RM: RIP and thank you for such a dynamic presence. In a time before much "woke-ness," Rosenda Monteros and her compatriots brought a subversive equity into the "7."
The 8th character of that film - you could argue the first, was the genuine desire for a "normal" and peaceful life among the villagers. Ms. Monteros embodied that better than anyone, since her choices in performance were nothing less than memorable and believable. To a great extent, her performance helped transform the film from a corny action piece to a drama that touched the heart.
8
At the end of Kurosawa's movie, the girl working in the field is pregnant but the young samurai leaves. The Hollywood movie has a more optimistic ending not "Seven Samurai's" harsh ending.
3
The end of the film, where Chris, Vin and Chico, the only hired-gun survivors are about to ride off, with Petra and other women working the field nearby, then Chico goes back to be with her is priceless. She will stay in my heart because I could watch that movie every day. The remake in 2016 was trash.
15
@Henry's boy
I do not understand remakes that are obviously way worse than the original. What is the point?
2
@Henry's boy Thank you for describing this scene. In returning to Petra, Chico rejects a life of violence in favor of peace. That scene is the theme of the film. Based on this one performance, I am not surprised that Rosenda Monteros had a successful career in Mexican films.
5
As she played Petra in Magnificent Seven she had such fire in her eyes. Unfortunately her lover was played by Horst Buchholtz who was less than magnificent
7
I remember the cute scene in Mag 7 when Petra is serving the men dinner. She plops a small scoop of beans on Steve McQueen's plate and then drops a scoop on Horst Buchholtz's (Chico) plate. Chico--Petra is desperately attracted to him--ignores her so in frustration she slings another scoop on his plate..and then another, to no avail. McQueen looks enviously at the pile of food on Chico's plate. His expression says: "What am I, chopped liver?" Not only was Ms. Monteros beautiful, but she demonstrated some nice chops as a physical actress in the movie as she sparred with Chico. I'm glad she had a long and successful career.
18
Rest in Peace. Your movie continues to entertain, something that is likely akin to paradise for a performer. Hope paradise is what awaits you beyond the proverbial veil. Thanks for your delightful performance.
19