Review of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) by Kai82 — 09 Oct 2020

It is Sergio Leones masterpiece and also one of Ennio Morricones most remembered work. An extremely well crafted movie that can be used in film schools and is entraining. Also a prime example for the show not tell rule.

The characters don't use much words but you miss nothing. Everything is told via the scenery, acting, mimic and music. It is the one Western that frequently appears on the top movies of all times list.

I must again praise the director and the crafting. Many scenes are done in one shot and are visually impressing. The sets and requisites are mindbogglingly good. They even used time appropriate guns. For some scenes they had Spanish soldiers as extras.

Then there are the main actors. Clint Eastwood as “The Good” in his persona as tight-lipped gunman, Lee van Cleef as “The Bad” and Eli Wallach as “The Ugly”. They deliver a flawless performance here and nailed the roles.

The acting, gestures and mimic are prime examples for great acting skills and you would not believe that a Western has such a good performance. Then there is the story that is always engaging. A cat and mouse game between the three protagonist.

A game of scoundrels. No one can rate this movie without giving Ennio Morricone credits for the soundtrack. Like Sergio Leone said ”Ennio Morricone does not make music. He is telling stories with his scores and more of a director”.

Here you can see why. His scores improved the scenes and deliver an intensity that I cant describe. Just the final stand-off is of the highest calibre and even if you don't watch the movie you should a least watch it on YouTube.

The main theme has transitioned the movie. Everyone has heard it and knows it is from this movie. It is used so many times in other movies, shows and media that I can probably fill a book with it. There is only one flaw in this movie.

The synchronisation is horrible in the English version (In German it is O.K). maybe a warning for some. The film is matured and does not shy away from the ugly truth of a lawless area and immoral acts.

Overall it is a classic and deserved its place in movie history.