For a Few Dollars More

Everything that was good about the first installment is here twice over. The stuffiness on screen is almost unbreathable, the villain here has definitely crossed the point of no return. The film mops the floor with the standards of previous westerns, drowning in anachronisms, drug taking, we’re witnesses to suicide and rape. The two protagonists are all the more fascinating for it, maintaining their rules, credos, and self-respect in such a world. Paradoxically, there is something of the essence of freedom in such a dirty and disillusioned film, as if suggesting that only a completely broken world can offer the ultimate possibility of self-realization; see further post-apocalyptic works, zombie films, etc. (08/07/2021)

The second film from the so-called "Dollars Trilogy", at least in the order in which they were filmed. Sergio Leone, Ennio Morricona, and Clint Eastwood return to show the world that it is possible to shoot a damn good Western in Italy, and it doesn't matter that the film will be two hours long, on the contrary, it is just the right amount of time, maybe even a little too little. In this performance, the Western will truly entertain you. In addition to the brilliant music by Leone's court composer Morricone, the film also has other attributes that were crucial to its legendary status. It is solid direction that does not waver, but of course, it is also the story that may seem like a simple hunt for outlaws, a hunt for man-hunters, but it is mainly about the characters and how they are written and played. Each character here has their bright and dark side. People die here for no reason, children and women die. Evil does not choose, that's just how it is. But even the biggest villain is not without a heart, there is something in him that influenced him, that made him what he is today. Although Clint Eastwood is the star of Leone's films, in this case, he is somewhat overshadowed by another actor, who is none other than Lee Man Cleef, a man with a gaze that could pierce you. This duo fits perfectly by the fact that their characters do not fit. It is definitely not a classic buddy movie, like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," but still, the element of their relationship is very important. Also important are the shooting skills. We will see classic duels in a new, interesting way, each one will be suspenseful and interesting for you. The wait for the shot is almost endless, but when the shot actually falls, it is exactly as you expected. However, this does not prevent you from truly eagerly waiting. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2013/01/divosi-10-years-divoka-stvoreni-lets.html (05/03/2013)

A memory: I’m about 13-14 years old and I’m resting on the sofa after a hearty lunch. Dad is watching a western on TV and I have half an eye on it too. Then that melody of the pocket watch began to chime and totally captivated me. I couldn’t get it out of my head for like ten years... For a few dollars more is a story about Lee Van Cleef’s Colonel Mortimer than about Clint’s Monk with the snappy lines, but they are given more or less the same amount of room. Leone raises his standard, develops the main characters more and offers a higher quality plot. Really, really good. (06/09/2009)

One of the main plots of Once Upon a Time in the West, "Someone is going after someone, but it's not until the end that we find out why," was used by Leone here. It would seem that Clint's Monco is playing second fiddle in For a Few Dollars More... But he simply isn’t able to do that and he is great and draws attention to himself as always.__P.S.: Van Cleef is traditionally good, of course, but I like him even better as a villain.__P.P.S. I recommend listening to the soundtracks from A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The way Morricone develops and refines his music over time, how he interweaves individual motifs and makes them into an unforgettable work, deserves incredible admiration. (18/09/2007)

The year 1965 was a turning point in world cinema. A year after his gun-slinging western debut, Sergio Leone added a few more bucks on top, embarking on a long line of “übermovies". Admittedly in the shadow of the two following movies, but even so it is a simply perfect piece. Ennio is also at his creating zenith and what his music manages to do with a scene that is already perfect is simply amazing. For instance, the “watch" duel in the ruins of the church... To help things, the casting is simply wonderful. The central duo needs no mention, but it would be a sin not to highlight Gian Maria Volanté in the role of El India. This is simply one of those MUST SEE pictures. Adios. (03/02/2008)