Ulzana's Raid

Ulzana's Raid is a riveting 1972 Western film directed by Robert Aldrich, and starts with United States Burt Lancaster, young cavalry officer Bruce Davison and Apache warrior Jorge Luke. This film is not just about bloody battles and vengeance, but it also explores profound themes of morality, racism and the harsh brutality of war. The film prides itself on a raw, realistic, and mature depiction of historical events while providing an engaging narrative for its audience.

The movie sets the stage in the mid-nineteenth-century American Southwest, when the tensions between Native American tribes and U.S settlers are reaching a boiling point. Lancaster portrays the role of McIntosh, a seasoned and experienced scout, well versed in the ways of the Apache Indians due to his extensive time living among them. Lancaster's McIntosh is a man torn between two worlds, possessing a degree of empathy and understanding for the Apache people but bound by duty to the US Army. His role evolves as the layer of the story unfolds culture clashes, ethical conundrums, and tribulations of frontier life.

Juxtaposing Lancaster's experienced scout is Lieutenant Garnett DeBuin, a naive and inexperienced officer portrayed by Bruce Davison. He was tasked with handling the mission of eliminating the threat of Ulzana's Apache, leading the pursuit. DeBuin represents the traditional military mindset of the era, viewing Native American people as pure savages to be eradicated. Throughout the progression of the film, DeBuin's character arc takes him through a journey of learning and understanding, driven by the harsh realities of frontier warfare and the wisdom of Scout McIntosh.

Mexican actor Jorge Luke gives a commendable performance as Ke-Ni-Tay, a stoic Apache scout working with the U.S Calvary. His character provides immense depth to the film by showcasing the struggle of Native Americans who, for one reason or another, find themselves serving with the same forces responsible for their people's oppression.

Ulzana, played by Joaquin Martinez, spearheads the Apache warriors bringing fire and destruction to the frontier settlers. Apaches are depicted as formidable opponents, exhibiting fierce resistance, tactical brilliance, and perfect adaption to their rugged environment, perpetuating a climate of constant dread.

Director Robert Aldrich masterfully highlights the bleakness inherent in this time of American history. The desolate landscapes and unforgiving terrains are filmed with precision, casting a harsh light on the brutal and senseless violence that marked these conflicts. This approach becomes a somber reflection on the nature of conflict, emphasizing its futility and the tragic loss it imposes on all sides.

Similarly, the film screenplay, written by Alan Sharp, is noted for its bold and unflinching approach to the violent clashes between the United States calvary and the Apache warriors. It does not shy away from grisly details or the harsh realities of war, creating a grim portrait of the West that remains largely unfiltered by romanticism.

What enriches Ulzana's Raid is the potent interaction of characters and the personal drama that unfolds alongside the intense physical conflict. Throughout the relentless pursuit and seemingly endless violence, the themes of honor, survival, prejudice, and duty provide the film with a rich, thought-provoking subtext. Each character faces a personal struggle of defining their own morality within a world marked by violence and prejudice.

Finally, the solemn score by Frank De Vol effectively underpins the grim atmosphere of the film. While there are moments of silence that amplify the tension, the music works primarily to elevate the emotion and heart-stopping suspense. The cinematography, led by Joseph Biroc, is commendable and arguably makes the environment an integral character of the movie, reflecting the bleakness of the situation and the vast, beautiful, yet dangerous landscape of the American Southwest frontier.

Ulzana's Raid is not for the faint-hearted. It is a distinctive western movie that dwells on the brutal realities of the west, rather than glorifying or romanticizing them. Its themes remain relevant as it feeds into larger conversations about cultural understanding, war's futility, and the moral compromises its necessity demands. A gripping illustration of the American frontier's life is delivered in this film, making it a must-watch for the fans of the Western genre.