I first saw this when it came out at the movies in the early 70's. In the beginning, the actors seemed like they were waiting to, well, act. It finally picked up after the robbery of the the train and the betrayal of Link by Gauche. Bronson and Mifume's characters are working on opposite ends at first. Mifume has seven days to get a highly important sword back and he uses Bronson to help him because Bronson knows the gang that took it. Bronson goes along, but only to get revenge. Along the way they meet with Indians and outlaws, which make for some excellent action. I don't know of another movie that brought the old west and the old east together like this. There is no comparison, not even today! The two learn to respect each other and work together. Bronson is so cool in this movie! Mifume is excellent as a samurai determined to complete his orders. I just fell in love with Toshiro Mifume when I first saw this movie! I would love to have this DVD in my collection!