bit uneven and a bit annoying. Susanna York plays the daughter of the new governor. She appears a bit kooky and flighty for much of the film--even though everything is deadly serious. Only later in the film does she show her pluck--but this is only after she COMPLETELY inexplicably surrenders herself to the revolutionaries. Had her character been written better, the film could have earned an 8. As is, it's still pretty good and worth a look.
The film begins at the end of WWII---as a MODERN helicopter brings word of the Japanese surrender. Jump forward a decade and two comrades in the struggle against the Japanese have gone on very different paths. One (William Holden) is now a hugely successful plantation owner. The other (Tetsurô Tanba) is now a communist revolutionary--leading the revolt against the interim British government. As for Holden, he's pretty apolitical but his girlfriend (Capucine) is appalled by the stupidity of the British government--she is sympathetic towards the revolutionaries. When she is captured and accused of smuggling weapons for the communists, Holden is finally compelled to take sides.
The film is pretty good, but there is another character that was a bit uneven and a bit annoying. Susanna York plays the daughter of the new governor. She appears a bit kooky and flighty for much of the film--even though everything is deadly serious. Only later in the film does she show her pluck--but this is only after she COMPLETELY inexplicably surrenders herself to the revolutionaries. Had her character been written better, the film could have earned an 8. As is, it's still pretty good and worth a look.
Neglected political adventure. Not a lost classic, but worth rediscovering nonetheless.
barnabyrudge1 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Based on a now forgotten novel entitled The Durian Tree (by Michael Keon), The 7th Dawn emerges an absorbing, involving and fairly interesting political adventure movie. At the time the film wasn't greeted with much enthusiasm by the critics but looking back there are several factors that make their negative outlook of the film seem somewhat inaccurate. For starters, the film takes a surprisingly damning stance against the way the British deal with terrorism and anarchy in far flung corners of the world. One would expect a cosier, more flattering representation but The 7th Dawn has the courage to be critical of the British handling of such situations. Add to that some strong performances, luscious cinematography (by Frederick Young), and a number of memorable scenes and you're looking at a film that has been largely under-rated down the years.
At the end of WWII, freedom fighters in the Malayan jungle are finally able to leave their dens and hideouts in the undergrowth and get back to something resembling normality. One fighter, the American Ferris (William Holden), decides to buy a patch of land and turn it into a rubber plantation, taking his old lady guerrilla friend Dhana (Capucine) as his mistress. Meanwhile another guerrilla named Ng (Tetsuro Tamba) heads off to Moscow to learn about communism. Fast-forward several years and Ng returns to Malaya a whole-hearted communist to fight against his former allies, the British, for the country's independence. Ng's men wreak havoc against the rubber plantations in the country but leave Ferris's alone because of their old comradeship. The British approach Ferris and ask for his help in stopping Ng's campaign of terror. Initially reluctant, Ferris nevertheless attempts to make his old friend see reason but to little avail. Matters are complicated further when Candace Trumphey (Susannah York), daughter of the British governor, falls in love with Ferris. When Dhana is accused of sympathising with the communist terrorists and sentenced to execution, Candace foolishly offers herself as a hostage to the communist forces in the hope of saving her . and the battle weary Ferris faces a race against time and the elements to save them both.
The 7th Dawn has its share of faults for sure. Karl Tunberg's script wanders a lot and seems in need of a little tightening-up; York's character isn't always convincing and upsets the solid characterisation found elsewhere in the film; the final scene virtually plagiarises the ending of Casablanca. But there's still a good deal to enjoy in this exotic jungle romp Holden is fine, Capucine plays a refreshingly strong female character, the action is exciting enough. One particularly powerful sequence features the British burning to the ground a village which has been unsuspectingly harbouring terrorists and their explosives; another shows hundreds of Malayan cyclists carrying out a protest ride against the British governor for ordering for a night-time bicycle curfew. Undeservedly forgotten and almost never screened nowadays, The 7th Dawn is a worthwhile watch if you can find it!
At the end of WWII, freedom fighters in the Malayan jungle are finally able to leave their dens and hideouts in the undergrowth and get back to something resembling normality. One fighter, the American Ferris (William Holden), decides to buy a patch of land and turn it into a rubber plantation, taking his old lady guerrilla friend Dhana (Capucine) as his mistress. Meanwhile another guerrilla named Ng (Tetsuro Tamba) heads off to Moscow to learn about communism. Fast-forward several years and Ng returns to Malaya a whole-hearted communist to fight against his former allies, the British, for the country's independence. Ng's men wreak havoc against the rubber plantations in the country but leave Ferris's alone because of their old comradeship. The British approach Ferris and ask for his help in stopping Ng's campaign of terror. Initially reluctant, Ferris nevertheless attempts to make his old friend see reason but to little avail. Matters are complicated further when Candace Trumphey (Susannah York), daughter of the British governor, falls in love with Ferris. When Dhana is accused of sympathising with the communist terrorists and sentenced to execution, Candace foolishly offers herself as a hostage to the communist forces in the hope of saving her . and the battle weary Ferris faces a race against time and the elements to save them both.
The 7th Dawn has its share of faults for sure. Karl Tunberg's script wanders a lot and seems in need of a little tightening-up; York's character isn't always convincing and upsets the solid characterisation found elsewhere in the film; the final scene virtually plagiarises the ending of Casablanca. But there's still a good deal to enjoy in this exotic jungle romp Holden is fine, Capucine plays a refreshingly strong female character, the action is exciting enough. One particularly powerful sequence features the British burning to the ground a village which has been unsuspectingly harbouring terrorists and their explosives; another shows hundreds of Malayan cyclists carrying out a protest ride against the British governor for ordering for a night-time bicycle curfew. Undeservedly forgotten and almost never screened nowadays, The 7th Dawn is a worthwhile watch if you can find it!
A story worth telling
cmark5111 February 2004
Odd, that I don't recall the word 'communist' being uttered throughout this picture. Anyone notice if it was? It was pretty clear from the references and the red stars the Ng and his guerrillas were communists. This is an entertaining film from a jungle war that has been largely forgotten in the shadow of Vietnam. The British spent 12 years eradicating the elements they called "communist terrorists" before Malaysia became independent. Most of their enemies weren't conveniently
uniformed like Ng's forces, but were more like the grenade-tossing chauffeur. The SAS played a key role in suppressing the communists, and the British pretty much wrote the book on how to deal with these sort of insurgencies, lessons the
Americans too often seem to forget (though they slowly seem to be figuring it out in Iraq and Afghanistan). Saw this movie years ago and liked it, liked it more in a recent viewing, in spite of its flaws. Always liked Holden, have a real soft spot for Susannah York - and Capucine was splendid. Some great cars in this movie, too (and a Gloster Meteor, too, I think). And yes, superbly photographed.
uniformed like Ng's forces, but were more like the grenade-tossing chauffeur. The SAS played a key role in suppressing the communists, and the British pretty much wrote the book on how to deal with these sort of insurgencies, lessons the
Americans too often seem to forget (though they slowly seem to be figuring it out in Iraq and Afghanistan). Saw this movie years ago and liked it, liked it more in a recent viewing, in spite of its flaws. Always liked Holden, have a real soft spot for Susannah York - and Capucine was splendid. Some great cars in this movie, too (and a Gloster Meteor, too, I think). And yes, superbly photographed.
Malaysian unrest after WW II
blanche-23 December 2009
William Holden, Capucine, Susannah York, and Tetsurô Tanba star in "The 7th Dawn," a 1964 film done on location in Malaysia. At the end of World War II, Major Ferris (Holden) decides to stay in Malaysia, where he becomes a land baron. The woman who fought alongside him, Dhana, moves in with him. The third member of their trio, Ng (Tetsuro Tanba) who is like a brother to both of them, leaves to work with the communists.
Over the years, it becomes more dangerous to live in Malaysia due to Communist terrorism as the British prepare for Malaysian independence. As the situation worsens, Major Ferris and Ng ultimately have a difficult and painful decision to make.
"The 7th Dawn" is visually stunning, with some absolutely magnificent photography throughout, with an interesting story that was overshadowed in history by Vietnam. William Holden is perfectly cast as the world-weary Ferris, and Capucine gives a very dignified performance as the highly regarded activist Dhana. Susannah York plays a beautiful young woman who falls for Ferris, and handsome Tetsuro Tanba gives a powerful performance as the dedicated Ng.
Very good script without a typical Hollywood ending. I'm not quite sure why this film isn't more regarded.
Over the years, it becomes more dangerous to live in Malaysia due to Communist terrorism as the British prepare for Malaysian independence. As the situation worsens, Major Ferris and Ng ultimately have a difficult and painful decision to make.
"The 7th Dawn" is visually stunning, with some absolutely magnificent photography throughout, with an interesting story that was overshadowed in history by Vietnam. William Holden is perfectly cast as the world-weary Ferris, and Capucine gives a very dignified performance as the highly regarded activist Dhana. Susannah York plays a beautiful young woman who falls for Ferris, and handsome Tetsuro Tanba gives a powerful performance as the dedicated Ng.
Very good script without a typical Hollywood ending. I'm not quite sure why this film isn't more regarded.
Entertaining but cliched adventure romance with great actors and adequate filmmaking
ma-cortes9 March 2021
Set in the terrorist-turn Malaya of the Fifties with a commmunist guerrila just after WWII and pre-independence . The tale is the old of two men :William Holden , Tetsuro Tamba , friends in the war against the Japanese who , years later , find themselves on opposite sides . Along the way , Holden discovers Susannah York swimming in the nude . During the violent riots , Capucine is detained and accused of treason . The governor : Michel Goodliffe threatens her to be condemned for terrorism, and to execute her , as her friends have to save her from hanging for a crime she did not commit .
Stirring and enjoyable film set in Malaysia , it is all quite exciting , however the finale results to be a disappointing anti-climax . Being based on the novel titled The Durian Tree by Michael Koel and thrilling script by Karl Tunberg . Main actors are pretty good . William Holden is fine as a former officer who decides to become himself a landowner and stay on with mistress Capucine after the war , while Tetsuro Tamba is right as the guerrilla fighter who takes off for Moscow and goes back indoctrinated and determined to convert the country into Communism , finally Susannah York is very attractive as the governor's daughter who has a crush on Holden and helps him out. Filmmaker Lewis Gilbert drives his players hard , providing nice acting from Wiliam Holden , Susannah York , Tetsuro Tamba and outstanding Capucine who delivers her character any real feeling . They are supported by a top-notch secondary cast , such as : Michael Goodliffe , Allan Cuthbertson, Maurice Denham, Sidney Tafler, among others.
It contains a colourful and sunny cinematography by prestigious cameraman Freddie Young , shot on location , but a perfect remastering being really necessary . As well as a rousing and moving musical score by the Italian Riz Ortalani. The motion picture was competently directed by Lewis Gilbert, though his efforts are often stunted by a storyline with plenty of cliches . This Brit craftsman Lewis Gilbert was a good professional who directed a lot of films , getting successes and some flops . Lewis made all kinds of genres and James Bond movies , including the following ones : Damn the Defiant , Alfie , Educating Rita , Sea shall have not them, The Spy who Love me , Moonraker , You only live twice , among others . Rating : 6.5/10 . The flick will appeal to William Holden fans .
Stirring and enjoyable film set in Malaysia , it is all quite exciting , however the finale results to be a disappointing anti-climax . Being based on the novel titled The Durian Tree by Michael Koel and thrilling script by Karl Tunberg . Main actors are pretty good . William Holden is fine as a former officer who decides to become himself a landowner and stay on with mistress Capucine after the war , while Tetsuro Tamba is right as the guerrilla fighter who takes off for Moscow and goes back indoctrinated and determined to convert the country into Communism , finally Susannah York is very attractive as the governor's daughter who has a crush on Holden and helps him out. Filmmaker Lewis Gilbert drives his players hard , providing nice acting from Wiliam Holden , Susannah York , Tetsuro Tamba and outstanding Capucine who delivers her character any real feeling . They are supported by a top-notch secondary cast , such as : Michael Goodliffe , Allan Cuthbertson, Maurice Denham, Sidney Tafler, among others.
It contains a colourful and sunny cinematography by prestigious cameraman Freddie Young , shot on location , but a perfect remastering being really necessary . As well as a rousing and moving musical score by the Italian Riz Ortalani. The motion picture was competently directed by Lewis Gilbert, though his efforts are often stunted by a storyline with plenty of cliches . This Brit craftsman Lewis Gilbert was a good professional who directed a lot of films , getting successes and some flops . Lewis made all kinds of genres and James Bond movies , including the following ones : Damn the Defiant , Alfie , Educating Rita , Sea shall have not them, The Spy who Love me , Moonraker , You only live twice , among others . Rating : 6.5/10 . The flick will appeal to William Holden fans .
The Twisted Path To Freedom
bkoganbing4 August 2007
The Seventh Dawn seemed a natural for William Holden given the spectacular success he had in that part of the world with The Bridge On the River Kwai. Unfortunately Seventh Dawn doesn't quite live up to the David Lean classic.
What The Seventh Dawn is, is a sincere attempt to look at the issues confronting Southeast Asia during the Fifties. Three people, American William Holden, and natives Capucine and Tetsuro Tamba have been involved in resistance to the Japanese. Holden like the country so much, he's going to settle down as a rubber planter. Capucine is going back to teaching school and agitating for eventual independence from Great Britain. Tamba is going to school himself, a scholarship awaits him at a university in Moscow.
Fast forward seven years or so from V-J day and all of them have succeeded more or less in their chosen paths. Unfortunately their paths put them on a collision course with each other.
Holden's a free-wheeling hedonist who just won't settle down and marry Capucine and he's got a new distraction in the form of Sussanah York the daughter of the new British administrator. Her role is the weakest here and the dumbest. Her offer of sacrifice to bring peace to Malaya just doesn't ring true at all.
I do like what Tetsuro Tamba did with his part. His people as he's been taught in Moscow can't feed themselves, let alone govern themselves. They need Red style tutelage and he's going to see they get it.
Measured against The Bridge on the River Kwai, The Seventh Dawn falls far short. Still it's nicely photographed in the Republic of Malaysia and the cast is earnest enough in their roles. William Holden fans will like it.
What The Seventh Dawn is, is a sincere attempt to look at the issues confronting Southeast Asia during the Fifties. Three people, American William Holden, and natives Capucine and Tetsuro Tamba have been involved in resistance to the Japanese. Holden like the country so much, he's going to settle down as a rubber planter. Capucine is going back to teaching school and agitating for eventual independence from Great Britain. Tamba is going to school himself, a scholarship awaits him at a university in Moscow.
Fast forward seven years or so from V-J day and all of them have succeeded more or less in their chosen paths. Unfortunately their paths put them on a collision course with each other.
Holden's a free-wheeling hedonist who just won't settle down and marry Capucine and he's got a new distraction in the form of Sussanah York the daughter of the new British administrator. Her role is the weakest here and the dumbest. Her offer of sacrifice to bring peace to Malaya just doesn't ring true at all.
I do like what Tetsuro Tamba did with his part. His people as he's been taught in Moscow can't feed themselves, let alone govern themselves. They need Red style tutelage and he's going to see they get it.
Measured against The Bridge on the River Kwai, The Seventh Dawn falls far short. Still it's nicely photographed in the Republic of Malaysia and the cast is earnest enough in their roles. William Holden fans will like it.
Underrated for sure!
dbdumonteil4 October 2002
This movie deserves a better rating,that's for sure.Capucine's character is arguably the stand-out as she portrays an uncompromising proud pure heroin,à la Joan of Arc,with dignity and grandeur.Her last scene particularly impresses as the cinematography does.Lewis Gilbert is not a seventh art genius but he avoids pathos and melodrama by using ellipsis :Holden and York are still in the jungle,desperately trying to arrive before it's too late and abruptly,the story takes us forward,several days after they returned.
That said,York's character in not really credible,and Tamba's part is too cardboard when it demanded an ambiguous, in depth psychology.But interest is sustained till the end and I think the movie should be restored to favor.
That said,York's character in not really credible,and Tamba's part is too cardboard when it demanded an ambiguous, in depth psychology.But interest is sustained till the end and I think the movie should be restored to favor.
Excellent but Unheralded Film
wglenn29 September 2003
As others have noted, The 7th Dawn is a surprisingly good film and deserves more attention. It opens with a stunningly photographed title sequence that evokes the haunting atmosphere and strange tension of Henri Rousseau's jungle paintings. As soon as the titles fade, however, we are suddenly thrust into the middle of a brutal mass execution towards the end of World War II in Malaysia. The entire film plays off of this combination of sudden violence and the mysterious, unearthly beauty of the jungle.
In its quest for national independence for Malaysia, a guerilla army threatens British colonial society with acts of terrorism that leave the good civilized folk on edge. They ask an American ex-pat, William Holden, to intercede with the leader of the rebels, played by Tetsuro Tamba, because the two are old friends and served together in a guerilla army on the side of the Allies when they were all fighting the Japanese. Capucine also served with the two men in their guerilla days, and these three form an interesting romantic triangle that goes much deeper than those found in most films, involving loyalty to and betrayal of friends, lovers, family, nation, and ideology.
Though we've seen Holden's character, Major Ferris, in other movies (from Rick in Casablanca on down), it's a great role for the actor, who fills it with vigor, intelligence, and the necessary animal sensitivity. It helps that he has good writing behind him, and, in fact, the screenplay is one of the strengths of the movie, with complex characters involved in murky moral situations, a plot that keeps you intrigued and guessing, and some larger themes right out of Joseph Conrad. Susannah York's character may be a weak point of the film, but the acting in general is quite good. The Malaysian setting is quite exotic, and Freddie Young's (Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago, etc.) incredible photography adds to the moody, violent and lush atmosphere of the film. It all adds up to action, adventure, mystery, political intrigue, some refreshingly mature romantic relationships, and even a touch of humor. Though it doesn't quite rank up there with The Bridge on the River Kwai or Lawrence of Arabia, people who liked those films should find The 7th Dawn a surprisingly strong film and definitely worth watching.
In its quest for national independence for Malaysia, a guerilla army threatens British colonial society with acts of terrorism that leave the good civilized folk on edge. They ask an American ex-pat, William Holden, to intercede with the leader of the rebels, played by Tetsuro Tamba, because the two are old friends and served together in a guerilla army on the side of the Allies when they were all fighting the Japanese. Capucine also served with the two men in their guerilla days, and these three form an interesting romantic triangle that goes much deeper than those found in most films, involving loyalty to and betrayal of friends, lovers, family, nation, and ideology.
Though we've seen Holden's character, Major Ferris, in other movies (from Rick in Casablanca on down), it's a great role for the actor, who fills it with vigor, intelligence, and the necessary animal sensitivity. It helps that he has good writing behind him, and, in fact, the screenplay is one of the strengths of the movie, with complex characters involved in murky moral situations, a plot that keeps you intrigued and guessing, and some larger themes right out of Joseph Conrad. Susannah York's character may be a weak point of the film, but the acting in general is quite good. The Malaysian setting is quite exotic, and Freddie Young's (Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago, etc.) incredible photography adds to the moody, violent and lush atmosphere of the film. It all adds up to action, adventure, mystery, political intrigue, some refreshingly mature romantic relationships, and even a touch of humor. Though it doesn't quite rank up there with The Bridge on the River Kwai or Lawrence of Arabia, people who liked those films should find The 7th Dawn a surprisingly strong film and definitely worth watching.
Exotic lands and Ortolani's score
PimpinAinttEasy11 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
A Graham Greenesque love quadrangle in the midst of turmoil in the British colony of Malaya.
the 7th dawn is an exotic film starting with the beautiful titles that has Malayan landscapes, the workers, water bodies and culture set to Riz Ortolani's heavenly soundtrack.
William Holden plays an American solider who is attached to the land and stays back after the war with Japan to become a successful plantation owner. He is involved in a love triangle with a Malayan rebel leader and an activist played by the beautiful Capucine. Holden effortlessly exudes authority and manliness. The so called macho actors of today look like chumps when compared to an actor like Holden. Capucine plays a stoic principled solider who is passionate about the rights of the Malays. This is the first time i'm seeing her in a film. She is a damn good actress and looked great too. Sussanah York, the daughter of a British dignitary covets holden. She is introduced wearing a bikini and bathing in the sea. She is a female white liberal character straight of of a VS Naipaul novel. The plot resolution at the end is thanks to her silly liberal antics. She surrenders herself as a hostage to the malayan reactionaries in the hope that the British authorities would refrain from hanging Capucine who is falsely accused of planting grenades.
But the film is an action adventure film that doesnt really take political sides and mostly present facts as they are. i enjoyed it.
Ortolani's score deserves special mention.
(7/10)
the 7th dawn is an exotic film starting with the beautiful titles that has Malayan landscapes, the workers, water bodies and culture set to Riz Ortolani's heavenly soundtrack.
William Holden plays an American solider who is attached to the land and stays back after the war with Japan to become a successful plantation owner. He is involved in a love triangle with a Malayan rebel leader and an activist played by the beautiful Capucine. Holden effortlessly exudes authority and manliness. The so called macho actors of today look like chumps when compared to an actor like Holden. Capucine plays a stoic principled solider who is passionate about the rights of the Malays. This is the first time i'm seeing her in a film. She is a damn good actress and looked great too. Sussanah York, the daughter of a British dignitary covets holden. She is introduced wearing a bikini and bathing in the sea. She is a female white liberal character straight of of a VS Naipaul novel. The plot resolution at the end is thanks to her silly liberal antics. She surrenders herself as a hostage to the malayan reactionaries in the hope that the British authorities would refrain from hanging Capucine who is falsely accused of planting grenades.
But the film is an action adventure film that doesnt really take political sides and mostly present facts as they are. i enjoyed it.
Ortolani's score deserves special mention.
(7/10)
Sorry to be a "nit-picker", but.....
nixonkg-12 August 2010
I have just watched this film, 46 years after its release. The film was shown on Classic Silver Screen, and unfortunately the print was of poor quality. I can imagine that Freddie Youngs photography would be stunning in a good quality print! Overall I would rate the film as average fare. Was this film or the original book based on factual events? I hate to be a "nit-picker", but at the beginning we see a helicopter with loudspeaker telling the rebels that the war with the Japanese is over. Now, I know early helicopters were used by the Allies in small numbers late in World War Two. But in a remote area such as Malaya? Anacronistic I would think! Also the aircraft was a Bristol Sycamore, not designed until the 50s!! This helicopter thing also happens in "Where Eagles Dare". Don't film researchers do there homework? Or do they include such "gaffs" just to p**s off "nit-pickers" like me!!
Criminally Underated
drdyer13 September 2002
For years I would notice this in television guides rated as one check or one star, right down there with Attack of The Killer Tomatoes. I have often puzzled at who is responsible for this and other way-off subjective ratings I have seen.
This movie was a two star movie just for Freddie Young's photography.
While not up there with The Bridge On The River Kwai, I believe this film is worthy of being rated higher than hundreds I have seen rated with two and three stars.
This film has some fine performances by Susannah York, Capucine, and Tetsuro Tamba, as well as William Holden.
This film has one of the most beautiful opening scenes of any picture I have seen, coupled with the music of Riz Ortolani, which I believe only Freddie Young's gifted artistic photo talents could have accomplished.
The only possible reason for it's low rating that I could think of, was the era it was released, when anti-war sentiments were building towards Viet Nam. At any rate, personal point of views should not affect the grading of art forms, and is a travesty to truth.
This movie was a two star movie just for Freddie Young's photography.
While not up there with The Bridge On The River Kwai, I believe this film is worthy of being rated higher than hundreds I have seen rated with two and three stars.
This film has some fine performances by Susannah York, Capucine, and Tetsuro Tamba, as well as William Holden.
This film has one of the most beautiful opening scenes of any picture I have seen, coupled with the music of Riz Ortolani, which I believe only Freddie Young's gifted artistic photo talents could have accomplished.
The only possible reason for it's low rating that I could think of, was the era it was released, when anti-war sentiments were building towards Viet Nam. At any rate, personal point of views should not affect the grading of art forms, and is a travesty to truth.
Overlong but sturdy, adult actioner
gridoon202421 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
An unusual action movie for 1964 in that it has a complex, non-black-and-white relationship between hero and villain, two strong female characters, and no happy ending. It's overly long (123 minutes) and has a few lulls, but the action scenes, when they do come, are well done, and the Malaysian jungles look dense and foreboding. Also worth catching: Maurice Binder's (James Bond) liquid title sequence. **1/2 out of 4.
Politically relevent to contemporary America: World Police
ArtVandelayImporterExporter4 May 2018
It's sad how little the U.S. has learned from the British Empire that preceded it. But that's the politics and it's somewhat interestingly presented here.
The biggest problem with this movie is it opens as a love triangle: Holden/Tambo/Capucino. Before the first scene is over Tambo wander off to become a commie revolutionary and in wanders Susannah Can't Act York. So it's a different love triangle. Except Holden and Capucino aren't in love; they seem to have more of a roommate-with-privileges relationship.
A few people get blown up real good. Holden does some dashing things we've already seen in Bridge...Kwai.
Snore.
This movie is notable for featuring a still-fit Holden, with bags forming under his eyes to show the hard living of the past decade. This might also be the point where he's no longer the cynical individualist with a smile and a wink to the cynical survivor with a bitter smirk. He's closer to the bitter washed-up Pyke of The Wild Bunch at this point.
I want some UCLA film student to write his doctoral thesis on Holden's career and life as it played out on the screen. For now I might just have to read Stefanie Powers' book about him.
Sophiscated themes within the war genre
bbsilvers24 February 2006
When the old KCOP Channel 13 in Los Angeles showed matinées (afterschool for me then), I saw this engrossing movie. Who could resist the lushness of the Malay jungle juxtaposed with the British Governor's pristine lawns? Not to mention the fascinating interweaving of the old love triangle amongst Ferris, Dhana, and Ng with an anti-colonial rebellion? I may have been a precocious child, but these things were clear to me amidst the Vietnam War. It's good to see others who recall this movie for what it remains--a trenchant comment on nationalist insurgents fighting their imperialist overlords. The irony is that, despite the purity of their intentions, the guerrillas destroy what they fight for: control of their own destiny. One might read the lovely Dhana as the fragile Malayan countryside laid waste in the ensuing skirmishes. True enough that the British colonial government executes Dhana. Yet both Ferris and Ng lose their dreams as well: Ferris leaves Malaya without Dhana (or even Candace), and Ng is dead.
When I found the LP recording of the beautiful Riz Ortolani score about 20 years ago, I snatched it up. I won't expect a CD version, but Ortolani deserves to be lauded for music that supports the storyline. We may well remember "More" from Mondo Cane, but the haunting theme from The 7th Dawn can hold its own.
Now, if only one could include this movie in a grouping of films with the broad theme of protesting war (Live for Life, Year of Living Dangerously, Torn Apart, Indochine)and show them to politicians....
When I found the LP recording of the beautiful Riz Ortolani score about 20 years ago, I snatched it up. I won't expect a CD version, but Ortolani deserves to be lauded for music that supports the storyline. We may well remember "More" from Mondo Cane, but the haunting theme from The 7th Dawn can hold its own.
Now, if only one could include this movie in a grouping of films with the broad theme of protesting war (Live for Life, Year of Living Dangerously, Torn Apart, Indochine)and show them to politicians....
A lazy Sunday afternoon...
lost-in-limbo12 April 2020
Flicking through channels, I stumbled across the opening credits of "THE 7th DAWN", but it wasn't until I saw the name William Holden that I was all in. What eventuates is a languid and very dreary adventure romance drama by Lewis Gilbert, set after WW2, where the Malayan people are now free of the Japanese, but now find themselves fighting for independence against their allies the British. William Holden's character is stuck right in the middle of it, not wanting to take sides, but the British want him to give up his best friend who happens to be the leader of the terrorists.
Heavy on political dilemmas, heated racial tensions, narrow minded characters, a sense of loyalty, constant suffering and a couple of love triangles, the material goes about it in a rather clichéd manner and concentrates for most part on the complicated character dramas. It can be slow going, but performances are up to speed and it builds to a lively, if slightly suspenseful third act in the jungle leading to a lot pain for all those involved. Holden is impeccably good, while Susannah York is serviceable. I actually found a headstrong Capucine to overshadow Holden, leaving quite a mark, despite fewer scenes. She kind of holds the story together. Also the same can be said about Tetsuro Tamba. Director Gilbert's workmanlike quality won't set it alight, but gives it a larger than expected scope.
Heavy on political dilemmas, heated racial tensions, narrow minded characters, a sense of loyalty, constant suffering and a couple of love triangles, the material goes about it in a rather clichéd manner and concentrates for most part on the complicated character dramas. It can be slow going, but performances are up to speed and it builds to a lively, if slightly suspenseful third act in the jungle leading to a lot pain for all those involved. Holden is impeccably good, while Susannah York is serviceable. I actually found a headstrong Capucine to overshadow Holden, leaving quite a mark, despite fewer scenes. She kind of holds the story together. Also the same can be said about Tetsuro Tamba. Director Gilbert's workmanlike quality won't set it alight, but gives it a larger than expected scope.
not a war film, but a story of colonial vestiges in post-war Malaysia, and a bit flat
secondtake22 September 2012
The 7th Dawn (1964)
The best of this movie is an attempt to show the politics of Malaysia after WWII. There are lessons here that apply to our own time, with European powers facing rising anger in developing countries. Here it's the British who are facing horrors from the Malaysians because they own so much of the good land and maintain typical colonial class and monetary power (even though it was no longer an official colony). A little like half the world, I suppose, in mid-Twentieth Century, including South Africa and Vietnam.
The movie is stiff and forced in other ways, and often feels like a movie that might have been made a decade earlier. It plays with clichés and uses convenient movie tricks that are false even to the uninitiated. The leading man hasn't that worn well over the years--William Holden. I generally like him, but here I can feel him acting too often. Some of the charming ticks in his face, or his dry delivery, now seems fake and even smarmy, like the letch in him can't hide beneath his acting, or the "leading man" in him is all he has. I have a feeling these quirks were attractive at the time, fifty years ago.
It's not a total train wreck of a movie. Susannah York is stunning in a way that avoids the stereotyping she often reluctantly fit into, the Pop British flower-child. Unfortunately York isn't a terrific actress here, and at first is merely the serious woman to put against Holden's character. She does have an important role, but it's extremely limited (you'll see why) and she can be sculptural without pretense.
But then next to York is the "other" woman to whom Holden (46 years old here) is attracted (which by itself is absurd, York playing the less desirable woman). This is played by the younger and unconvincing Capucine. (She went by one name, but was born with the usual allotment.) It's not that she's a bad actor really, but that she's a frivolous object with so little awareness of what surrounds here. I'm sure people like her were in Malaysia, but to make her a centerpiece of the movie brings everything down a couple notches.
If we can absorb the stilted (at times) style and the improbable aspects in the subplots (Holden with the young tart slashing through the jungle with machetes) we are able to go back to the political facts. The details are fictional, for sure, but the broad outline, the fear of Westerners in a land where they are not at all welcome, is believable. And the film doesn't paint it completely as a bunch of innocent English richies being killed and tormented by the rabble, though there is a little of that. It's more about a the real conflict of histories and ways of life. And a sticking to principles.
I think a more potent idea here, without York by this point, is whether personal friendship can hold up through huge differences of culture and loyalty. This might be the best part of the movie, and in those sections you'll at least feel depth to the idea and even the acting, even if the outcome is a bit beside the point. In one later scene the woman at this point (the tart) asks, "How can you believe him?" Exactly! The question of trust in the mind of the audience is obvious to the characters, too, and so it's the final large theme, taking us from the first scene to almost the last.
Everything outside shot on location, which adds authenticity not only on the plantations (rubber) but later in the raw jungle. If you watch this you'll find things to like for sure. But it's not constructed very well, and the clunky parts will overwhelm you at times. You'll also find that people who should be freaking out (on death row, or a man seeing his daughter likely to die) calmly proceed instead. Or when someone takes a prisoner after a huge fight, they then let down their guard and trust him to walk away with his weapon.
It's too bad. A lot was pointed in the right direction at first. There are more recent movies that take the realism of their periods seriously and to probably better results (blockbusters like "Gandhi" or "The Last Emperor" and more perceptive if imperfect films like "Lust Caution" and the weirdly chilling "Disgrace"). But the theme is really one of the largest in the history of movies, actually, if you start looking at everything from "The Rains Came" to "The Letter" both from the classic black and white Hollywood years. "The 7th Dawn" fits into this picture somewhere.
The best of this movie is an attempt to show the politics of Malaysia after WWII. There are lessons here that apply to our own time, with European powers facing rising anger in developing countries. Here it's the British who are facing horrors from the Malaysians because they own so much of the good land and maintain typical colonial class and monetary power (even though it was no longer an official colony). A little like half the world, I suppose, in mid-Twentieth Century, including South Africa and Vietnam.
The movie is stiff and forced in other ways, and often feels like a movie that might have been made a decade earlier. It plays with clichés and uses convenient movie tricks that are false even to the uninitiated. The leading man hasn't that worn well over the years--William Holden. I generally like him, but here I can feel him acting too often. Some of the charming ticks in his face, or his dry delivery, now seems fake and even smarmy, like the letch in him can't hide beneath his acting, or the "leading man" in him is all he has. I have a feeling these quirks were attractive at the time, fifty years ago.
It's not a total train wreck of a movie. Susannah York is stunning in a way that avoids the stereotyping she often reluctantly fit into, the Pop British flower-child. Unfortunately York isn't a terrific actress here, and at first is merely the serious woman to put against Holden's character. She does have an important role, but it's extremely limited (you'll see why) and she can be sculptural without pretense.
But then next to York is the "other" woman to whom Holden (46 years old here) is attracted (which by itself is absurd, York playing the less desirable woman). This is played by the younger and unconvincing Capucine. (She went by one name, but was born with the usual allotment.) It's not that she's a bad actor really, but that she's a frivolous object with so little awareness of what surrounds here. I'm sure people like her were in Malaysia, but to make her a centerpiece of the movie brings everything down a couple notches.
If we can absorb the stilted (at times) style and the improbable aspects in the subplots (Holden with the young tart slashing through the jungle with machetes) we are able to go back to the political facts. The details are fictional, for sure, but the broad outline, the fear of Westerners in a land where they are not at all welcome, is believable. And the film doesn't paint it completely as a bunch of innocent English richies being killed and tormented by the rabble, though there is a little of that. It's more about a the real conflict of histories and ways of life. And a sticking to principles.
I think a more potent idea here, without York by this point, is whether personal friendship can hold up through huge differences of culture and loyalty. This might be the best part of the movie, and in those sections you'll at least feel depth to the idea and even the acting, even if the outcome is a bit beside the point. In one later scene the woman at this point (the tart) asks, "How can you believe him?" Exactly! The question of trust in the mind of the audience is obvious to the characters, too, and so it's the final large theme, taking us from the first scene to almost the last.
Everything outside shot on location, which adds authenticity not only on the plantations (rubber) but later in the raw jungle. If you watch this you'll find things to like for sure. But it's not constructed very well, and the clunky parts will overwhelm you at times. You'll also find that people who should be freaking out (on death row, or a man seeing his daughter likely to die) calmly proceed instead. Or when someone takes a prisoner after a huge fight, they then let down their guard and trust him to walk away with his weapon.
It's too bad. A lot was pointed in the right direction at first. There are more recent movies that take the realism of their periods seriously and to probably better results (blockbusters like "Gandhi" or "The Last Emperor" and more perceptive if imperfect films like "Lust Caution" and the weirdly chilling "Disgrace"). But the theme is really one of the largest in the history of movies, actually, if you start looking at everything from "The Rains Came" to "The Letter" both from the classic black and white Hollywood years. "The 7th Dawn" fits into this picture somewhere.
Not Too Bad
kenjha4 May 2013
In post-WW2 Malaya, political tensions rise between the British rulers and the revolutionaries. This is one of a series of clunkers that Holden made in the 1960s, when he unwisely chose film roles based on shooting locales rather than script. Here he looks disinterested playing a wealthy American business man who tries to broker peace between the warring factions. Coming off her success in "Tom Jones," York plays the daughter of a British commander who throws herself at Holden. Holden is apparently attracted to her but also has feelings for Capucine, an earnest school teacher who is sympathetic to the revolution. Holden and Capucine had an off-screen romance going at the time. The film's not as bad as its reputation would suggest.
William Holden stuck between Communist fighters and the Brits in Southeast Asia
Wuchakk20 November 2022
A former OSS officer who helped the Malaysian guerillas during WW2 (Holden) is now a mogul there in 1953. His prior comrade in the jungle (Tetsurô Tanba) now leads the Communistic revolutionaries, who carry out terrorist attacks as the British strategize their departure from the independence-minded colony. Wanting to stay neutral, Major Ferris finds himself caught between these two forces.
Since "The 7th Dawn" (1964) features William Holden involved with militarists in a Southeast Asian jungle, it naturally brings to mind "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957), but it's closer to Brando's "The Ugly American" (1963), just with loads of jungle action in the last act. It lacks the avant-garde artistry of "Kwai" and thus feels stiff and old-fashioned by comparison, which also marred "Ugly American." It's not great like "Kwai," but it's more compelling than "Ugly."
Speaking of stiffness, the sequence involving Ferris, his mistress (Capucine) and the swooning daughter of the new commissioner (Susannah York) plays so robotically you have to see it to believe it. This is definitely a case where the scene needed rewritten or ad-libbed, anything to make it feel more natural and real.
While the flick is based on the 1960 book "The Durian Tree," the author obviously ripped-off the plot from the 1953 British miniseries (serial) "A Place of Execution."
Although the story is fictional, the situation is historical. The Malayan Insurgency was one of the most pointless conflicts ever fought since the British were leaving and the Communist terrorists delayed their withdrawal... and therefore Malaysia's independence. Why? Obviously because they wanted to overthrow the Brits through violent revolution and be the ones in power.
Fanatics tend to destroy the well-intentioned causes they support because their "cause" (and the corresponding authoritarian control) becomes more important than the folks they claim to represent. This is just a taste of the thought-provoking material here.
The film runs 2 hours, 3 minutes, and was shot in Malaysia with some studio stuff done in England.
GRADE: B-/B.
Since "The 7th Dawn" (1964) features William Holden involved with militarists in a Southeast Asian jungle, it naturally brings to mind "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957), but it's closer to Brando's "The Ugly American" (1963), just with loads of jungle action in the last act. It lacks the avant-garde artistry of "Kwai" and thus feels stiff and old-fashioned by comparison, which also marred "Ugly American." It's not great like "Kwai," but it's more compelling than "Ugly."
Speaking of stiffness, the sequence involving Ferris, his mistress (Capucine) and the swooning daughter of the new commissioner (Susannah York) plays so robotically you have to see it to believe it. This is definitely a case where the scene needed rewritten or ad-libbed, anything to make it feel more natural and real.
While the flick is based on the 1960 book "The Durian Tree," the author obviously ripped-off the plot from the 1953 British miniseries (serial) "A Place of Execution."
Although the story is fictional, the situation is historical. The Malayan Insurgency was one of the most pointless conflicts ever fought since the British were leaving and the Communist terrorists delayed their withdrawal... and therefore Malaysia's independence. Why? Obviously because they wanted to overthrow the Brits through violent revolution and be the ones in power.
Fanatics tend to destroy the well-intentioned causes they support because their "cause" (and the corresponding authoritarian control) becomes more important than the folks they claim to represent. This is just a taste of the thought-provoking material here.
The film runs 2 hours, 3 minutes, and was shot in Malaysia with some studio stuff done in England.
GRADE: B-/B.
great old film
kaydon-118 June 2006
This film was made in Malaya in 1963. Because it was to show scenes of burning a malay kampong, the British government refused permission for their troops to take part. Australia was approached and agreed. Myself and about 80 other soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, the royal Australian regiment, who were based at terendak camp, malacca, malaya were selected. We got to meet bill holden and beautiful cupacine the french actress and many other people on the set (directer camera men and so on). it was all very exiting and over 40 years ago. I still have a number of black and white photos taken at various times. by the way when it was released it was called "the year of the dragon" evidently it was thought not a good title for America and changed to the "seventh dawn" when i attend battalion re-unions on the gold coast in queensland, those of us who were in the film still enjoy a good laugh about our parts, but then again the subject was very close to our hearts. it is the only fight against communist terrorist that was a full success, although Vietnam was, only for what the press did at tet.
Good film weakened by the York character
nelsonhodgie11 July 2023
The 7th Dawn's backdrop of political tensions between Communist rebels and colonial Britian in Malaya makes for a very interesting film. The location footage, and jungle combat scenes are well handled by director Lewis Gilbert known primarily for some Bond films. Holden is his usual rugged dull self. I guess he must have enjoyed trekking through Southeast Asian jungle in Bridge On the River Kwai , cause here he does it again. I can't understand why the women are throwing themselves at him but I guess he's rich and handsome enough. Capucine as the local teacher who is sympathetic to the rebel cause is a true revelation here. She gives a very affective and at times heartbreaking performance. As I had only seen here in light comedy before I didn't realize what range she had. Which brings me to Susannah York. Unfortunately her character is unbelievable as well as annoying and often brings the film to a standstill. The film would have been a lot better if her character had been written out of it. Still it's a very decent action adventure romance. Well worth a look.
Something special here..........
Panamint7 August 2007
There is a haunting, lost quality to this film that is really special. The mysterious jungles, ethereal sunrises, lost colonial world are all woven together beautifully.
The life-enhancing youth of Susanna York, and exotic Capucine at the peak of her career converge at just the right moment in time to play off of the wasted, weary Holden (though still an effective acting presence). Few viewers at the time realized that the famous globe-trotting Holden was perfectly suited to this role as an aging man who accumulates wealth but realizes that he has thrown away all his opportunities for success in a personal life. Now we know that age and mistakes were catching up with Holden himself, just like the character he portrays here.
Expensively made, fine cinematography, beautiful but haunting musical score written at the perfect time.
Sincere acting conveys the simplistic ideals believed by everyone in those days (The British, the Communist leader Ng, the naive Americans). Simplistic thought by so many people who did not realize that the world was becoming very complicated. The USA that very year on the brink of massive effort and tragedy in Vietnam. The early 1960's with so many nations on the cusp of independence as colonialism was literally dying as this film was being made.
Viewers in 1964 were still expecting movie-star Holden and happy endings. Instead, Holden gave them the truth here and they couldn't handle it. So, this movie was long forgotten, only shown a few times over the years in various chopped-up prints, and achieved obscurity. We are lucky that a full-length version was preserved. This kind of independent-minded, carefully photographed, rare unique movie is seldom encountered and should be treasured, despite how uneven or flawed it may be.
The life-enhancing youth of Susanna York, and exotic Capucine at the peak of her career converge at just the right moment in time to play off of the wasted, weary Holden (though still an effective acting presence). Few viewers at the time realized that the famous globe-trotting Holden was perfectly suited to this role as an aging man who accumulates wealth but realizes that he has thrown away all his opportunities for success in a personal life. Now we know that age and mistakes were catching up with Holden himself, just like the character he portrays here.
Expensively made, fine cinematography, beautiful but haunting musical score written at the perfect time.
Sincere acting conveys the simplistic ideals believed by everyone in those days (The British, the Communist leader Ng, the naive Americans). Simplistic thought by so many people who did not realize that the world was becoming very complicated. The USA that very year on the brink of massive effort and tragedy in Vietnam. The early 1960's with so many nations on the cusp of independence as colonialism was literally dying as this film was being made.
Viewers in 1964 were still expecting movie-star Holden and happy endings. Instead, Holden gave them the truth here and they couldn't handle it. So, this movie was long forgotten, only shown a few times over the years in various chopped-up prints, and achieved obscurity. We are lucky that a full-length version was preserved. This kind of independent-minded, carefully photographed, rare unique movie is seldom encountered and should be treasured, despite how uneven or flawed it may be.
My Favorite Movie (and Novel) But...
brurhe-111 January 2008
A British colony in Asia is under attack from terrorists. A suspected terrorist has been captured, tried, and convicted. The sentence is death. The terrorist group kidnaps the British governor's daughter. She will be killed if the execution proceeds. Time is running out. Only her lover, Ferrell, can save her. No mistake. It's Paul Ferrell and he's rescuing Caroline rather than Candace this time. The movie (actually a serial or in the States a miniseries) is "A Place of Execution" from 1953 eight years before "The Durian Tree" was published and eleven years before "The 7th Dawn" was released. Is this a strange coincidence or a reused plot line? Draw your own conclusions.
Unheralded but classic period piece & morality play
eaglejet9821 January 2004
This is one of those films that goes unnoticed for some reason, despite having an excellent story, superb cast and breathtaking scenery.
Although it is "entertainment", art does imitate life and we see the brutal reality of how a dedicated (and duped) Marxist revolutionary lets deep, committed friendships fall to the wayside, in fact uses those very friendships, to further his political cause.
The film came out about the time the war in Vietnam became an American War and this may be the reason it did not do as well as it should have at the box office.
A young Suzanna York is stunning; Capucine is the classic beauty she remained until her untimely, and sad, suicide in 1987. Bill Holden was the perennial Bill Holden. The Asian commie rat was a typical Asian commie rat. Those guys still don't have a clue. China will eventually fall not from within but from without-they can't keep the internet out and once its citizens see the real world out there, communism is finished.
Well worth watching whenever you can catch it.
Although it is "entertainment", art does imitate life and we see the brutal reality of how a dedicated (and duped) Marxist revolutionary lets deep, committed friendships fall to the wayside, in fact uses those very friendships, to further his political cause.
The film came out about the time the war in Vietnam became an American War and this may be the reason it did not do as well as it should have at the box office.
A young Suzanna York is stunning; Capucine is the classic beauty she remained until her untimely, and sad, suicide in 1987. Bill Holden was the perennial Bill Holden. The Asian commie rat was a typical Asian commie rat. Those guys still don't have a clue. China will eventually fall not from within but from without-they can't keep the internet out and once its citizens see the real world out there, communism is finished.
Well worth watching whenever you can catch it.
Highly watchable
lyganywern15 February 2017
Enjoyable and welcome - just shows how few films were made about the end of the British Empire (India being an exception). Well cast and the excellent supports - Sydney Tafler, Michael Goodliffe and Maurice Denham bring added credibility. Nice to see Tafler in a role other than his usual line in club managers and assorted crooks. Likewise, Goodliffe shows a gravitas contrasting from his normal parts - the seedy (Jigsaw 1962) through to various officer types and police inspectors.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
