Finally getting the acclaim it deserves!

Rating: 10/10 (21 August 2005)

I can't say much more about this movie than what has recently been said about it here. Only that it's great to have it on DVD and also great that people are starting to take another look at what is one of Leone's more "low key" films but which is really right up there with the best of them. The story is told in quite a sobering, down to earth way, and perhaps because each point isn't driven home with a sledgehammer, the film is sometimes dismissed as a "lightweight". It does have some hilarious exchanges between the two leads but also tackles a serious topic (revolutions and their effect on people). The video release of this film (with sizable chunks of the story missing) couldn't have helped matters much. Watching it (almost complete) on DVD, you become aware of the great locations used, the great use of music, and the inventive way sound is used e.g. sometimes overlapping from one scene to another. Not to mention great acting! And also the great set pieces - any one of them could have been used by itself as a finale in a lesser film -Leone sure gives value for money! 10/10.