For a Few Dollars More

The year 1965 was a turning point in world cinema. A year after his gun-slinging western debut, Sergio Leone added a few more bucks on top, embarking on a long line of “übermovies". Admittedly in the shadow of the two following movies, but even so it is a simply perfect piece. Ennio is also at his creating zenith and what his music manages to do with a scene that is already perfect is simply amazing. For instance, the “watch" duel in the ruins of the church... To help things, the casting is simply wonderful. The central duo needs no mention, but it would be a sin not to highlight Gian Maria Volanté in the role of El India. This is simply one of those MUST SEE pictures. Adios. (02/03/2008)

Everything that was good about the first installment is here twice over. The stuffiness on screen is almost unbreathable, the villain here has definitely crossed the point of no return. The film mops the floor with the standards of previous westerns, drowning in anachronisms, drug taking, we’re witnesses to suicide and rape. The two protagonists are all the more fascinating for it, maintaining their rules, credos, and self-respect in such a world. Paradoxically, there is something of the essence of freedom in such a dirty and disillusioned film, as if suggesting that only a completely broken world can offer the ultimate possibility of self-realization; see further post-apocalyptic works, zombie films, etc. (07/08/2021)

The second film from the so-called "Dollars Trilogy", at least in the order in which they were filmed. Sergio Leone, Ennio Morricona, and Clint Eastwood return to show the world that it is possible to shoot a damn good Western in Italy, and it doesn't matter that the film will be two hours long, on the contrary, it is just the right amount of time, maybe even a little too little. In this performance, the Western will truly entertain you. In addition to the brilliant music by Leone's court composer Morricone, the film also has other attributes that were crucial to its legendary status. It is solid direction that does not waver, but of course, it is also the story that may seem like a simple hunt for outlaws, a hunt for man-hunters, but it is mainly about the characters and how they are written and played. Each character here has their bright and dark side. People die here for no reason, children and women die. Evil does not choose, that's just how it is. But even the biggest villain is not without a heart, there is something in him that influenced him, that made him what he is today. Although Clint Eastwood is the star of Leone's films, in this case, he is somewhat overshadowed by another actor, who is none other than Lee Man Cleef, a man with a gaze that could pierce you. This duo fits perfectly by the fact that their characters do not fit. It is definitely not a classic buddy movie, like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," but still, the element of their relationship is very important. Also important are the shooting skills. We will see classic duels in a new, interesting way, each one will be suspenseful and interesting for you. The wait for the shot is almost endless, but when the shot actually falls, it is exactly as you expected. However, this does not prevent you from truly eagerly waiting. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2013/01/divosi-10-years-divoka-stvoreni-lets.html (03/04/2013)

Once again, the flawless Leone and his other contribution to the highlights of the western genre, which stands a little unfairly in the shadow of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. In addition to the traditionally excellent direction, script and music, the film is mainly driven by Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef, who, as two rival bounty hunters, create a dangerous and "hellishly fast" central duo that I definitely wouldn't want to cross paths with. The story is not as extensive as in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, but everything is made up for by the perfect atmosphere full of charged colts, delicious man-on-man fights and the character of the two mentioned "antiheroes", who spare smiles, but give joy to every genre fan. I have nothing to complain about, definitely my favorite western after Once Upon a Time in the West :) (04/21/2011)

One of the main plots of Once Upon a Time in the West, "Someone is going after someone, but it's not until the end that we find out why," was used by Leone here. It would seem that Clint's Monco is playing second fiddle in For a Few Dollars More... But he simply isn’t able to do that and he is great and draws attention to himself as always.__P.S.: Van Cleef is traditionally good, of course, but I like him even better as a villain.__P.P.S. I recommend listening to the soundtracks from A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The way Morricone develops and refines his music over time, how he interweaves individual motifs and makes them into an unforgettable work, deserves incredible admiration. (09/18/2007)