Taras Bulba [DVD] [1962]

Taras Bulba is directed by J. Lee Thompson and adapted to the screen by Waldo Salt and Karl Tunberg from a story by Nikolai Gogol. It stars Yul Brynner, Tony Curtis, Christine Kaufmann and Perry Lopez. Out of United Artists, it's a DeLuxe/Eastman Color/Panavision production, with the music scored by Franz Waxman and cinematography by Joseph MacDonald.Loosely based on Gogol's short novel, story tells of a Cossack uprising against the Polish forces who have taken control of the Ukraine. At the centre of the Cossack army is the leader Taras (Brynner) and his two sons, Andrei (Curtis) and Ostap (Lopez). But when Andrei falls in love with a Polish princess called Natalia (Kaufmann), it sets the wheels in motion for the Bulba family to crack from within; just as the Polish come calling asking for the Cossacks help to defeat the Turkish.While not as epic as the film, the troubled back story of the production is big enough to lend one to understand why Taras Bulba is not the grandiose picture the story deserves. Main problem comes with casting, particularly that of Curtis as the elder Bulba son. It should have been Burt Lancaster, who walked, so in came Curtis and a decision was made to put him front and centre of the picture. Thus rendering Brynner's title character to playing second fiddle, so much so they really should have called the film Andrei Bulba instead. On his day Curtis could act, but he's out of place here playing a Cossack with brain and brawn. Then there was the small matter of Curtis' marriage to Janet Leigh falling apart, with Leigh visiting the set, falling ill and no doubt noticing the sparks flying between Curtis and his delectable co-star, Kaufmann. Curtis would say it wasn't the final straw, but with him going on to marry Kaufman shortly after his divorce, it's hard not to think that it sealed the deal!He's not helped by the writers, though, who allow the love story sub-plot between Andrei and Natalia to form the core of the plot. They too, Messrs Salt & Tunberg, were brought in after historical novelist Howard Fast (Spartacus) refused to tone down the screenplay. He wanted to include what was an important part of the Cossack/Pole war, that of the Cossacks anti-Semitic attack on Polish Jews. The makers balked and Salt & Tunberg came in and delivered the Andrei overkill and some rather cheese laden dialogue. Brynner was crushed, his biography (written by his son Rock) reveals that it was a role and film he cared for more than any other, he had grand plans for the portrayal but the makers didn't share his view. A shame because what we do get of Brynner is wonderfully exuberant, muscular and (correctly) scene stealing.However, when Taras Bulba as a film is good, it's real good, and thankfully it's never dull, even if it's it a bit more jovial in the mid section than it is meant to be. Thompson was a fine director of action and suspense, and he gets to flex his muscles here to great effect. Casting aside the cheap shots of dummies and wooden horses being hurled about a couple of times, the sight of thousands of men on horseback swarming across the Steppes (actual location used was Argentina) is spectacular. The battles are fierce, violent and gripping, while the scenes in the Cossacks camps are joyous as men drink, sing, test their manhood by doing things like dangling over a bear pit, it's all very robust and Vikingesque, but entertainingly so. There's even some dashing sword play, while quality suspense is eked out during a challenge to the death over a seemingly bottomless gorge.Joseph MacDonald's Panavision photography neatly brings the wide vistas to life, aided by the use of Eastman Color which gives off a nice period hue. Waxman delivers a blunderbuss score that's seasoned with Russian vitality, while the costume department deserves a mention for their efforts, particularly for the Polish army who look dandy men of steel. Yes it's a film of flaws and bad decisions, but the good does outweigh the bad in this instance, and how nice it is to have the chance to see a little known part of "bloody" history up there on the screen. 7/10

As often happens, Hollywood (and Gogol) rewrote (or maybe just failed to accurately research) history in creating such a romantic picture of the Cossacks and the steppe. Sadly, the main reason for all the wars between the Cossacks and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was the unreliable nature of the Cossack nation. They would ally themselves with the protective Commonwealth one day and with opposing enemies the next, even to the extent of joining forces with invading hordes of Tartars, Mongols, Turks etc bent on destroying Christian Europe. As Christians themselves this repeated agression was unforgivable; they eventually brought ruin on themselves when their 140,000 strong army was defeated by an 80,000 strong Commonwealth army at Beresteczko (South Eastern Poland) in 1651.For anyone who wants the full and true picture, try reading the Henryk Sienkiewicz trilogy of historical/ romantic novels which cover those long wars and and made Sienkiewicz famous in his own land. They are like "Gone With the Wind" set in the eastern Europe of the 17th Century. Sienkiewicz is best known in the west for Quo Vadis which won him a Nobel prize, but his books are packed with colour and excitement and ARE historically accurate depictions. However, a word of warning, if you want them in English make sure you only buy those translated by Kuniczak - they're brilliant - you may have to search out used copies now... but you won't regret it.Enjoy.

I first remember viewing this film in the mid seventies, it was one Saturday afternoon, for some reason i never forgot it. Filmed in Argentina on the Pampas and with a great top billing cast, Yul Brynner, Tony Curtis, Brad Dexter and the much underrated Perry Lopez, add to this the beautiful Christine Kaufman and you have a great movie. It was a bit knocked on its release in 1962 but for me it is a film with a good plot and some excellent battle scenes. Special mention should be given to a great sequence The ride to Dubno a rousing piece of cinema that is one of the best scenes filmed. Its boys own stuff,and mens too. Great film.

It wasn't bought for me but my friend loved it...

With Yul Brynner as the powerful and imposing figure of Taras Bulba, this film was sure to succeed. Throughout the whole storyline it shows moments where crucial and far reaching decisions are made, and the impact of those decisions, particularly where the two lovers are concerned (more than a touch of Romeo & Juliet). The music is an epic in itself and serves to make the film even more memorable and exciting. Whilst Tony Curtis gives a good but less than outstanding performance, he is still a perfect foil for the magnetic presence of Yul Brynner.

This film shows Yul Brynner at his best. This fillm allows him to show his full acting range and I always thing he looks as though he is having a great time in the action scenes.However there is one let down in the film alt hough I gave it five stars and that is the casting of Tony Curtis in the role of Taras Bulba's son. Curtis does not have the prescence or the acting ability for this particular role.

Nothing to dislike

Loved this film,grew up in a very Ukrainian culture,so we watched this film every time it came on the telly....watched it with my family and 88 year father....we still thought it was great.....while watch it again and again...