Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

One of the best movies of the year! Incredible from the beginning to the end.

I liked this film very much for the following reasons: Number 1) Yul Brynner. Number 2) Yul Brynner in a loin cloth. Number 3) Yul Brynner's body in a dark, rich suntan. Number 4) Yul Brynner's body glistening with oil. Number 5) Yul Brynner with his suntan oiled limbs stretched out & tied. Number 6) Yul Brynner writhing around on a bed of hay. Number 7) Yul Brynner strutting around like a jaguar. Number 8) Yul Brynner in several seductive poses. Number 9) Yul Brynner's deep sexy man voice whispering sweet nothings, even if it was to goofy blind Ixchel. Yes, blind! I would've run off with Chief Black Eagle immediately but yet she only heals him so he can be a human sacrifice for her people!

Rarely rate any movie under 5 stars but this one earned its own. The enthusiasm of some reviewers is understandable, particularly in regards to the conviction from Yul Brynner and the miscast beauty of Shirley Anne Field.British director J. Lee Thompson, rarely more than a journeyman, failed to show any enthusiasm and scriptwriter (Elliott Arnold) was totally at sea in conveying a sense of authenticity in regards to culture: saw this movie only once 40+ years ago but my now wife and I still recall and occasionally quote to each other with great amusement one peculiar bit of dialogue. Balam (the George Chakiris character) reproaches Ixchel (Field) over her attraction to Bald Eagle (Brynner) - this is our recollection: IXCHEL: "Why'd you send for me?" BALAM (in a fit of jealousy): "Before, when he sent for you, you went to him willingly, and NOW I KNOW: it was not for the FIRST time!" His line, not only poorly delivered but compounded by the contrast between Field's British inflection and Chakiris' American accent - the exchange merits inclusion in some anthology.

Anyone interested in seeing Hollywood's version of the Maya should view this noted 60's entry. The film is punctuated with panoramic locations, magnificent sceneries and considerable numerical extras for sustained blockbuster effect. Entittled, " The Kings of the Sun ", this film is a worthy offering to entertain young and old alike. Assembled for the cast are Yul Brynner as Chief Black Eagle, George Chakiris as a Mayan Chiefton, Richard Basehart as a Mayan Priest and Shirley Anne Field as Ixchel, a beautiful princess. Accompanying this artistic rendering is it's rousing, nearly overpowering musical score composed by legendary Elmer Bernstine. The film depicts the story of a Mayan people amid its cultural throes in which Chakiris, replaces their dying king, but is forced to flee by a deadly rival menacingly played by Leo Gordon. Commandering an entire peaceful Mayan tribe on the hinterland of the Yucatan and sailing to the shores of America, Chakiris not only establishes a new beginning for his following, but collides culturally with Brenner and his Native American tribe. Aside from Eviserating cultural traditions, pummeling ancient deities and perhaps trampling on the Historical record, the film events are nevertheless worthy of tongue in cheek possibility. In the end, one can smile happily at this wonderful attempt and praise it for its dramatic sincerity. **** .

My Father was posted to Wellington, New Zealand and remember seeing this movie there. The audience was basically young boys. We screamed and yelled throughout. I doubt if I saw the movie now, would have the same reaction. It is one of the few movies I saw as a young boy still gives me fond memories of a care free childhood. Isn't that what a movie should do? Yul Brynner's part was memorable and it was with sadness that he died at the end. Whenever I saw Richard Basehart I was always reminded of this Movie. The escape through the tunnel was wonderful, and it was with dread that we felt their paradise was short-lived. In the end good triumphed