Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

This is a very different sort of so-called 'Spaghetti Western'. First, unlike most, it's not filmed in Spain but in Mexico. Second, it really isn't nearly as violent as the norm and is much more story and character-driven. It lacks the stylistic violence you'd expect in such a film. Third, it's set in the 18th century--about a hundred years before the usual western film--though at times, it looks much more 19th century than it should (such as the types of weapons and their accuracy as well as the clothing in some scenes). It's also apparently a French-Italian-Mexican co-production! But, on the other hand, it does have music from Ennio Morricone and looks like an Italian-made western. And, like many of these films it has a couple Americans in the leads (Anthony Quinn and Charles Bronson). So it's kind of a Spaghetti Western and kind of not one at the same time.The film begins with Quinn playing a bandit who is trying to escape from the Spanish army. He rushes to a church to claim sanctuary and it is granted by the local Father (Sam Jaffe). But Jaffe's superiors are not at all pleased about this and banish him to the hellish desert town of San Sebastian. Quinn escorts him there and the place is deserted. Shortly after arriving, a bandit murders Jaffe and the people (all hiding in the hills due to repeated Yaqui Indian raids) think Quinn is their new priest. Quinn is not at all interested in the role but reluctantly is guilted into at least pretending to be one for now. He does a lot to help the town and actually, at times, tries to promote peace--and WHY he did all this, since he's an atheist bandit, is totally unclear. Additionally, when the devoted townspeople quickly turn on him, you can't help but think the writing could have been better. People change too quickly and without clear motivations. Despite these serious shortcomings in the script, you can't help but wonder how Quinn will help these people--especially since one of their 'friends' is actually in league with the Yaqui marauders. Plus, you wonder what will become of this bandit by the end of the film.Despite the film's many shortcomings, it does entertain. While you could pick apart the various problems with the movie, overall it's pretty good. Quinn is his usual excellent self while Bronson is mostly wasted. And as for action, the final portion of the film is pretty exciting.

I have never actually seen the film, but Morricone's main theme is one of his greatest. Soaring, Beautiful, subtle and Unique. if the film is anything like as good as its score then it will be a masterpiece!The score is up there with Morricone's compositions for The Good The Bad and The Ugly and A Fistful of dynamite. In some ways more conventional....in that this was a major MGM western and not just a pasta western. Worth remembering that Morricone carried on composing great scores for this Director, including the twangy accompaniment to The Scicillian Clan and all those great early 8o's action flicks with Belmondo (Not to forget of course The Burglars as well)

The movie begins bad with some bad story-flow and also the rest of the movie suffers from this, though the movie definitely gets better as the movie progresses. In the beginning it isn't too clear were the movie is heading to and the movie makes a pretty formulaic and redundant impression. However from the moment on when the main character arrives in San Sabastian, the story gets developed well and becomes interesting and original. This certainly ain't no formulaic spaghetti western. The movie gets multiple layered, when it concentrates on the divine. It helps the characters to develop well and the story to become interesting. The movie certainly shows some parallels to the movie "The Mission", even though it isn't as beautifully and professionally made.It doesn't seem like it at first but the movie becomes surprisingly action filled toward the ending, with some quite big scale battles. Also the ending most certainly does not disappoint.The movie has some good actors that help to flesh out the flat characters. Anthony Quinn is a good main lead and he makes the moral change his character goes through seem believable. Charles Bronson plays a good movie villain, though his character is perhaps a bit underused. Further more the movie features Sam Jaffe, once again in the role of a Christian.The directing isn't much good, since the story-flow of the movie is quite poor at times, which is also due to some bad editing. Nevertheless the movie is filled with some memorable and great looking sequences, although it's also definitely true that most of those sequences are being uplifted by the musical score by Ennio Morricone.Definitely worth seeing if you get the chance.7/10http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

A spaghetti western surprise with Anthony Quinn as a "priest" and Charles Bronson as a Mestizo malcontent.The movie has a theme, a developed plot, some actors with charisma and an Ennio Morricone score. That's more than most movies give you, regardless of genre.I was pleased to find that Spaghettiville isn't a one-horse (Eastwood/Leone) town.8 out of 10.