Daniel C. M
A nice mix of a western with romantic melodrama. Of course, as you probably would already expect from this movie considering it features Brando, it has great and realistic acting, though he is also directing this picture, the only one he has ever directed infact, which is a shame; there are some absolutely stunning shots here, fully utilizing it's primarly coastal location with the perfectionism of Brando when going in sync with nature itself to get the best looking shot possible, particularly in the waves of the ocean, though the greatness extends to it's other areas such as the notable first 20 minutes or so in the desert, with the eye-catching sandstorm scenes. The story also fortunately strays away from it's bland and generic first impressions and makes way for a convicing and envolving plot that pulls you in right away, though it's pacing certainly takes quite a toll here and there and the movie feels a bit too long, even if just a tiny little bit.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
04/10/25
Full Review
Rami A
It's hard to depict whether or not a film will be good based on the responses you hear from people until you watch it for yourself. Throughout his career, Marlon Brando has starred in four westerns, and one of them he directed it. Now, I've watched a lot of Brando films and have always heard this one come into discussions, mostly because he directed himself. It's also notorious for its troubled production. Looking passed all of that, this is actually a marvelous film. Not only does Brando know how to act, he knows how to direct. Brando brings in many styles other than his "method acting."
This is no ordinary Western, it's something visually stunning picture, as it combines old and new techniques, and tells a story of love, revenge, and betrayal.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/27/25
Full Review
Michael S
Saw this originally when it came out. I was blown away by the movie and the time slipped away. This is a meditation on friendship and betrayal. Brando and Malden, two close friends, whose comradery is destroyed by Malden's betrayal leading to jail for Brando. Malden, former outlaw, now a Sheriff, has become the leading citizen of the town. Brando visits and seemingly remains Malden's close friend. However, the metaphor of their being "One Eyed Jacks" circling around each other, with bitter enmity beneath the surface creates exquisite tension. I was 17 when I first saw this movie. I'm 80 now and I have to admit that the lessons taught about friendship in this film, stuck with me through the years of my life. Friendship and companionship exist as comforts as we experience our lives. Yet sometimes our closest friends, may despise us beneath the surface. Brando and Malden are among the best the film acting profession has developed. Brando's direction is so tight that one barely notices as the film develops and climaxes without ant dead spots. I think it rates up there with the best films of the genre.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/25/25
Full Review
Jelisije J
A romantic Western instead of revenge Western, but the end result left me satisfied as Marlon Brando carries this film from being forgettable to memorable.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
12/03/24
Full Review
Steve D
Nothing stands out here and a number of actors are wasted,
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
09/24/24
Full Review
Wayne K
The only film Marlon Brando directed throughout his illustrious career, and the catalyst for his worst ever career downturn, One-Eyed Jacks is a far better film that’s its reputation would suggest. The backstory involves a lot of studio meddling and post production interference, so it’s a miracle it turned out as well as it did. A steadily paced, thoughtful rumination on revenge, where the extra runtime gives the emotions longer to develop and the hatred to fester. It’s not concerned with big blowout action sequences or gunfights that result in a pile of faceless corpses, it’s a character study, with a lead who’s about as morally grey as you can get. I don’t think anyone will claim this is anywhere near Brando’s finest performance, but the stoicism and reserve he gives his character are just right, and there’s never a moment where you don’t buy what he’s going through. It has a fairly rushed and initially underdeveloped romance between Brando and Pellicer, but as the story progresses we get to understand what they see in each other. Karl Malden makes a great foil for Brando, playing a man who can be just as ruthless, but also possesses a charm and likeability that makes you feel like he doesn’t deserve what he has coming to him. It’s a shame that its commercial failure put a massive dent in Brando’s career, and set him up for a very depressing decade, but for a one and done directorial effort, I think its pretty damn good.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
06/17/24
Full Review
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