Dark of the Sun
Dark of the Sun

Movie spotlight

Dark of the Sun

1968
Movie
101 min
English

A band of mercenaries led by Captain Curry travel through war-torn Congo across deadly terrain, battling rival armies, to steal $50 million in uncut diamonds. But infighting, sadistic rebels and a time lock jeopardize everything.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: Jack CardiffGenres: Action, Adventure, War

Plot Summary

In the newly independent Congo, a ruthless mercenary commander is hired to escort a ruthless diamond smuggler and his captive wife through hostile territory. As they journey through the war-torn country, they face ambushes, betrayals, and the brutal realities of the conflict. The mission becomes a desperate fight for survival against overwhelming odds and the treacherous landscape.

Critical Reception

Dark of the Sun was met with mixed to negative reviews upon its release, with many critics finding its violent content excessive and its plot convoluted. While some acknowledged the gritty action sequences and performances, the film was largely seen as a violent and sensationalized take on the Congo Crisis.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intense action sequences and atmospheric portrayal of a chaotic environment.

  • Criticized for its excessive violence and exploitation of the real-world Congo Crisis.

  • Some found the performances engaging, particularly Rod Taylor's stoic lead.

Google audience: Audience reception appears to be mixed, with some appreciating the raw action and period setting, while others found the film overly violent and lacking in narrative depth.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The film was highly controversial upon its release due to its graphic depiction of violence and its use of real-life events as a backdrop, leading to some countries banning its exhibition.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

Muscular Mayhem! Dark of the Sun (AKA:The Mercenaries) is directed by Jack Cardiff and adapted to screenplay by Ranald MacDougall (alias Quentin Werty) and Adrien Spies from Wilbur Smith's novel "The Dark of the Sun". It stars Rod Taylor...