SpuffyWeb Sadly Over-hyped

CommentsXp Best movie ever!

Pacionsbo Absolutely Fantastic

Seraherrera The movie is wonderful and true, an act of love in all its contradictions and complexity

highwaytourist In spite of a somewhat interesting premise, this turned out to be completely routine, similar to many westerns of the 1960's. British actor Terence Stamp is completely miscast in the title role, playing a Mexican-raised white bandito (gringro) who is cast into American society after stopping one of his compatriots from raping a woman during a raid. The rest of the cast includes some excellent actors (Karl Malden, Ricardo Montoblan, & Sally Kirkland), but they're stuck in cliché roles and can only go through the motions. The beginning and end of this film feature the usual shootouts and horseback chases, while the middle section is mostly the supporting cast talking. And boy do they talk, and it's the kind of talk you've heard in every western ever made. However, Stanley Cortez's color photography is lovely and it takes full advantage of the scenery. In the romantic lead, Joanna Pettet is also very beautiful, but her romance with Stamp's character is unconvincing. It's hardly worth two hours of melodrama and clichés. I'd call this strictly for hard-core fans of westerns.

ccthemovieman-1 For some reason I always looked back fondly on this film that I saw in the theater in the late '60s. However, when I watched it again almost 30 years later on VHS, I was really disappointed. Since I know now that lead actor Terrence Stamp grew up in England, I found his American/ Mexican character accent - at that time - not that believable. A few times he slipped back to his native British accent.This is one of those unusual films in which the good guy dies in the end. Many times, that makes for a more dramatic, memorable ending. Howevr, in this case, all it made for was a very unsatisfying finish. This is not something I'd eagerly wait another 30 years to see!

J J Maimed by melodrama yet iconic in imagery. Strange and evocative. With Brit, Terence Stamp playing "Blue" or "Azule" depending on which side of the American/ Mexican border you're on, the film surprises and I find myself watching it again. Certain scenes register effectively and haunt such as Azule's impromptu execution of a captain. Mounted on his steed, Azule simply scoops up the officer, performs the deed and follows with a ritual of circling the victim after words. The poignant ruthlessness of this act silences even hardened men. Stamp does this with such ease and 'style' that it leaves an impression that continues to shock. All humour stops in that instant. There is something iconic here that traumatizes and replays itself - leaving a silent and remote character that is truly formidable. The others fear him and Stamp's gun play is impressive, especially in it's relish. Conflict and violence give him pleasure and the action is good. Cultures collide and this results in the film's indelible imagery. The look of the ragtag bandit bunch contrasts well with the Sunday best of the homesteaders who inhabit this film. The hunt and chase scene through cornfields is quiet vivid, realistic and leaves a crisp impression. Great photography throughout. The fabulous stunt riding that belies the wild flamboyance and daring of these bandits is very apt indeed. So well done and enjoyable to watch. Crazy good. Azule's apparent transformation to gentleman is fun as the mystery man charms the ladies at an evening social and caps a challenge from his antagonist with a classic line - "I'm tired Mr. Parker...particularly of you" before retiring. A class act. However,there is rage within.This film's budget should have demanded more accent coaching for Mr. Stamp but his performance is still appealing. Stamp seems to use any awkwardness to dramatic effect and to his advantage proving he is one terrific actor. Joanna Pettet although truly beautiful is lacking. Maybe she lacked that femme fatal or something to warrant betrayal and the tragedy which follows.A tale of loyalty, love and betrayal by an already torn man. Well worth watching over despite it's defects and the action is good.

bill0033 Although it has been castigated by the critics, this movie still has a lot going for it and is definitely worth seeing. Given a big budget for its time, it has outstanding photography, beautiful scenic vistas, a very good music score and great stunt work by the legendary Yakima Cannutt. It also has Terence Stamp, who is always worth watching, no matter what he does (if we skip Priscilla, Queen of the Desert). Yes, it is not hard to tell that he is an Englishman playing an American raised by Mexicans, but his lines are few and far between, and who cares anyway? If we can have Englishmen and Australians playing Roman gladiators without critical comment, let's give this one a break. I admit that, although the plot line intended to contrast a violent past with the power of love, a complete lack of tenderness in the love scenes was laughable. But overall, this movie beats most of John Wayne's westerns by a mile.