Rich older American rancher (Ralph Bellamy) hand picks a team of professionals to return his kidnapped wife (Claudia Cardinale) from Mexico where she is being held by bandit chief and former revolutionary (Jack Palance). The team of professionals is Lee Marvin, Burt Lancaster, Robert Ryan and Woody Strode.
A revisionist western set in the early 20th century it is very much a film of the 60's. Philosophically this isn't a good vs evil story, the protagonists have ambiguous morals, and beliefs more reflective of the era in which the film was than the era it depicts. On top of that some dialogue is somewhat anachronistic. With Richard Brooks as both writer and director we get a great economy of film as the characters and story are very efficiently introduced from the opening shot of the film, such that by the time opening credits are over we are fully immersed in the story.
The film has some wonderfully realized characters thanks to both the writing and the great cast. The story has something to say but it also has lots of humor and some great action set pieces. And we get a good score, great cinematography, beautiful locations and strong production values.
The film earned 3 oscar nominations for the script and directing - Richard Brooks and cinematography - Conrad Hall.
Despite all that I didn't rate I higher because the story didn't quite resonate for me.
A revisionist western set in the early 20th century it is very much a film of the 60's. Philosophically this isn't a good vs evil story, the protagonists have ambiguous morals, and beliefs more reflective of the era in which the film was than the era it depicts. On top of that some dialogue is somewhat anachronistic. With Richard Brooks as both writer and director we get a great economy of film as the characters and story are very efficiently introduced from the opening shot of the film, such that by the time opening credits are over we are fully immersed in the story.
The film has some wonderfully realized characters thanks to both the writing and the great cast. The story has something to say but it also has lots of humor and some great action set pieces. And we get a good score, great cinematography, beautiful locations and strong production values.
The film earned 3 oscar nominations for the script and directing - Richard Brooks and cinematography - Conrad Hall.
Despite all that I didn't rate I higher because the story didn't quite resonate for me.