The Mercenary
The Mercenary

Movie spotlight

The Mercenary

1968
Movie
101 min
Italian

While a Mexican revolutionary lies low as a U.S. rodeo clown, the cynical Polish mercenary who tutored the idealistic peasant tells how he and a dedicated female radical fought for the soul of the guerrilla general Paco, as Mexicans threw off repressive government and all-powerful landowners in the 1910s. Tracked by the vengeful Curly, Paco liberates villages, but is tempted by social banditry's treasures, which Kowalski revels in.

Insights

IMDb6.9/10
Director: Sergio CorbucciGenres: Western, Action, Adventure

Plot Summary

A mysterious mercenary, known only as 'The Polack,' is hired by a group of Mexican revolutionaries to transport weapons across the border. However, he soon finds himself caught between the revolutionaries and a sadistic bandit leader who also desires the arms. As alliances shift and betrayals mount, The Polack must use his cunning and combat skills to survive and fulfill his mission.

Critical Reception

Sergio Corbucci's 'The Mercenary' is a stylish and violent Spaghetti Western that gained a cult following for its gritty action, memorable performances, and complex plot. While not as universally acclaimed as some of Corbucci's other works, it is often praised for its anti-hero protagonist and its exploration of the moral ambiguities within the revolutionary setting.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stylish direction and thrilling action sequences.

  • Franco Nero's portrayal of the enigmatic mercenary is a standout.

  • The film's complex plot and morally gray characters add depth to the Western genre.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's intense action, Franco Nero's compelling performance, and the classic Spaghetti Western atmosphere. Some viewers appreciate the darker themes and political undertones, while others find the plot occasionally convoluted.

Fun Fact

Franco Nero initially turned down the role of 'The Polack' because he felt the character was too similar to his previous role as Django, but he was convinced to take the part by director Sergio Corbucci.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

You play by the rules you lose! Il mercenario (The Mercenary) is directed by Sergio Corbucci and Corbucci co-writes the screenplay with Luciano Vincenzoni, Sergio Spina and Adriano Bolzoni. It stars Franco Nero, Tony Musante, Jacl Palanc...