Zany, Emotional & A lot of fun. But a little long in the tooth.

Rating: 8/10 (17 June 2019)

From the opening scene you can tell that Leone wasn't meant to be the director of this movie. Why you ask? Because a lot of the image compositions are off the wall. In some cases improvisation can lead to a mixed bag of results. In this case it comes out as one of Leone's Most experimental. From the choice of shots, The tone and of Course Morricone's extremely underrated score; Giù la testa is a real treat for fans of the craft.
If you were going in expecting a film about the Mexican revolution I think thats where you may be let down by this film. This film is self professed above everything about friendship. The two leads of Juan & John are the focus, the revolution was always meant to be an interesting background for an age old tale.
My only real issue with the film is its length. Now don't get me wrong I love the long ponderous scenes where two people are together and happy to sit in silence. I think these moments are where the mad cap score of Morricone's really hits the heart. Unfortunately for me the film hits its emotional climax about 25mins from the end. A place where I would have left the film satisfied. I do not have an issue with the ending or resolution I just think that this restored version may have left this film a little too long in the tooth.
Its not a perfect film, however I think most of its flaws are more charming than detrimental. And as a result this is my favourite Leone. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to see the result of an artist trying to combine having fun with emotional resonance.
8/10