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El topo

Play trailer Poster for El topo 1970 2h 3m Western Play Trailer Watchlist
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80% Tomatometer 45 Reviews 84% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
A black-clad gunfighter (Alejandro Jodorowsky) embarks on a symbolic quest in an Old West version of Sodom and Gomorrah.

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El topo

El topo

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Critics Consensus

By turns intoxicating and confounding, El Topo contains the creative multitudes that made writer-director Alejandro Jodorowsky such a singular talent.

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Critics Reviews

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Ed Potton The Times (UK) It's tempting to say they don't make films like this any more, but I'm not sure anyone has ever made them like Jodorowsky. Rated: 4/5 Jan 10, 2020 Full Review Peter Bradshaw Guardian It's a bizarre head-trip festival of occult psychedelia, heatstroke visuals, Age-of-Aquarius nude dancing and violence through poster-paint fake blood splattered about the place. Rated: 4/5 Jan 9, 2020 Full Review Ben Walters Time Out It remains an aesthetically intoxicating trip. Mar 11, 2015 Full Review Dennis Harvey 48 Hills A trailblazer for the original midnight-movie vogue... Apr 18, 2023 Full Review Rob Gonsalves Rob's Movie Vault As usual, it's all about the journey, by which the hero progresses from killer and rapist to clean-shaven monk (who is nonetheless called back to his old violent ways one more time). Rated: B Nov 29, 2022 Full Review Rob Aldam Backseat Mafia A true one-off Jul 29, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Luis Ivan M A surreal Mexican Western. This movie is a trip, an experience meant to be felt rather than fully understood. That said, there are clear themes of devotion and redemption, supported by symbolic imagery throughout. For film buffs, it’s an essential experience, but for the average moviegoer, there are a few caveats to consider, primarily the tone. While not overly explicit, the film contains scenes that suggest violence and sexual abuse, which might be disturbing to some viewers. The surreal nature of the story can also make it difficult to engage with or make sense of. Technically, some aspects, particularly the sound and visual effects, feel dated and might take certain audiences out of the experience. On the other hand, the film stands as a work of art, executed with remarkable creativity by Jodorowsky. The production design is eccentric and over-the-top, yet it successfully immerses us in the dreamlike landscape of the protagonist’s journey. The cinematography offers several striking desert compositions, and the editing maintains a steady rhythm, revealing new information with precision. It’s a strange, challenging watch that I can’t say I enjoyed at every moment, but I deeply appreciate. It’s a singular vision, and while definitely not for everyone, it’s one that deserves to be seen. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/03/25 Full Review Michael V Disturbing. I loved it! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/17/25 Full Review Nick O If Sergio Leone made A Fistful Of LSD. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/29/25 Full Review Vanessa B This movie was not the type I can get into it was very graphic and a little much for me. It was an interesting movie if you not mind graphic movies. El Topo the main character is traveling with his son and sees that a town when they see that is was slaughtered. He goes on different missions that keep involving him to dual. There is a lot of mention of religion and el topo finding his path. It is a western movie and at time I feel like I lost the plot and it felt it was bit all over the place. I also feel like some of the scenes were too much or not needed to be in the movie, I did not understand the point of it. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/28/25 Full Review Madam D While this is an interesting film with quite a cult history, am glad I read up on it or would have no earthly idea is going on. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/16/25 Full Review Dante H LIke The Holy Mountain, unforgettable. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/14/25 Full Review Read all reviews
El topo

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Movie Info

Synopsis A black-clad gunfighter (Alejandro Jodorowsky) embarks on a symbolic quest in an Old West version of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Director
Alejandro Jodorowsky
Screenwriter
Alejandro Jodorowsky
Distributor
Douglas Films
Production Co
Producciones Panicas
Genre
Western
Original Language
Spanish
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 18, 1970, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 22, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$80.3K
Runtime
2h 3m
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