Both Likable and a Slight Letdown.
A Movie that has a Great International Cast Starring Charles Bronson and Tishiro Mifuni, and a Unique Appeal of being a Samurai-Spaghetti-Western.
Featuring Ursula Andress "That's Christina for ya, you never know what gun she's going to reach for."
Also with Alain Delon as an Aloof, Greedy, Murdering Gunslinger, who seems to be Enjoying Himself (the actor and the character).
The Film has been Cut a Lot of Slack because of its Differentness and Star Attraction. The Crossover Appeal is also a Factor.
But while it is Entertaining and Fun, Violent and Well Executed, something doesn't Click and the Overall Result is Good but Not Great. The Action has some Flourishes that Impress but are Not Stunningly Different, and the Indians are Nothing more than Ducks in a Row to be Mowed Down without much Effort.
Two Scenarios Stand Out among the Lackluster. The Confrontation at the Ranch with the Mexicans and the Finale in the High Grain. Otherwise things are Amusing and Interesting but Pedestrian. Bronson is more Animated than Usual and Mifune's Samurai is Elegantly Stoic.
Overall, Definitely Worth a Watch and if You Lower Your Expectations there is much Off-Beat Enjoyment to be had.
A Movie that has a Great International Cast Starring Charles Bronson and Tishiro Mifuni, and a Unique Appeal of being a Samurai-Spaghetti-Western.
Featuring Ursula Andress "That's Christina for ya, you never know what gun she's going to reach for."
Also with Alain Delon as an Aloof, Greedy, Murdering Gunslinger, who seems to be Enjoying Himself (the actor and the character).
The Film has been Cut a Lot of Slack because of its Differentness and Star Attraction. The Crossover Appeal is also a Factor.
But while it is Entertaining and Fun, Violent and Well Executed, something doesn't Click and the Overall Result is Good but Not Great. The Action has some Flourishes that Impress but are Not Stunningly Different, and the Indians are Nothing more than Ducks in a Row to be Mowed Down without much Effort.
Two Scenarios Stand Out among the Lackluster. The Confrontation at the Ranch with the Mexicans and the Finale in the High Grain. Otherwise things are Amusing and Interesting but Pedestrian. Bronson is more Animated than Usual and Mifune's Samurai is Elegantly Stoic.
Overall, Definitely Worth a Watch and if You Lower Your Expectations there is much Off-Beat Enjoyment to be had.