Search - Mercenaries on DVD

Excellent Mercenary Movie

Long Cut | Florida, USA | 09/30/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the 1968 film, "Dark Of The Sun", starring Rod Taylor. It's based on the actions of mercs in Africa in the '60s, and offers an action-packed, chest-thumping testosterone trip.

Taylor nails his role as the cynical, tough Captain Corry, a paid soldier who's able to take on all challenges...for a price. In this film, he and his sidekick Sgt. Ruffo, played ably by football legend Jim Brown, take a contract to travel deep into rebel territory to secure a fortune in diamonds and bring them back. Action ensues, and although it's not asa "realistic" as that of today's movies, it is nonetheless fun and entertaining. Yvette Mimieaux is also onhand to lend some female eye-candy and a romantic diversion for Taylor, although the modern tendency to have the female lead be TOO much of a "softener" for the hero is avoided, refreshingly.

This film is worth the extremely reasonable price, and has been long awaited by fans of the "Merc Film" subgenre. It would make an able companion for the other great "Merc Movies"..."The Wild Geese", "The Dogs Of War", and "Ronin". Recommended highly!"

The Code of the Mercenary

Jason Troy | USA | 06/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If ever there was a dramatic story which might personify the rough and tough films of Rod Taylor, it would be, Dark of The Sun (Also called The Mercenaries). Hired by the President of the African Congo, Captain Curry (Rod Taylor) is a mercenary who is instructed he has three days to journey three hundred miles upland on a special train, through rebel held territory, to rescue trapped Congo citizens. Actually that is the cover story. Truth is, he is sent to recover a cache of cut diamonds worth fifty million dollars. Opposing him is a fixed time schedule, United Nations air security forces and the "Simbas" an extremely lethal group of African soldiers, led by their merciless leader, Moses who's intent on bringing destruction to the country. Curry, has a couple of aids, namely Striker Blue Force, and Jim Brown who aptly plays Sergeant Ruffo an experienced and well educated Congo soldier and the ruthless, unpredictable ex-Nazi named Captain Henlein. (Peter Carsten) Veteran actor Kenneth More plays Dr. Wreid, as the group heads directly and literally into the Lion's mouth. With explosive action, and war torn conflicts, combined with raping, looting and nationwide destruction, this exciting human drama which includes, beautiful, Yvette Mimieux as Claire is played to the hilt. A superb film the likes of which has established this one as a true classic."