Movie spotlight
Happy He Who Like Ulysses
For 25 years now, under the Provence sun, Antonin, a farmhand, has shared his work and everyday life with a horse named Ulysse. What a shock when Pascal, the farmer, tells him he has decided to sell Ulysse to a picador for being too old. Not only will he be separated from his faithful companion, but he is well aware too that the arenas of Arles mean death for Ulysse. Being unable to stand such injustice, Antonin runs away from the farm in the company of Ulysse. Together, they go through the Lubéron, the Baux de Provence, the Alpilles, the Crau and the Vaccarès. Yet, their journey is no pleasure cruise, specially when it comes to crossing National Road 7. After a visit to Marcellin, an old friend of his, Antonin sets off again with Ulysse, this time towards the Rhône River.
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of Black American soldiers, disillusioned by the Vietnam War, desert and travel to Africa, hoping to start a new life. However, they soon find themselves caught up in a local conflict, using their military skills to help a village defend itself against a ruthless warlord. The film blends elements of the Western genre with social commentary and action.
Critical Reception
The film is a niche entry in the Blaxploitation and Spaghetti Western genres, often appreciated by cult film enthusiasts for its unique blend of themes and its star, Fred Williamson. Critically, it's viewed as a B-movie with some interesting ideas but uneven execution.
What Reviewers Say
Fred Williamson's charismatic presence is a major draw.
The fusion of Western tropes with Blaxploitation elements is a distinctive, if sometimes jarring, feature.
Offers a unique, albeit low-budget, take on themes of displacement and resistance.
Google audience: Audience reception is largely limited to fans of the genres it occupies, with comments often focusing on its cult status and Fred Williamson's performance rather than deep thematic analysis.
Fun Fact
This film is sometimes referred to as 'Blackie the Pirate' or 'His Name Was King', though it is distinct from the other films with similar titles.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources