Watch Bandolero!
- PG-13
- 1968
- 1 hr 46 min
-
6.5 (5,819)
Bandolero! is a Western movie from 1968 that stars James Stewart, Dean Martin, and Raquel Welch. The main plot of the film revolves around a group of criminals who rob a bank in a small Texas town and then take a woman named Maria as their hostage. The criminals, led by Dee Bishop (played by Dean Martin) and his brother Mace (played by James Stewart), then flee to Mexico in order to escape the law.
Once they reach Mexico, the group discovers that Maria is actually Dee's estranged wife, and she has come to rescue her younger sister, who has been taken by one of the bandits. As Dee and Maria begin to reconnect, tensions rise between Mace and the other members of the gang, who are increasingly concerned about their safety and the possibility of the law catching up to them. Mace, however, is determined to continue his life of crime and convinces the other bandits to rob a wealthy hacienda.
As the group prepares for their next heist, they are tracked down by sheriff July Johnson (played by George Kennedy), who has been pursuing them since the bank robbery. The sheriff and his posse eventually catch up to the bandits in the Mexican desert and engage in a violent showdown that leads to a dramatic finale.
While the basic plot of Bandolero! may seem like a typical Western tale of outlaws on the run, the movie is actually quite unique in its portrayal of complex and multifaceted characters. Dee Bishop, for instance, is not portrayed as a typical villain, but rather as a man torn between his loyalty to his criminal brother and his love for his estranged wife. James Stewart's character, Mace, is also a departure from his typical roles as a wholesome, upstanding hero. Instead, Mace is a hardened criminal with a bitter and vengeful streak.
Alongside these complex characters, Bandolero! also delivers plenty of action and excitement. The film's sweeping desert landscapes and high-energy chase scenes are perfectly captured by director Andrew V. McLaglen, who was known for his expertise in the Western genre.
Another standout aspect of Bandolero! is its cast. James Stewart and Dean Martin were two of the biggest stars of the era, and their chemistry and charisma shine through in every scene. Raquel Welch, meanwhile, delivers a strong performance as Maria, bringing both vulnerability and strength to her role as a woman caught between two worlds.
Overall, Bandolero! is an engaging and action-packed Western that subverts many of the genre's typical tropes. With its talented cast, stunning cinematography, and complex characters, it remains a classic of the genre that continues to captivate audiences today.
Bandolero! is a 1968 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.