Watch Villa Rides

Villa Rides is a 1968 Western movie directed by Buzz Kulik and starring Yul Brynner, Robert Mitchum, and Maria Grazia Buccella. The movie is set during the Mexican Revolution in 1910 and follows the story of Pancho Villa, a revolutionary leader played by Yul Brynner, and his relationship with American mercenaries. The movie opens with a scene of Pancho Villa leading his army in a battle against the Mexican army. Villa emerges victorious and the scene cuts to a cantina where Robert Mitchum's character, Lee Arnold, is betting on a cockfight. Villa enters the cantina and invites Arnold to join him in his fight against the Mexican government. Arnold initially refuses, but eventually joins Villa's army after seeing the Mexican army's brutal tactics against civilians.

As they travel together, Arnold and Villa become close friends and Villa confides in Arnold about his desire to liberate Mexico from the corrupt government. They are also joined by Buccella's character, Fina, who becomes romantically involved with Villa. However, their journey is not without challenges as they face attacks from the Mexican army and betrayal from some of their own men.

Throughout the movie, we see the complexities and moral ambiguities of the Mexican Revolution. Villa is portrayed as a charismatic leader who is fighting for the people, but also engages in violent tactics and is willing to sacrifice innocent lives for the greater good. Arnold, on the other hand, is depicted as a cynical and selfish soldier who is only interested in making money but also finds himself drawn to Villa's cause.

The movie is also notable for its stunning cinematography and action-packed battle scenes. The landscapes of Mexico are beautifully captured, providing a sense of the vastness and beauty of the country. The battle scenes are also well-choreographed and intense, with shots of explosions and gunfire creating a sense of chaos and danger.

Yul Brynner delivers a strong performance as Pancho Villa, portraying him as both a charismatic leader and a flawed human being. Robert Mitchum's portrayal of Lee Arnold as a jaded, cynical soldier who slowly comes around to Villa's way of thinking is also impressive. Maria Grazia Buccella, though her role is relatively small, brings a sense of vulnerability and humanity to the movie.

Overall, Villa Rides is a solid Western movie that offers a unique perspective on the Mexican Revolution. The complex moral themes, stunning cinematography, and standout performances make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Villa Rides is a 1968 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.