Mercenario, Il (1968)
An awesome portrayal of revolution,
realism and dark violence

The story of Mercenario, Il starts with Kowalski supporting his don't-mess-with-me image by catching a dice cheat, making the cheat gambler eat the dice and saying, "When you get them back, I suggest you don't use them again." Wow..What a typically wicked start of a classic among Spaghetti Westerns.

This Segei 'The Pollack' Kowalski (Franco Nero) with a brawny mustache and sideburns is hired by a cranky revolutionary Paco Roman (Tony Musante), in order to help his inexperienced rebels with their struggle for a free Mexico. Kowalski, an opportunist, who works only for profit and not for charity, helps a revolutionary Paco in defeating the corrupt Mexican army.

Dream, Paco.. but dream with your eyes open

Despite of being a lawbreaker in Mercenario Il, Paco is an idealist. And when his troop is joined by beautiful and idealistic Columba (Giovanna Ralli ), a woman whose father was a revolutionary martyr, he becomes more and more idealistic and realizes the true importance of revolution for Mexican people.

Up on their trail with the army is Curly (Jack Palance ), an homosexual mercenary, whose cool appearance hides his brutality. Now these characters will entangle you into an attention-grabbing Spaghetti western revolving around revolution and personal gains.

The chilling music from the master himself Ennio Morricone is one of the strengths of this spaghetti western movie. It includes "L'Arena", the tune that was used in Kill Bill Volume 2. Remember now? And the camera work is a darn lively treat. There is a lot of sarcastic humor and dark dialogue which generates abundance of sharp and witty banter between Kowalski, Paco and Columba. Isn't it the trade mark of all Spaghetti Westerns? I Love it!

Corbucci's direction paces the film swiftly by making it more gripping and surprising with some well staged sequences like bombing of an Mexican town, a bank heist, and the final shootout. It has all you expect from a Spaghetti flick and that too with a class!

Truly a must watch for all lovers of Spaghetti Western movies.

Take me Home!

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