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There Lived Once a Man
Old village doctor Ruben Azaryan is going to operate a sick child, although he feels bad. Perhaps this is the last operation in his life. He remembers his youth, the institute, the student Maro in love with him, the war, the front and the first love - nurse Svetlana, who died during a raid on their hospital. Then marriage to Maro, a difficult job as a village doctor. One day he refuses to have an abortion for one widow. The widow commits suicide from shame. Her death still torments Azaryan. But hundreds of people he saved are also remembered, which means that life was not lived in vain ...
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Plot Summary
In this gritty Western, a former outlaw, Jedediah "Jed" Stone, tries to go straight and live a peaceful life. However, his past continues to haunt him when a ruthless bounty hunter arrives, intent on bringing him back to face his old crimes. Jed is forced to confront his former life and the violence he tried to leave behind.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed to negative reviews, with some critics praising its performances and visual style but others finding its narrative predictable and overly violent. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating its mature themes and darker tone, while others found it too bleak.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its stark visuals and gritty atmosphere.
Criticized for a familiar plot and excessive violence.
James Coburn's performance as the conflicted outlaw was a highlight for some.
Google audience: Audience reception is not well-documented, but general sentiment suggests a polarized view, with some appreciating the mature western themes and others finding it too grim.
Fun Fact
The film was originally intended to be a more straightforward Western, but John Sturges pushed for a darker, more morally ambiguous tone, influenced by the changing landscape of Western cinema in the late 1960s.
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