The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

R

Released Dec 20, 1967

2h 41m

Western

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97%

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77 Reviews

97%

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100,000+ Ratings

In the Southwest during the Civil War, a mysterious stranger, Joe (Clint Eastwood), and a Mexican outlaw, Tuco (Eli Wallach), form an uneasy partnership -- Joe turns in the bandit for the reward money, then rescues him just as he is being hanged. When Joe's shot at the noose goes awry during one escapade, a furious Tuco tries to have him murdered. The men re-team abruptly, however, to beat out a sadistic criminal and the Union army and find $20,000 that a soldier has buried in the desert.

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Critics Consensus

Arguably the greatest of the spaghetti westerns, this epic features a compelling story, memorable performances, breathtaking landscapes, and a haunting score.

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Ed Potton

Times (UK)

Ennio Morricone’s soundtrack is widely regarded as the best of his career, with the moody, two-note flute melody... an instantly recognisable refrain that is folksy and avant-garde at the same time.

Apr 22, 2024

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TIME Magazine

All three arrive at the cache at the same time. Who gets it? Director Leone doesn't seem to care very much, and after 161 minutes of mayhem, audiences aren't likely to either.

Aug 11, 2008

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Derek Malcolm

London Evening Standard

It still looks a treat and a bold and largely successful attempt to recast the traditions of the genre in a new, sometimes critical, almost operatic way.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 1, 2008

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

…a revisionist Western, and a rare genre entry with loaded satirical intent that’s always hiding in plain sight…captures a master director in absolute full flow…

Rated: 5/5

Apr 28, 2024

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Zita Short

InSession Film

It makes a case for Sergio Leone as a true artist and it slowly reveals itself to have real emotional heft when you begin considering some of the ambitious themes that Leone tackles.

Feb 2, 2023

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

While it may not be the best Western ever made - heck, it's not even the best Western Leone ever made - it's clearly the work of a master filmmaker whose style has never grown stale.

Rated: 3.5/4

Apr 30, 2021

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Spencer Nielsen

I love John Ford, but Sergio Leone made the greatest western of all time. Every sequence is perfectly constructed, the iconic moments are pure cinema, and Tuco is one of the great big screen characters. Absolutely lives up to its own monumental image.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/09/24

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SweeTart

Classic. Excellent soundtrack.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/21/24

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Mark B

I am not going to write very much. Only this. To me, this greatest Western ever made is still better than making love- and every time I watch it, TGBATU gets even better!! Just a totally awesome, brilliant movie- and the Mexican stand-off scene in the graveyard at the end between Tuco, Blondie and Angel Eyes. It's just too much, it's so good.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/18/24

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Diego M

This film is an absolute masterpiece that redefined the Western genre. From its iconic opening credits to the unforgettable final showdown, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is packed with suspense, rich characters, and breath taking cinematography. Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach deliver unforgettable performances that perfectly capture the essence of their complex characters. Sergio Leone's direction is flawless, turning every scene into a visual spectacle. The pacing is perfect, allowing the tension to build while immersing the audience in the harsh, rugged landscape of the Old West. And of course, Ennio Morricone's legendary score elevates every moment with its haunting melodies, making scenes like the climactic Mexican standoff feel larger than life. Beyond the gunfights and epic vistas, the film explores themes of greed, loyalty, and survival with a depth that's rarely seen in Westerns. It's not just about who’s good, bad, or ugly—it's about the grey areas in between. With its stunning visuals, brilliant storytelling, and unforgettable music, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a timeless classic that deserves all its acclaim. A must-watch for any film lover!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/16/24

Full Review

Ed M

Take "Fistful of Dollars", and multiply it by three. That is where this movie is on the pantheon of great Westerns. Sergio Leone is the master of the great Western, and this is *only* his second best! Clint Eastwood never met a movie where he couldn't own the screen. Eli Wallach's Tuco is arguably the movie world's greatest weasel ever. But Lee Van Cleef is one of film's great bad guys, and only he could stand up against the other two in this great Mexican standoff of a film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/31/24

Full Review

Crawford H

Without doubt the best spaghetti western in my opinion, and certainly one of the best films ever made.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/29/24

Full Review

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Sergio Leone

Director

Clint Eastwood

Blondie

Eli Wallach

Tuco

Lee Van Cleef

Sentenza

Aldo Giuffré

Alcoholic Union Captain

Mario Brega

Cpl. Wallace

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Synopsis

In the Southwest during the Civil War, a mysterious stranger, Joe (Clint Eastwood), and a Mexican outlaw, Tuco (Eli Wallach), form an uneasy partnership -- Joe turns in the bandit for the reward money, then rescues him just as he is being hanged. When Joe's shot at the noose goes awry during one escapade, a furious Tuco tries to have him murdered. The men re-team abruptly, however, to beat out a sadistic criminal and the Union army and find $20,000 that a soldier has buried in the desert.

Director: Sergio Leone
Producer: Alberto Grimaldi
Screenwriter: Agenore Incrocci, Furio Scarpelli, Luciano Vincenzoni, Sergio Leone
Distributor: United Artists, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co: Produzioni Europee Associati, Constantin Film
Rating: R
Genre: Western
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 20, 1967, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 27, 2015
Runtime: 2h 41m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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