Customer Reviews

The Hills Run Red

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

THE HILLS RUN RED is a fine film that has been somewhat hamstrung by its reputation. Difficult to see for many years until the Japanese DVD release from Stingray and the new DVD release from MGM, like many movies that have been out of circulation for some time the movie acquired a slightly inflated reputation. Whilst it's a good film, an enjoyable romp for most fans of the Italian Western, it's a hyperbolic tale of revenge and therefore like most films from this very particular subgenre the movie is something of an acquired taste.

However, when all is said and done, it has to be said that THE HILLS RUN RED isn't Lizzani's best Italian Western: for me, it's not as impressive as the bizarre REQUIESCANT/KILL AND PRAY. However, it's at the top end of the movies made in the early years of the Italian Western craze, and it's great to see the movie finally receive a fine presentation on the DVD format.

Although this might not be as good as other Spaghetti Westerns, its still worth watching. The final shoot out is good and entertaining, and the plot is not that bad either.

Not sure where to start there are so many negative things to say about this poorly made film. There were portions of this film where the camera shake was severe and made me dizzy! The sound quality would range from very poor to good, but when it was poor it was difficult to hear. Some of the acting was ameturish. I wonder why I bought this so called movie.

Perhaps not one of the best spaghetti westerns ever made, but most certainly one of the most entertaining. The Hills Run Red has everything: thrilling action, gunfights, fisticuffs, 2 good guys versus an army of bad guys. Henry Silva is at his villainous best. Thomas Hunter is not too convincing as the hero but has plenty of support from Dan Duryea. Listen for the unforgetable musical score - another spaghetti western classic!

Here is a Spaghetti Western that is from early enough in the genre's brief history that is seems colorful, fresh, enthusiastic and straightforward -- much more like a "traditional" Western that its later, more cynical counterparts.

The little-seen American actor Thomas Hunter stars in a lush Dino DeLaurentiis production that is a brisk and intensely violent if simple revenge saga. Hunter and Nando Gazzolo play robbers that are apprehended by soldiers after a big heist. The men quickly determine one can run with the loot if the other takes the rap for the crime. A simple draw of the cards (Hunter picks an 8 against his partner's Jack) means that Hunter is sent away for five years. Upon his release, Hunter finds Gazzolo has become a wealthy miser with inclination to share his bounty. With help from American Western veteran Dan Duryea as a helpful samaritan whose intentions seem to good to be true, Hunter sets to battle Gazzolo and his henchmen, led by the outrageously evil Mendez (Henry Silva).

I really liked Thomas Hunter's squinty-eyed ferocity in this flick -- he is like a flipside of Clint Eastwood's brusque-demeanored persona. Hunter narrows his eyes and grits his teeth plenty, but also manages to cut loose with wildly flailing fists in several nice hand-to-hand combat scenes, including an exciting ambush of Hunter in his family's abandoned barn. He also has a few maniacal outbursts in which he literally howls to the sky in frustration, which you definitely do not see in a Western very often. In fact, both hero Hunter and villain Silva are enthusiastically intense in their performances with Silva especially chewing scenery like he hasn't eaten for days. Silva's portrayal of Mendez is halfway between a posh, refined Mexican Caballero and a proud, crazed, black-leather-clad savage. As his men attempt unsuccessfully attempt a capture of Hunter early on, Silva gleefully holsters his pistol so that he may fervently applaud his adversary. One great moment of many for Silva in the flick, he is terrific.

Also noteworthy in the cast are Duryea, as Hunter's ardent and everpresent ally, playing it solid and simple; Gazzolo in his small part as the cowardly, weirdly effeminate turncoat; and lovely redhead Gianna Serra as a two-timing saloon singer, whose sassy bravado and piled-high hair bring to mind a wild west version of B-52's singer Kate Pierson.

The scenery and photography here are lavish for the genre -- filled with beautiful vistas and big-scale, epic sequences suggesting the pic was not done on the cheap. One of the most impressive scenes is the bad-guys' dramatic horse-trail ambush which includes huge, flaming bundles of tinder rolled down a mountain to scatter the horses. The acting business is well-handled, too, with a highlight being the intense scene where Hunter finally reveals himself to his rival, verrry slowly lifting his head til his eyes are visible from under his hat.

The big, brassy theme by Ennio Morricone also aids in the film's cause, as it is a powerful, unsubtle blast of a tune that is reminiscent of the famous MAGNIFICENT SEVEN sound. It is an appropriate scene-setter for the brisk, bold vibe of THE HILLS RUN RED.

The verdict? A forthright, spirited and easy-to-watch Western and one to recommend. 7/10 stars.

I have seen bad films but this is the worst bad acting bad story.

This one does not deserve being called a western, just an armature film