The Mercenary

The Mercenary, also known as "A Professional Gun," is a memorable Spaghetti Western film that was released in 1968. Filled with memorable characters, explosive action sequences, political undertones, and lush cinematography, the movie comes from the revered Italian filmmaker, Sergio Corbucci. It stars some of the familiar faces what would come to define the genre: Franco Nero, Tony Musante, and Franco Giacobini.

The film takes place during the tumultuous Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century. Franco Nero plays the lead role of Sergei Kowalski, a cunning Polish mercenary. Kowalski is a resourceful but amoral character who works only for money regardless of the morality or political leanings of his employers.

Nero’s character takes a pivotal turn when he forms an unlikely alliance with a Mexican peasant-turned-revolutionary, Paco Roman, played by Tony Musante. Roman is a naive, well-meaning character striving for equality and justice. Despite his lower intellectual abilities compared to Kowalski, he earns everyone’s respect with his sheer dedication and courage in fighting for his beliefs.

The storyline ignites when Roman hires Kowalski to aid him and his irregular forces in a defensive war against the Mexican Federal Army and numerous bounty hunters seeking Kowalski's life. As the plot advances, the duo’s camaraderie deepens and becomes the heart of the film. Despite their starkly different motivation and characters, they somehow manage to make their partnership work.

The character of Columba, portrayed by Giovanna Ralli, introduces a love interest in the movie. As Paco’s companion, Columba assumes the role of the moral compass amidst the chaos that surrounds them. Columba becomes a significant narrative linchpin, allowing Corbucci to weave a subtle romantic subplot into the larger context of the revolution.

The Mercenary's antagonist is a vicious bounty hunter named Curly, who relentlessly pursues Kowalski, looking to claim the handsome price on his head. Jack Palance is brilliantly sinister in the role, introducing a menacing presence to the screen that heightens the movie’s tension every time he appears.

In trademark Spaghetti Western fashion, The Mercenary dazzles the audience with sweeping panoramic shots of arid landscapes, drawing comparisons to the style of Sergio Leone. The explosive set pieces, swift, stylised action scenes and nail-biting gunfights keep audiences gripped, making the most of Corbucci's flair for intense, visually stunning sequences.

One of the standout components of The Mercenary is its magnificent soundtrack composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone, along with Bruno Nicolai. The score beautifully complements the film, adding depth to the characters, narrating the storyline through music, and heightening the dramatic tension in critical scenes.

The Mercenary skilfully combines elements of action and political drama, with a subtle dash of romance and humour, making it not just a cowboy tale, but a commentary on capitalism, class, and the exploitation of workers. It ponders on the relationship between power and money, with Kowalski's character often acting as a contrasting example to the idealistic tenets of the revolutionaries.

With a star-studded cast breathes life into intriguing characters, an expertly crafted narrative driven by the larger backdrop of the Mexican Revolution, and a visual style typical of the best the Spaghetti Western genre has to offer, The Mercenary stands as a testament to the gritty, stylish, and unforgettable era of filmmaking. It indeed is a must-watch for any fan of Western films, and a perfect place to start for anyone new to Spaghetti Westerns.