Filmed in Argentina, Taras Bulba suffices to show broad expanses just made for horsemanship, which we see plenty of. It's been years since I've ridden, but I remember the thrill of feeling horseflesh respond powerfully to my direction, and that's worth the watch.
Now for particulars: Brynner fills the bill for patriotic, charismatic leaders born to the Cossack way of life; Curtis and Lopez are okay in their roles, though Lopez hadn't enough to do, IMHO; Kaufmann served as pretty, elegant love interest with her elevated status as noblewoman meaning that Curtis just couldn't resist idealizing her and eventually giving up his existence for her in a convoluted way. The other Cossacks served pretty interesting roles as Ousted Leader dying ignobly, stupid Outspoken, Drunken Partygoer dying for bravura without a single scream as his life ended, and Woman Who Stands By Her Man (Mrs. Bulba) not dying, though maybe she wanted to after learning her husband killed her son.
Finally, I liked the horsemanship most in this movie, The scenes of gathering clans resonated, I found no fault with the castle backdrop (matte work? I guess so.) and any costuming accuracy errors. The politics I could ignore in a heartbeat, because, well, horses.
Now for particulars: Brynner fills the bill for patriotic, charismatic leaders born to the Cossack way of life; Curtis and Lopez are okay in their roles, though Lopez hadn't enough to do, IMHO; Kaufmann served as pretty, elegant love interest with her elevated status as noblewoman meaning that Curtis just couldn't resist idealizing her and eventually giving up his existence for her in a convoluted way. The other Cossacks served pretty interesting roles as Ousted Leader dying ignobly, stupid Outspoken, Drunken Partygoer dying for bravura without a single scream as his life ended, and Woman Who Stands By Her Man (Mrs. Bulba) not dying, though maybe she wanted to after learning her husband killed her son.
Finally, I liked the horsemanship most in this movie, The scenes of gathering clans resonated, I found no fault with the castle backdrop (matte work? I guess so.) and any costuming accuracy errors. The politics I could ignore in a heartbeat, because, well, horses.