DanTheMan 2
Let's get the obvious out of the way first, God Forgives... I Don't! has to be one of the greatest titles to any film ever. A darkly sinister detective thriller mixed with a brooding and reflective spaghetti western, made during the height of its subgenre's popularity and the first of many western film collaborations between Terence Hill & Bud Spencer. Although Hill and Spencer don't get the opportunity to act opposite each other all that much here, there are a few sparks of chemistry that hint at what would come to blossom in their later efforts. Truth be told, however, the film belongs to Frank Wolff's villainous red-headed Bill San Antonio, a cunning, wisecracking, sadistic and backstabbing bandit whom Wolff plays with a beautifully over-the-top glee. The storytelling isn't as smooth as you'd like, but Giuseppe Colizzi's direction is assured, especially for a first-time director. There are many stunning landscape shots and lighting choices throughout, and his ability to capture suspense is something to be marvelled at. The action is generally okay, but the film plays its hand too early, as the opening tension-filled poker game that opens the film is easily the best scene. Carlo Rustichelli's score is fine, especially the main theme, complemented by a gentle guitar; it serves its purpose but doesn't linger in memory like many other scores from this genre. With a succession of violent and tension-filled moments, God Forgives... I Don't! doesn't quite live up to its banger title, but the dark, dusty atmosphere and fantastic presentation are enough to overlook the awkward execution of its story.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
05/07/25
Full Review
Matthew D
It’s quite slow, but there’s cool quickdraws and ruthless performances here.
Italian director Giuseppe Colizzi’s Spaghetti Western God Forgives… I Don’t (1967) is alright, but very slow as it takes a long time to set up the premise. Colizzi’s direction starts out pretty neat with a cool train robbery reveal, then very flat with flashbacks that meander just to introduce the fateful poker game and old killings. Writer Giuseppe Colizzi’s script is well written as far as the rowdy dialogue and ruthless characters. I enjoyed the rigged poker match, revenge killings, villain lair infiltration, water well torture, final encounters, and numerous pistol quickdraws.
Terence Hill is very cool and charismatic as the Western hero Cat Stevens, who is called Pretty Face. His quickdraw pistol skills and tough manner are very entertaining. He’s like the slick Clint Eastwood type that doesn’t forgive or forget and wants the money for himself. Frank Wolff is cruel, cunning, and amusing as “Dead Man” Bill San Antonio. He’s a crazy villain and charismatic crook. Bud Spencer is great as the massive insurance agent Hutch Bessy, who wants to recover the stolen train money. His wood breaking scene is insane. Gina Rovere is pretty and fun as the cackling lady Rose. José Manuel Martín’s henchman Bud is fairly interesting compared to all the other forgettable supporting characters.
Editor Sergio Montanari’s fascinating flashback cuts are clever and in line with other 60’s Italian Westerns. The first half is cut with too many lingering shots, but things pick up the pace in the second half. Alfio Contini’s cinematography delivers captivating close-ups shots and striking wide desert shots. Composer Carlo Rustichelli’s ferocious score is awesome, but too scarcely used. Marilù Carteny’s grimy costumes are classic Western outfits.
In short, God Forgives… I Don’t is cool, but I don’t get why such a simple story needed to drag out to 113 minutes.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
08/30/24
Full Review
Audience Member
For an Italian spaghetti western this one’s not bad yes I will recommend it James Welch, Henderson, Arkansas November 25, 2023
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
11/26/23
Full Review
Audience Member
This mivie came out eight years before Terence Hill was in his better known films, My Name is Noboy and They Call Me Trinity. Previous to this film, Terence had mild success, but you can see the carisma he had back then. Decent film with a standard revenge plot. Your standard evil gang leader who exacts immediate revenge without remorse eventually has the tables turned on him,. Nothing you haven't seen before, but decent action and storyline.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
02/03/23
Full Review
dustin d
God Forgives... I Don't was a decent spaghetti Western, but it didn't really live up to the title. It had a few cool, but contrived, set pieces, and was a mostly pale Leone/Eastwood copycat.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
Audience Member
It's barely okay, even for what it is. Some of the sequences were quite nicely shot, but most of the dialogue felt a bit dreary and the overall plot is quite thin and predictable.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
01/25/23
Full Review
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