Watch The Mercenary

Set against the backdrop of Civil War-torn Mexico in the late 1800s, "The Mercenary" is a spaghetti Western film that follows a wealthy Polish gunrunner named Sergei Kowalski (Franco Nero), who volunteers to help a group of Mexican revolutionaries led by Paco Roman (Tony Musante) in their fight against the corrupt and tyrannical ruling government.

The movie opens with Kowalski, a highly skilled soldier-of-fortune, traveling to Mexico with his loyal and humorous Mexican partner-in-crime, Paco. Initially, Kowalski is hesitant to help Paco and his group, but ultimately decides to join forces with them after he is double-crossed by his former employer, a ruthless bandit leader named Curly (Jack Palance).

As Kowalski trains Paco's disorganized and inexperienced rebels, they begin to make significant gains against the government, ransacking army convoys and taking control of strategic locations throughout the region. However, the odds are against them when General Garcia (Eduardo Fajardo), the sadistic and bloodthirsty leader of the government forces, arrives to take them down.

Throughout the film, the audience is taken on a thrilling journey as Kowalski and Paco lead their ragtag army in a series of battles filled with gunfire, explosions, and daring escape plans. The Mercenary is a classic example of the Spaghetti Western genre, featuring classic elements such as gun battles, betrayals, and a dominant lead character.

The action sequences in the movie are expertly choreographed, with Kowalski showcasing his incredible fighting skills throughout. The chemistry between the two lead actors, Franco Nero and Tony Musante, is also noteworthy. This unlikely duo frequently exchange humorous banter in between the heated action scenes, adding an element of levity to the otherwise dark and violent plot.

The film's themes of revolution, betrayal, and corruption are expertly woven together to create a powerful and engaging plot. Though Kowalski is initially motivated by money, by the end of the film, he is fighting for the greater good of the people of Mexico, which makes for a satisfying character arc. The relationship between Kowalski and Paco also evolves throughout the movie, as they come to respect and understand each other's motivations.

Another notable aspect of the movie is the excellent score by composer Ennio Morricone. The music perfectly captures the film’s tense and dramatic mood, making it one of the most memorable soundtracks in Western film history. Additionally, the stunning cinematography features panoramic vistas and epic battle scenes, making The Mercenary a feast for the eyes.

Despite being made over 50 years ago, "The Mercenary" remains a classic example of the Western genre. Its intricate plot, well-choreographed action sequences, and memorable characters have stood the test of time, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre. Whether you're a fan of classic cinema or just looking for a thrilling action movie, "The Mercenary" is an excellent choice.

The Mercenary is a 1968 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.