--- title: "The Magnificent Seven" year: 2016 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-magnificent-seven-2016" fi1m_id: "the-magnificent-seven-2016" imdb_id: "tt2404435" tmdb_id: 333484 wikidata_id: "Q19983487" fi1m_score: 54 critics_score: 44 critics_reviews: 27 published: "2026-09-24T11:03:34.866071+00:00" updated: "2026-09-24T11:03:44.261726+00:00" region: "AU" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # The Magnificent Seven (2016) Directed by Antoine Fuqua · 2h 12m · ACB M · Adventure, Action, Western ## Identity The Magnificent Seven - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/the-magnificent-seven-2016 - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** the-magnificent-seven-2016 - **IMDb ID:** tt2404435 - **TMDB ID:** 333484 - **Wikidata ID:** Q19983487 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2404435/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/333484, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19983487 **Fi1m score: 54** · Critics 44 from 27 reviews *In a sentence:* A splendidly dressed group of men waiting for the script to give them something besides ammunition > Antoine Fuqua’s Western has a capable cast and a saloon confrontation worth sitting up for. Too much of the rest is thin characterisation and prolonged gunfire, with Denzel Washington doing more than the screenplay to hold our attention. ## Synopsis Townsfolk facing Bartholomew Bogue (Peter Sarsgaard) look to Sam Chisolm (Denzel Washington) for help. A saloon confrontation establishes what Chisolm can do, while his arrival draws wary attention. Joshua Farraday (Chris Pratt) and Goodnight Robicheaux (Ethan Hawke) join a group that also includes the tracker Jack Horne (Vincent D’Onofrio). Billy Rocks (Lee Byung-hun), Vasquez (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) and Red Harvest (Martin Sensmeier) bring the number to seven. Chisolm’s task is to protect the townsfolk from Bogue, but these men must first learn to work together against an opponent who has the advantage. ## Review Antoine Fuqua’s *The Magnificent Seven* has enough good actors to keep us watching, but too little interest in the people they play. It attempts a straightforward Western about an outmatched group standing up to a bully, and there is no shame in that. The disappointment is how often Nic Pizzolatto and Richard Wenk’s screenplay relies on the cast to supply distinctions it has barely written. At 132 minutes, it has had time to introduce these men properly. Denzel Washington gives Sam Chisolm an authority that makes him easy to accept as the group’s leader. Chris Pratt’s Joshua Farraday supplies the easier charm, though some of the humour seems to be waiting for applause. Ethan Hawke’s Goodnight Robicheaux offers a welcome suggestion of a life beyond the immediate job, while Vincent D’Onofrio makes Jack Horne an eccentric enough presence to interrupt the routine. The script gives each an introduction without quite giving them enough to do together. The saloon confrontation briefly supplies the film we had hoped for. Mauro Fiore’s cinematography keeps the men’s faces as interesting as their weapons, while John Refoua’s editing gives the dialogue time to register without letting the exchange sag. We were gripped, because the talk makes these people seem capable of surprising one another. It is a small piece of action in which the actors remain worth watching, and it makes the later dependence on extended shooting harder to excuse. Derek R. Hill’s production design makes the saloon feel worth spending time in even without a confrontation. Sharen Davis’s costumes are useful introductions, distinguishing men whom the dialogue too often leaves interchangeable. James Horner and Simon Franglen’s music gives the fighting urgency, though it struggles to compensate for our limited interest in the people involved. These are craftspeople doing sound work on scenes that needed another pass at the writing. Peter Sarsgaard can make Bartholomew Bogue unpleasant, but the screenplay gives him too little beyond being the villain. The same thin writing limits the other side. With so many different men brought together, there should be friction over more than the practical business of fighting; instead, the film hurries past the questions their company raises. The townsfolk also struggle to become people we care about, which is a considerable problem in a Western built around defending them. The action grows longer and louder without solving any of this. Some passages have an agreeable physical force, and Antoine Fuqua can organise enough movement to keep the eye occupied. Yet the extended gunfire gradually becomes tiring, because the film has not made the risk personal enough. It is possible to appreciate the work involved in staging these encounters while feeling little concern about what happens within them, and that is where too much of the film leaves us. An ensemble Western does not need an unfamiliar plot to justify itself, since the company can be reason enough to stay. Here, there are flashes of warmth and oddness, especially from Vincent D’Onofrio, but too little of either to sustain more than two hours. An affection for the cast will have to do much of the work. *Fi1m score 54, published 24 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics find The Magnificent Seven a slick but uninspired remake, with more star power than character development. Praise centres on the ensemble, particularly Denzel Washington’s commanding presence, Chris Pratt’s energy and Vincent D’Onofrio’s eccentric performance. Several reviews also credit the western imagery and the staging of the action. Even some detractors find the extended final shootout exciting, though that enthusiasm does not extend to the film around it. The reservations cluster around thinly written characters, an overfamiliar story and too little emotional investment to make the danger matter. Several critics also find its treatment of the historical setting shallow. The spread is wide: Total Film and Time Out regard the cast and action as enough to make the remake succeed. The action itself remains contested, with The AV Club finding the climax stiff and spatially confusing where others see well-organised spectacle. ## Straight answers **Is The Magnificent Seven worth watching?** *The Magnificent Seven* is a mixed Western we score 54 out of 100, with more to offer admirers of its cast than anyone seeking memorable characters. Denzel Washington holds our attention and the saloon confrontation has real tension, but thin writing and prolonged gunfire make much of its 132 minutes tiring. **How long is The Magnificent Seven, and what is it rated?** *The Magnificent Seven* runs 2h 12m and is rated M by the ACB in Australia. It is an adventure and action film. **Where can I watch The Magnificent Seven in Australia?** *The Magnificent Seven* is streaming on Netflix, Stan and Amazon Prime Video in Australia, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from A$4.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How violent or frightening is The Magnificent Seven, and is it suitable for children?** *The Magnificent Seven* carries a UK 12A certificate and contains prolonged, loud gunfights, making it a cautious choice for younger children or anyone sensitive to sustained violence. The certificate requires children under 12 to be accompanied by an adult at the cinema; we find the extended shooting more tiring than gripping. **How does The Magnificent Seven compare to Rio Bravo?** *The Magnificent Seven* is the weaker choice beside [*Rio Bravo*](https://film.one/film/rio-bravo) if we want the pleasure of watching capable people get used to one another. Fuqua’s film leans on its cast and extended gunfire, while Howard Hawks gives his ensemble room for dry comedy and carefully rationed danger, though some conversations run longer than they need. **What should I watch after The Magnificent Seven?** After *The Magnificent Seven*, try [*Rio Bravo*](https://film.one/film/rio-bravo) (1959, Fi1m 88): For the pleasure of watching capable people get used to one another. Then [*Seven Samurai*](https://film.one/film/seven-samurai) (1954, Fi1m 95): The threatened community and its defenders receive the attention they need. ### Reviews we read (27) - **Time Out**, Joshua Rothkopf (4/5): Rothkopf finds the action-heavy remake succeeds in holding its own against the classic. He singles out its starry cast, led by Denzel Washington. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-magnificent-seven) - **Total Film**, Jamie Graham (4/5): The critic finds the film not quite magnificent, but a rare remake that delivers and Fuqua’s best since Training Day. They praise Denzel Washington’s commanding performance and the film’s thrilling western imagery and action. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/the-magnificent-seven-review/) - **The New York Times**, A.O. Scott (64/100, inferred): The page content is blocked, so the critic’s verdict cannot be established. No specific praise or complaint is available from the text provided. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/23/movies/magnificent-seven-review-denzel-washington.html) - **Slant Magazine**, Jake Cole (2.5/4): Cole finds the film passably entertaining but ultimately disposable and lacking in energy. He praises the explosive, well-organized chaos of the climax, while faulting the direction for never letting the action fully take off. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-magnificent-seven/) - **Little White Lies**, David Jenkins (4/3/3): Jenkins finds it a lively, effective western with some richer allegorical potential, though it does not reinvent the genre. He praises the well-chosen cast and character backstories, while criticizing the sexualized, sidelined role given to its sole female character. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/the-magnificent-seven) - **The Independent**, Geoffrey Macnab (3/5): Macnab finds the film slow to build but ultimately a rousing, full-blooded Western. He particularly praises the prolonged final shootout for its brilliant orchestration and practical action. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/the-magnificent-seven-review-a-rousing-fullblooded-affair-that-takes-a-while-to-reach-full-gallop-a7322751.html) - **The i Paper**, Matthew Turner (★★★): Turner finds the remake entertaining but unlikely to leave much of an impact or displace the original. He praises the star power of Washington and Pratt, while noting the diverse cast’s characters are underdeveloped. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/magnificent-seven-remake-review-22440) - **Radio Times**, Jeremy Aspinall (45/100, inferred): The review says the film delivers plenty of action but does not match the 1960s classic. It singles out Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt and Ethan Hawke as the remake’s main draws. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/the-magnificent-seven-review-theres-plenty-of-action-but-it-cant-challenge-the-60s-classic/) - **The New Yorker**, Anthony Lane (35/100, inferred): Lane finds the reboot largely unconvincing, faulting its borrowed Western conventions and missed opportunities. He singles out Vincent D’Onofrio’s performance as a bright spot. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/10/03/the-magnificent-seven-and-goat) - **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (30/100, inferred): Grierson finds the remake sluggish and uninspired, with underwritten characters that keep its ensemble from engaging. He praises the sustained excitement of the climactic shootout, while faulting the film for failing to build enough connection beforehand. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/the-magnificent-seven-venice/toronto-review/5108832.article) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Todd McCarthy (30/100, inferred): McCarthy finds the remake competently made but uninspired and culturally shallow. He gives the climactic action credit for delivering, while criticizing the one-dimensional villain and underdeveloped characters. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-magnificent-seven-924855/) - **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (30/100, inferred): Gleiberman finds the remake dutiful and uninspired, with a story that now feels rote. He praises Chris Pratt’s combustible screen presence, while criticizing the film’s noisy, familiar action. [Read](https://variety.com/2016/film/reviews/the-magnificent-seven-review-toronto-film-festival-denzel-washington-chris-pratt-1201854625/) - **Empire**, Phil de Semlyen (25/100, inferred): The critic finds the remake slick but forgettable, with little fresh to say and too little emotional investment. Vincent D’Onofrio’s eccentric tracker is singled out as one of its few lively pleasures. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/magnificent-seven-2-review/) - **Evening Standard**, David Sexton (25/100, inferred): Sexton argues that the remake is an unnecessary, politically updated retread of classics that should have been left alone. He praises the stylish costumes and weaponry, but complains that the film follows an over-familiar trajectory. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/the-magnificent-seven-film-review-a-twotime-classic-that-deserves-to-rest-in-peace-a3340816.html) - **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan (25/100, inferred): Turan finds the remake handsome but lifeless, with little emotional force. He particularly faults its self-satisfied humor, which undercuts the story’s chance to connect with its characters. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-magnificent-seven-review-20160919-snap-story.html) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (25/100, inferred): Bradshaw finds the remake heavy-handed and joyless, with Denzel Washington notably off his game. He credits its superficial style and competent action, but complains that it lacks jeopardy and that the townsfolk’s acting is poor. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/sep/22/the-magnificent-seven-review-denzel-washington) - **Vulture**, David Edelstein (25/100, inferred): Edelstein finds the remake wan, formulaic, and lacking the grandeur or emotional depth of its predecessors. He praises the Western atmosphere and Denzel Washington’s star presence, but says the action is hard to follow and the characters never meaningfully connect. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2016/09/review-the-magnificent-seven-is-a-wan-western.html) - **The AV Club**, Ignatiy Vishnevetsky (15/100, inferred): The critic finds the remake morally superficial, tedious, and ultimately perfunctory. They single out the climax as stiff and geographically incomprehensible. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/the-magnificent-seven-gets-an-uninspired-remake-1798188899) - **Consequence**, Blake Goble (75/100, inferred): Goble finds the film an enjoyable, stylish update that respects the Western rather than pushing the genre forward. He especially praises the cast’s camaraderie and the clear, excitingly staged action, while noting the film’s awkward handling of its historical setting. [Read](https://consequence.net/2016/09/film-review-the-magnificent-seven/) - **Den of Geek**, Edward Douglas (3.5/5): Douglas finds the remake entertaining and well served by its ensemble, but overly traditional compared with more distinctive Westerns. He particularly praises the character interplay and the climactic battle. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-magnificent-seven-review/) - **HeyUGuys**, Stefan Pape (60/100, inferred): Pape finds the film engaging in its underdog story but too generic to justify the remake. He singles out Peter Sarsgaard’s harrowing, effectively restrained performance as the villain. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/magnificent-seven-review/) - **The Ringer**, K. Austin Collins (50/100, inferred): The critic finds the film likable but ultimately too much of a political fantasy to confront the racism its setting evokes. They praise its attentive action and cast, while singling out the brief tension around Chisolm’s arrival as its most complex element. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2016/09/22/movies/the-post-racial-fantasy-of-the-magnificent-seven-dfed9dd4630e) - **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (45/100, inferred): Hammond finds the reboot entertaining but lacking the gravitas and substance of its predecessors. He praises the diverse cast and Peter Sarsgaard’s villainous performance, while faulting the film’s emphasis on endless shootouts over character development. [Read](https://deadline.com/2016/09/magnificent-seven-review-denzel-washington-chris-pratt-antoine-fuqua-video-1201822899/) - **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (D): Goldberg finds the remake disappointing, criticizing its rote characterization and lack of substance. He singles out the missed opportunity to develop friction between the Native American tracker and the veteran who had killed Native Americans. [Read](https://collider.com/the-magnificent-seven-review/) - **The Playlist** (30/100, inferred): The headline signals a negative verdict, describing the remake as bigger, louder and dumber. It criticizes the film for making a classic Western remake bigger and louder without improving it. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/magnificent-seven-bigger-louder-dumber-remake-classic-western-tiff-review-20160908/) - **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde (30/100, inferred): The critic finds the remake lackluster, with its action ultimately overwhelmed by an exhausting, hard-to-follow final shootout. They praise the saloon confrontation for its cinematography, editing, and sharp dialogue. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/magnificent-seven-denzel-washington-chris-pratt-review-2016/) - **Eye for Film**, Amber Wilkinson (25/100, inferred): Wilkinson finds the film a hollow, poorly characterized imitation that fails to make its action suspenseful. She praises the action sequences as slick and well handled, but says they lack tension because the characters never engage the viewer. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/the-magnificent-seven-2016-film-review-by-amber-wilkinson) ## Details - **Director:** Antoine Fuqua - **Director:** Antoine Fuqua - **Screenplay:** Nic Pizzolatto, Richard Wenk - **Cinematography:** Mauro Fiore - **Editor:** John Refoua - **Music:** Simon Franglen, James Horner - **Production design:** Derek R. Hill - **Costume design:** Sharen Davis - **Producer:** Todd Black, Roger Birnbaum - **Cast:** Denzel Washington as Sam Chisolm; Chris Pratt as Joshua Farraday; Ethan Hawke as Goodnight Robicheaux; Vincent D'Onofrio as Jack Horne; Lee Byung-hun as Billy Rocks; Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Vasquez; Martin Sensmeier as Red Harvest; Haley Bennett as Emma Cullen - **Runtime:** 2h 12m - **Certificate (ACB):** M - **Release (Australia):** 29 September 2016 - **Genres:** Adventure, Action, Western - **Budget:** $90 million - **Box office:** $162 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-RBA0xoaWU ## Where to watch in Australia - Netflix: streaming - Stan: streaming, uhd - Amazon Prime Video: add-on - Amazon Prime Video: rent A$4.99, hd - Apple TV: rent A$4.99, hd - Amazon Prime Video: buy A$14.99, hd - Apple TV: buy A$14.99, hd *Checked 2026-09-24.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *The Professionals* (1966): Another hired band, with sharper exchanges and more difficult loyalties. - *Rio Bravo* (1959), Fi1m 88: For the pleasure of watching capable people get used to one another. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/rio-bravo.md) - *13 Assassins* (2010): A fighting company whose preparations give the violence real weight. - *The Good, the Bad, the Weird* (2008): For Western gunplay allowed to become properly unruly and funny. - *Seven Samurai* (1954), Fi1m 95: The threatened community and its defenders receive the attention they need. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/seven-samurai.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/the-magnificent-seven-2016