The 7th Dawn

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....

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.

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.

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.

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 .