Probably the best western Leone ever made.

Rating: 10/10 (26 January 2010)

God! If I read one more review if this film describing it as too slow or that "I didn't understand the mood change from comic to serious" one more time, I will put my foot through the computer screen.
If you want the director to spoon feed you and explain every twist & turn or signpost every plot point in bright red neon, then go and watch some of the derivative rubbish (Transformers, Spider-man 23, Die Hard 45)they often churn out nowadays and avoid this.
Leave everyone else to enjoy a challenging, thought-provoking and intelligent film that allows us to think for ourselves rather than having everything explained to us.
One of my favourite parts of this film is when Sean (or John) is about to blow the bridge to slow down the oncoming troops. In the build up to the explosion the music adopts an almost jolly, yet slightly ironic tone as Sean (James Coburn) stuffs cotton wool into his ears. The almost jazz-style piano figure pauses briefly as the explosives plunger is depressed and the mother of all explosions occurs (to the surprise of the actors as well, judging by Coburn's reaction).
This tremendous explosion and the subsequent massacre of the Mexican troops by both Sean & Juan's machine gun fire is accompanied by a soaring, beautiful score by Morricone. The staggering beauty of Morricone's score coupled with the savage massacre occurring at the same time is a brilliant, oddly moving experience that grabs you by the throat. I challenge any viewer not to be moved emotionally by this scene...it is simply genius! A work of true brilliance......highly recommended!