fluna1030
....as mentioned, Classic Western! Very Gritty! Released in 1971, I first saw this movie at the (now closed) Rodeo Drive-In Theatre in Widescreen. Chato's Land is one of those movies that you have to watch From The Very Beginning! It starts with the towns sheriff going into the saloon. At the same time, Chato plucks a coin down for a taste. The bartender takes the bottle, pours a couple. I won't repeat what the sheriff says to Chato . . . but in a nutshell, Chato is Forced to defend himself & adios Sheriff Eli Saunders. Chato rides quickly out of town . . . & here is where i'm going to leave it. What happens to the men who "hunt" him down is what drives this movie ....almost from start to finish. It's unfortunate that movie hasn't gotten (any) good if not better reviews. In my opinion, the cinematography is wonderfully photographed & Beautiful . . . with the exceptions of the "saguaros" (notice how they bend when the wind kicks up). Chato's Land is one of those rarities that is "actually Western" with all the Dirt, Grit, & Horses. The Cast is Excellent ! Jack Palance, Richard Basehart, Simon Oakland, Victor French and the many others I didn't mentioned work so well with each other in this movie. but, be prepared for some of the language . . . An Excellent addition to Any movie collection ! Thank You M. Winner for an Excellent Western!! I also found out that the Soundtrack is now available on CD!! Enjoy!!
pheonix2279
Chato's Land is another classic from the legendary Charles Bronson.He was a man who's actions spoke louder than words and this is proof of that fact.Bronson plays Pardon Chato,an apache who shoots a racist sheriff in self defence and is then hunted by a posse led by Quincy Whitmore played brilliantly by Jack Palance.The hunt then turns against the hunters when Chato leads them into apache territory where he is in charge and knows it inside out.The hunters then realise they have underestimated their opponent because in Chatos land Chato is the hunter and Whitmore and his posse are now the hunted.Charles Bronson probably speaks 10 lines at the most and most of his lines are spoken in apache while a lot of focus is on the supporting cast.This was the first of six movies starring Bronson and directed by Michael Winner.Though Winner has become the butt of jokes and criticism in recent years his movies of the 60ties defined the decade and in the 70ties his revenge movies set the bar for all revenge movies that would follow and that should not be forgotten when talking about Michael Winner.This is a gritty,violent revenge story and is an underrated masterpiece.Far better than modern westerns of today.
moonspinner55
Charles Bronson, in extraordinary physical shape, plays a quiet Apache in an apparently hate-mongering Old West town who kills the despicable white sheriff in self-defense; he doesn't stick around to explain his actions, of course--and the bartender who witnessed the shooting certainly isn't talking--prompting a prejudiced posse made up of hard-bitten locals to go after the Indian over rough terrain on horseback. Although beautifully-shot by Robert Paynter, and with several surprisingly literate passages in Gerald Wilson's screenplay, this dusty, grizzled western is all on one-note. It would be difficult to find another movie with as many loathsome characters as the ones we get here, which naturally puts the audience completely on Bronson's side (this, one presumes, the ultimate purpose). Distinctly unlikeable, nevertheless, and awfully long (and obvious) at 110 minutes. ** from ****
TedMichaelMor
I enjoy these seventies Westerns. In their way, they explore salient issues of American history in terms of the struggles of justice during the late sixties and early seventies.Some like this film feature's beautiful photography, literate scripts, intelligent acting, and able direction. This film celebrates all of these traits as well as careful editing and attention to detail and nuance. I like the use of camera movement and quick cuts. This makes even pedestrian scenes visually engaging.Mr. Bronson does not have much screen time in this film, but his presence dominates the film. The director plays close attention to detail. Editing involves good interplay of shots to produce an excellent story.When I rank a film, a score of three is, for me, a recommendation to watch the movie. I very much recommend this movie. It is what it is, a good seventies Western.
AD
