Watch The 7th Dawn

The 7th Dawn is a 1964 British war film set in Malaya during the post-World War II era. The movie was directed by Lewis Gilbert and starred William Holden, Susannah York, and Capucine in the lead roles. The movie is set during the time when Malaya was fighting for its independence from the British Empire. Holden plays Ferris, a former British officer who is now a rubber plantation owner in Malaya. His love interest is Dhana (played by Capucine), a Eurasian widow whom Ferris rescued from the Japanese during the war. The two share a complicated relationship as Ferris struggles to come to terms with his love for Dhana and his loyalty to his homeland.

Amidst this love story, the movie also deals with the political turmoil that was prevalent in Malaya at the time. The Malayan Communist Party, led by the charismatic Chin Peng played by Tetsuro Tamba, is gaining strength and creating unrest in the country. The British administration is struggling to maintain order and prevent the spread of communism.

Susannah York plays Candace, a schoolteacher who works in Malaya and is caught in the crossfire between the British administration and the Communist Party. She becomes deeply involved when she saves the life of one of Ferris' plantation workers, who is a member of the Communist Party.

The 7th Dawn is a gritty portrayal of the political unrest that was prevalent in Malaya at the time. The movie delves into the complexities of the relationships between the British, the locals, and the Malayan Communist Party. It also deals with themes of betrayal, revenge, and the struggle for independence.

The cinematography of the movie is stunning, with sweeping shots of Malayan countryside and rubber plantations. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, with a mix of traditional oriental and western music. The movie's score was composed by acclaimed composer Riz Ortolani, who also composed the scores for iconic movies like Mondo Cane and Cannibal Holocaust.

The performances by the lead actors were standout, with William Holden delivering a stellar performance as Ferris. He perfectly captures the complexity of his character, torn between his love for Dhana and his loyalty to the British Empire. Capucine was also remarkable in her portrayal of Dhana, a complex character who is independent and determined.

Susannah York shines as Candace, bringing depth to her character and making her an integral part of the movie's plot. Tetsuro Tamba delivers a chilling performance as Chin Peng, the leader of the Communist Party, imbuing his character with a sense of menace and a complex backstory.

Overall, The 7th Dawn is a well-crafted movie that deals with heavy themes in a nuanced and thoughtful manner. It is a movie that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and a must-watch for fans of war and political dramas.

The 7th Dawn is a 1964 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.