The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly - Redefining The Western 

When I was a child I asked my father 'why are there so many jokes about Chuck Norris but none about Clint Eastwood?' He leant forward look me straight in the eyes and said 'because Clint Eastwood is no joke'.

The Union Soldiers didn't cover their uniform with dust to look like Confederates, they went through an area of alkali that covered them. This is a tremendous detail that showed that the directors knew their history and geography of America.

*"When you have to shoot, shoot. Don't talk..."* (Eli Wallach as 'Tuco' is my favorite Movie character of all time)

Critics reaction to this movie on its time is proof of two things: 1- You have to wait 20 years to see if a movie is actually good, and 2-Critics actually know jack shit.

In a world without morals, a little good goes a long way

I found Tuco's scene with his brother was among the strongest in painting his character. His brther was a cleric, and yet he had to say "sorry" to Tuco for leaving him to look after his mother while the brother took the easy route to work for the church. I never made the link with Blondie only injuring Angel Eyes, killing him only after he was forced to. Interesting!

One of the best movies of all time

I already loved this movie, but man, you made me love it even more

I watched this movie so many times and have the theme as a ringtone. My son came in the house one day, 2 years old, heard the, “duh dunna nuuuuh,” and I heard my son say, “wah wah wah.” I’ve never been so proud of that boy as I was that day.

I didn't get the impression that the Union soldiers intentionally covered themselves in dust; it was just a result of a hard ride through the dessert.

Hands down the greatest western ever. That it didn't win every single Academy Award available that year is contemptible. Absolute contender for greatest film ever made. Pure perfection.

I watch this movie at least 3 times a year... especially in snowy dark winter days.. i feel warm just watching it!! and every time i watch it is like i am watching it for the very first time!

What is it about this movie that never gets old? I've must have seen it a dozen times or more and I still get mesmerized by it. The soundtrack is out of this world.

dare i say the dollars trilogy is one of the best, if not the best trilogy of all time?

Not only the greatest western... one of the greatest moments in cinematic history, in my opinion. Has some of the most instantly recognisable scenes, some of the best characters ever cast, and a music score that is iconic. I still love this film today, and is one of the few I can watch over and over and still not tire of it. And Sergio Leone was a true visionary. I think For A Few Dollars More was also an exceptional western, with Eastwood and Van Cleef acting as partners against the Indio gang... and that had an equally iconic music score with the watch chimes.

Greatest trilogy ever.

The last 10 minutes of this movie is pure cinema ecstasy. Incredibly beautiful cinematography and musical score all ending in a crescendo of Blondie’s pistol shot. I remember as kid being at the edge of my seat for those last 10 minutes.

makes me want to watch it again for the hundredth time. lol

Absolutely one of the greatest movies ever made. This and Apocalypse Now.

Wonderful, insightful analysis as always - of what I consider a flawless movie! Love Eli Wallach! For those interested in the technical aspects: It was fantastic what Sergio Leone was able to do with the Techniscope format, sometimes referred to as "the poor man's CinemaScope". The cinematography is simply outstanding! This format was meant as a low cost alternative to the expensive CinemaScope/anamorphic Panavision, since it uses only half of the height of a full 35mm frame (Academy 3.75:1), the claw mechanism (together with a smaller gate) of modified Mitchell and Arriflex cameras pulling down two perforations for each frame instead of four. This not only cuts film cost in half but you also can get twice the time out of a single film mag (22 minutes instead of 11 from a standard 1000 ft roll). The huge advantage of Techniscope was that it allowed for a wide choice of readily available, much more affordable, sharp spherical lenses, including very wide angles which enabled Leone to get those iconic deep focus shots where faces and landscapes become one. The format slowly ceased to be used during the 1970s, because of one extra step in the production pipeline which became increasingly expensive: a transfer to anamorphic 35mm for theatrical release prints. American Graffiti (1973) by George Lucas was entirely shot in Techniscope. Recently the format has been rediscovered (modern 35mm film cameras easily allow for that format among others) since the extra step is eliminated through scanning the camera originals directly. That is also the reason why the restored Leone westerns look so stunningly sharp and rich. Recent examples of movies shot in Techniscope include: Shame (2011), parts of Argo (2012) and American Hustle (2013).

This has been one of my favorite moves, ever since I first saw it in the theaters in 1966!!

The greatest film ever made

Could be wrong, but I never thought Blondie took Tuco's bullets out because he was worried he turned on him. Always seemed to me it was simply so he could take one person out of the equation and simply focus his attention on Angel Eyes without the presence of Tuco being a distraction.

To quote you, "one of the best movies ever made" ... the acting (especially the three central), the photography, the actors (including all the casting) and the incredible music (a genius composer) ... made perfect by the incredibly complex moral undertones of the script!

I really remember watching this movie when I was 4 years old.. so that means Ive probably watch this movie 50 times give or take five. This movie never fails to take me to a different time a different place a different circumstance. People talk about the seven wonders of the world, to me this movie fits right into that category. I feel this movie is a masterpiece a great accomplishment of human imagination and direction.

This movie received mixed reviews back in 1966 because although being a "genre" movie, has a strong political point of view and depicts the USA for what they really are: a nation based on violence, death and greed. And Leone did all this with accuracy and love for history. Worth to mention he gave the american public a hint of what happened with concentration camps during Civil War, 80 years before Nazi Germany.

I remember watching the trilogy for the first time 2 years ago and thinking wow Sergio Leone will never top this. Then I watched Once Upon a Time in the West and Once Upon a Time in America. And was floored beyond belief

My favourite film of all time. Brilliant music, story & characters. It's just perfect in every way.

I never understood, years ago, why i liked this movie so much more than other westerns, especially John wayne westerns. Everyone acts like hes such a legend and such an amazing actor, but i find him appallingly stereotypical of your imagination of a "hero" ... hes always so uninteresting and has the same tone all the time. But this movie the feeling is so incredible. Such flawlessness. Not to mention clint eastwood plays the badass so perfectly.

I knew about this movie for many years, newer seen it. Finally - I saw it and I'm speechless. It is one of the best movies EVER.

Absolute masterpiece One of my favourite movies of all time with the most evocative soundtrack ever written

The best scene is tuco and his brother exchange. If paying close attention to detail. The callback at the opening solidified tuco nature and the world he lived in. When angel eyes kills the father and son. The ret. Outlaw and his family. Tuco said "you gone to the path of priest while I walk to the life of bandit" telling that there family or most likely tuco's father may be an outlaw and died such a way living there mother all the responsibility leading her to the grave. Man this film is such God tier story writing

For some reason I didn't like Once Upon a Time in the West very much and I preferred The Good, The Bad and The Ugly far more

First off, I don't think the Union soldiers intentionally covered themselves in dust. It rather seems to have accumulated from the long march. Secondly, I disagree with the reasoning you give for Blondie unloading Tuco's gun. I agree it was to ensure he wouldn't shoot Blondie, but to not shoot Angel Eyes seems like a stretch. Blondie even by the end was no paradigm of justice, he just wanted what was coming his way and was more than willing to kill both if it came to it. He also knowingly spared Tuco by removing the bullets. Blondie and Tuco needed each other equally to get to the gold, even without the exchange of information, and Blondie knew it. They were even, Blondie owed Tuco one last good turn after a series of mistreatment. Great review of a great movie btw.

I've seen this movie many times and that final shootout still makes my heart race every time!

This a film where the good kills more people than the bad who kills out of self defense. Sergio Leone, Clin Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, Eli Wallache and Ennio Moricone. This is a film that belongs to the podium of the greatest films ever made

Sergio Leone, an Italian, defined the American West. His movies were a benchmark in film as well as the Western genre. I still enjoy his movies to this day. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

"If you what to shoot ,shoot don't talk" "When that rope starts to pull tight you can feel the devil bite your ass." There two kinds of Spurs my friend those coming through the door and those coming by the window." This was a cinematic masterpiece

Wow! This is the most concise and comprehensive review of this great movie I've ever come across. That the critics of the time, when this movie first came out, completely missed everything you pointed out, blows my mind. And it says something about the genius of Sergio Leone, that he was able to take these cliches of the western, and make of them something new and exciting, and enduring. And, of course, we can never forget that classic score by Ennio Morricone (RIP). 😔

Good analysis and great topic. My one quibble is that the North soldiers don't specifically cover themselves in dust. They've just ridden through the desert and have been covered in dust. Great scene because of this.

The best movie ever. No hands down, I have some reservations on your interpatation, but it doesn't matter, that is what makes it so great!

One of the greatest movie moments of my life. I had seen GBU on TV- but it wasnt til seeing it on the big screen that I trully saw its' magnificence. In a world of trilogies, only one ends with a masterpiece...

seen a million times, and every time, it's a fresh look to it. music, acting, scenery, and the shots.

The man with no name is still the greatest character in cinema history in my opinion...

Just watched this for the 3rd time this weekend.. Can't get enough of it. The music, the scenery, the script. The legendary actors . You can't go wrong.

One of my favourite westerns ever. Great analysis video and getting closer to 20k subs. Can't wait for your next video. Also I totally agree that the stand off is one of the best scene in cinema history, just pure excitement and the music with the camera work and editing is brilliant.

I would have liked a little more focus on Ennio Morricone's contribution of the score as it elevates so many of the scenes to perfection (especially the final standoff)... still, excellent review of one of my favorite films !!!

This movie means a lot, especially that prizes like "Noble" , "Pulitzer", "Oscars" etc. mean nothing.

Amazing video and tribute to Sergio Leone's spaghetti western. Thank you from Italy

Once upon a time in west analysis Please it's my favourite western of all time

I have watched this movie, a countless amount of times. It is my favorite, of all time. Your summary is excellent; and gave me, even more; perspective.....on this masterpiece.

Excellent take on one of the greatest movies of all time. I enjoyed your narration and described meanings of what took place among the main cast of characters. Thanks for the show.

Great video, Jack. A fine dissection of morality against the backdrop of its time & context. We need more Western-related video essays, so this is a good start! Really cool insight into the title, by the way! I liked that a lot.

Brilliant film!

I literally just watched it yesterday, so this comes in just at the right time

You're **SO RIGHT**. I'm only around 25-30 viewings. Time to watch again!! Thanks for the reminder 👍

This guy os the greatest youtuber. He responds and reads his fans comments. He tries hard and analyzes the movies and adds great commentary.

You really touched upon subjects that flied right above my head. Stellar Video!

Just discovered your channel and I'm really enjoying it. Thanks for your work!

Very well done, Jack. I thought I'd heard enough analyses, so put off watching yours. I'm glad I finally did see it. All three stars created memorable characters. I think Tuco had the most facets and depth. RIP Eli and Lee. Oh, and Ennio and Sergio, too! Now I'll go watch the RU-vid clip of Susanna Rigacci singing to Ennio's orchestra rendition of "The Ecstasy of Gold."

The scene in which Tuco is beaten badly by Angel Eyes' Enforcer at the prison camp while the sad music plays is unforgettable.

Extremely underrated analysis! Loved it

These are timeless films that pass through all generations... simply an immortal masterpiece

I watched this all the time with my pops when i was a kid, tuco was his favorite!! Pops passed 13 years ago but whenever i watch this film or High Plains Drifter, another of his favorites i remember sitting on the floor in front of him and his chair, enjoying a great movie with a great man! Fond memories..

I loved this film the first time I watched it, which was a while back, but I didnt take in how big of an impact the war had on the story in the film. Thank you for this insightful analysis

Wonderful job Jack, you really broke down and Reviewed from within unlike many, what the movie really stood for, Thank you for this and Well Done!!! You get a Sub.

I can't remember exactly how many times I have watched this wonderful movie. I believe the first time I took it in was in 1967 in the Aztec movie house in San Antonio.

Excellent dissection and spot on analysis. Well done.

The Good, Bad & Ugly and Once A-upon a Time In The West are hands down the greatest two Westerns ever made, period. Eli Wallic should have won an Oscar for his performance as Tuco , I think it should have won Oscars for best supporting actor, best cinematography and original score soundtrack or what ever they call it, I think back then because it was considered a foreign film it never got any consideration , I think in this day in time it would have a least been nominated for a few, what a shame for a timeless classic movie

This is probably the best analysis on this movie I've seen so far.

Well done on yet another concise yet insightful analysis of a truly Great movie. There is a lot of film criticism/analysis on RU-vid (Every Frame a Painting being another favorite of mine), but you are definitely among the best.

This is a timeless movie.. Great job.

For me, one of the best scenes of the movie is when Blondie catches Tuco trying to dig up the first grave. Mostly because of how he finally wears the poncho outfit, as sort of a sendoff to the previous movies.

A great summary thanks for sharing one of the best films of all time a total package awesome cast story and musical soundtrack

Blondie: "There are two categories of people my friend. One have loaded guns. The others dig." Looks at Tuco. "You dig!" - What a fantastic ride this movie is.

I'm only a few seconds in and I'm ready to subscribe. Thank you for creating something intelligent and historically-minded.

The great thing about The Good The Bad and The Ugly is that it can be viewed as the final film in the Dollars trilogy, the first in the trilogy, or as its own self contained story.

Very well put together. Great job

Awesome analysis! You couldn't put it any more plainly, good job!

The mark of a great film is the renewed desire to watch it again just from a watching a great review...

I think it's a little honorable when Angel Eyes keeps his promises even after he's killed the ones he made them to.

This is my favourite movie and there’s literally no content on it so I’m glad to see this

Fantastic video, really enjoyed it!

truly is one of the very best. Once you've SEEN a Sergio Leone film, you will never SEE films the same way again. You'll be wanting more. You'll be less impressed by any other films. It's weird how he does it, but also, just the way the whole package is delivered.. it is really good.

Eli Wallach’s “Tuco” and Heath Ledger’s “Joker” are my favorite movie characters of all time, and to my mind they are actually very similar to each other.

the movie always reminds me of Mr. Eli. I saw him first through this movie and he conquered my heart with his extraordinary performance...! where ever you are dear Eli, stay in peace...😥😥😥

One of the very few movies to bring together story, characters, cinematography and soundtrack to the highest level. My favourite movie.

@Jack's Movie Reviews - fantastic job on a masterpiece. Please do more masterpieces and show the youngsters how it's done. Be well.

Great review...now only il Biondo/ il Buono is alive R.i.p Maestro...grazie Mr Ennio Morricone...we will never forget you...grazie 😪🇮🇹

Wonderful review and the film is rightly as you put it a masterpiece!

I saw this on TV as a kid back in the '70s. One of the best movies ever. It got me into the Western genre much more so than most of that mass-produced stuff from the '50s (though, to be fair, there were some good Westerns from that decade). I think some of your critiques are stretching it a bit, but I enjoyed your moral analysis of the three titular characters. It seems to me that the best movies are always those that speak to something the audience didn't know it was hungry for. A morally realistic Western in this case, or a fairy tale in the case of Star Wars, or where men were real men as in the case of Gladiator... or a superhero movie where the character is actually compassionate and heroic such as in Wonder Woman.

I love you take on this movie and love the review. Very well done indeed.

I would agree with your analysis and I appreciate your work on this fabulous movie and it's one of those that most people can remember where they were when they first saw it. Thanks.

DAMN THE MUSIC IS SOOO GREAT IN THIS MOVIE.. This has to be the best movie of all time!!!!

Best video I’ve seen in months, congrats

In an immoral world, a little good can go long way. You nailed it.

One of the best indeed. One thing I would add is a comment on the second-last scene,Tuco’s mad run around the graveyard. That plus the last scene are, in my opinion, the best use of music in Cinema.

Just found this RU-vid channel I'm in I like the reviews thoughtful and entertaining

Excellent review!

The dollar’s trilogy was and is my dad’s personal favorite. I now see why. Thank you for sharing your commentary and review.