Totally agree. This is peak Leone, perfectly crafted. The story, characters, directing, editing… all masterful. One of the best Leone films and one of the greatest westerns.
We really need to get on other reactors and tell them that they need to finish the saga because they were some reason think it's a trilogy just because Clint Eastwood
Rod Steiger is brilliant in this - the scene where he discusses the first time he counted his dependants says so much about his character's love of family, in stark contrast to his apparent cynicism. A wonderfully moving scene!
I hope this movie will be revalueted in the future. Is the deepest and darkest Leone's movie. The cavern scene is very powerful and emotional. The "revolution" topic is well faced. IMHO it occupies the second place of best Leone's movie immediately after Once Upon a Time in America.
I have lost count of how many times I have watched it and never get tired, the whole package and of course Morricone's music compliments it perfectly. Leone's best in my opinion.
We really need to get on other reactors and tell them that they need to finish the saga because they were some reason think it's a trilogy just because Clint Eastwood
We really need to get on other reactors and tell them that they need to finish the saga because they were some reason think it's a trilogy just because Clint Eastwood
It is much darker than the dollars trilogy, which is great. I think Leone was lucky because he had different actors which gave it different dimensions. It's all about betrayal and the bloody brutality of revolution. I have never seen a film with so many executions.
We really need to get on other reactors and tell them that they need to finish the saga because they were some reason think it's a trilogy just because Clint Eastwood
Couldn’t have said it better. In complete agreement that this is a top 3 Leone film. The parallels between Mallory and Juan, effectively Ireland and Mexico, were very satisfying. Ennio’s score is also sublime.
Good, Bad, and Ugly is like a really good Shonen Manga. It may captivate you, you may fall in love with it, but you have to admit it's nothing too deep or moving, just something incredibly fun. Giù La Testa (or duck, you sucker, or fistful of dynamite) is a much more mature movie, while being just as fun. I like it a lot
Couple of things to add for context: Even though Sergio Leone claimed this movie is not political, it is very much so. It was made during a time of political violence in Italy, when the "Red Brigades" ( a radical leftwing terrorist organisation) pretty much "declared war" on the Italian government, committing a number of pol. assassinations,kidnappings & bombings. Leone himself was from a leftwing background but became really disillusioned with the violence. ( Same as his fellow Italian Western director Sergio Corbucci). So this movie is basically a commentary on how the ideals of a revolution get perverted through violence. Like the quote from Mao Tse-Dung states in the opening of the film and I´m paraphrasing here: "....the revolution is not a social event, it requires from us to get our hands dirty..." Despite this, it also features a strong criticism on fascism though. There´s a scene, which depicts a massacre in a cave, which is a direct reference to a real life war crime, the Ardeatine Massacre, where the Waffen-SS murdered over 300 Italian resistance fighters & civilians in 1944 in a cave near Rome. And there´s also an amazingly shot, "continuous shot" scene with a mass execution by the Mexican Army in this movie. The title is a not so perfect translation of the original title: "Giu, le testa", which is a common phrase in Italy, roughly translated in: "Keep your head down and don´t get involved..." which makes sense in the context of the movie, because Juan & John don´t really want to get involved with the revolution and just robb a bank.
I don't know how I missed your review of this. This movie is awesome. Thank you for talking about it. I read somewhere that Leon was convinced that "Duck you sucker" was a common American phrase and no one could convince him otherwise
Another enjoyable review. I saw this film as 'A Fistful of Dynamite' and enjoyed it, maybe not as much as 'The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly' or 'Once a Time in the West', but Leone still seemed in top form. For those who complain about Rod Steiger as a 'white man' playing a 'Mexican', it might be worth pointing out that in spite of American biases, Mexico is a multi-ethnic country and 5-10% of the population consider themselves of European descent.
my favorite Leone Western and I agree with you I like it better than good the bad the ugly. The score and flashback sequences really make this make this film exceptional as well as the acting and the action. duck you sucker!
Totally agree w/ you. That last part of the film where everything is revealed & Rod Steiger’s “What About Me?” is heartbreaking. Morricone ‘s score is perfect in making you feel the innocent sort of whimsical beginning & the somber transformation of both John & Juan.
Historical costumer here. I love this movie in general, but looking at it from a more historic lens, it is the only Spaghetti western to use Mexican Revolution era clothing and concepts in the right time period. You can see characters dressed like Zapatistas in Spaghetti westerns set as early as the American Civil War which wouldn't be remotely accurate. Duck, You Sucker/Giu La Testa did a beautiful job doing that but it got little recognition for it. It's a must watch for anyone who wants to be emotionally moved by a movie.
Josh thanks for mentioning The Swimmer in one of your old streams a couple months ago, really good recommendation that’s one of the best 60’s films I’ve seen
Easily Leone's best (and I love the rest of his films) but DYS aka AFOD is beautiful. Two powerhouse performances from the leading actors (Steiger really playing against type), a solid, highly engaging central plot, an unforgettable score and gut punch of a finale. The film's pacing is perfect, it's a near 10/10 for me. DYS is just majestic and packed with genuine insight into the human condition, taking particular aim at the romanticised view of revolutions and focussing on the human cost of such. Essential viewing IMO.
I remember watching this film in the drive-in as a kid and loving it!! I was looking for it on disc for decades and grabbed the 2009 Blu-Ray when it came out. Now to figure out who I loaned it to…
Hi Professor Matthews - I just got around to watching "Duck, you Sucker" and I was very skeptical given the title and the hype that this was one of Leone's best films. Well now that I have seen it, I couldn't agree more!! Never judge a book by its cover, or a film by its title! I simply love this film!
Also, I finally caught up on OUATITW as well. I though OUATITW was an aweful movie. Looking at the quality of Leone's other movies, looks like Leone simply phoned that in. Duck You Sucker, on the other hand, is a work of a master craftsman.
What a great review, Dr. Matthews! I'd written off this movie thinking the title suggested a cheap blaxploitation film, not worth the time and effort of watching. I love watching Rod Steiger's work, and have added this to my list. Thank you!
What a great, great movie!!! Rod Steiger and James Coburn in their finest performances, in my opinion. A Fistful of Dynamite, fine. Duck, You Sucker... no way. Maybe the title is why this fine film was so overlooked in the oeuvre of Leone's work. And the score by Ennio Morricone might be his finest, which is saying a lot.
To me, Leone's peak is OUATITW. It gets 2nd place in my personal western list, just behind My Name is Nobody, the best spaghetti western Leone never made haha
Great review on a nearly perfect movie. I say 'nearly' because of a couple of bizarre cuts in the early part of the movie (probably a product of too many cooks in the editing kitchen). Other than that, there was nothing wrong in the movie. Perfect cast, perfectly acted (Steiger seems a bit over the top initially but becomes so endearing as the movie progresses). Flashbacks could not have been better constructed. The parallel between Villega and John's Irish revolutionary friend is beautiful drawn and executed. The train collision climax could not have been better with Villega and John both finding their redemption. And an unforgettable line that will always linger in my memory - 'when I first started using dynamite, I believed in many things, now I only believe in dynamite'.
What I remember most from this movie is the following epitomising dialogue: "Oh, yes, my friend: you are a hero of the revolution now!" "But I don't want to be a hero! The only thing I want is money!"
I just picked up the lp at a record store absolutely one of my favorites definitely underestimated however I'm going to have to disagree with you although it is technically a western it's considered to be in the Revolutionary Spaghetti Westerns which came out in the 70s both characters are fantastic Rob's Steiger character Arc is one of the best in cinema
I think the reason this movie is heavily underseen is because it's not as flashy as the Dollars trilogy, or as big in scope and ambition as either of his Once Upon a Time movies. It's pretty similar to Nolan's The Prestige in that regard
I have a special edition Blu-Ray of this which I treasure. I watched it a couple of years back as a huge Leone fan. My favourite is probably TGTBATU, but mostly for the score and the final cemetery sequence (which is also the reason I rank it as my personal favourite film). I remember enjoying this film but not quite as much as his previous westerns. I definitely will give it another shot at some point and I agree with your comments about the acting, the opening 25 mins and some of the themes (although here I could've been more receptive to them, I think I didn't appreciate it as much when I watched it). Anyways here's my short review which I wrote after watching it: "It's not as good as other Sergio Leone westerns. Ennio's score is not very good either. However, the direction is still great and the performances are good too. The script is where it goes astray. There's a bigger story going on within the film and we never really get to see it and there are some jarring elements that don't quite work (what's going on with those flashbacks??). Overall, it's good, but it could've done with a few cuts and a few changes to the script... I wish Morricone's score was better, especially coming off the rest of his collabs with Sergio Leone."
I think if anybody says anything about Rob steiger. I would say that it's OG Robert Downey jr. And tropic thunder. He plays the character😊 so well speaks well of his family's bloodline
How have you seen A fistful of dollars, a few dollars more, The Good The bad and The ugly, once upon a Time in the West, but failed to finish the saga with Leone's magnum opus A fistful of dynamite is it filmmaker I swear the other movies like screw those movies.
This is my favorite Leone film and there is no reactions to it it's really a tragedy since all the Clint Eastwood spaghetti Westerns take all the spotlight from truly Leone's magnum opus where I've watched show me reactions to the first part of the saga you totally miss out on how well Leone built up everything from set design from audio design story like line it's just so good and when one loses his kids it's just one of them it's like John coffee Die, and I could list a bunch of other ones but it's just really a great movie everything from wooden wand's laying on the map Intel's John it's not my country but where is the poor people they're dead
Cockburns character, Seán/John Mallory, is presented as an IRA man who is on the run from the British government.."we had a wee sort of a revolution back in Ireland" he tells Juan Miranda (Stigers character) and if you are in any doubt about his status we are also shown a white flag with the letters I.R.A. emblazoned on it. The film was released in 1971 when the IRA had re-emerged in Northern Ireland. Leone took some artistic licence with history as the Mexican revolution and Irish rebellion are years apart and the IRA did not exist in the time period that the film is set. The movie was originally butchered and released as a matinee in 1971 and it wasn't until 2005 that Duck You Sucker got a full release on DVD. The movie is symbolic of Leone's rejection of the violent revolutionary politics that was rife in the 60's and 70's.
I have that one to view, it's true. thanks for the reminder. I tried to find a 4-hour block of time this summer (northern hemisphere!). I do think this would be top-3 for me no matter what.
yes, I have made two rankings videos for Westerns -- one on my greatest-of list and one on underrated Westerns. Those should come out at the end of the year.
I imagine that was the effect of the title upon initial release. Probably intentional. The title is used in the film, and it feels like it's trying to be the coining of a catchphrase, which didn't catch.
Just saw this and it's one of the most underrated movies I've ever seen. Fantastic
Totally agree. This is peak Leone, perfectly crafted. The story, characters, directing, editing… all masterful.
One of the best Leone films and one of the greatest westerns.
We really need to get on other reactors and tell them that they need to finish the saga because they were some reason think it's a trilogy just because Clint Eastwood
Thanks for praising the great James Coburn! Criminally underrated actor!
Rod Steiger is brilliant in this - the scene where he discusses the first time he counted his dependants says so much about his character's love of family, in stark contrast to his apparent cynicism. A wonderfully moving scene!
I hope this movie will be revalueted in the future. Is the deepest and darkest Leone's movie. The cavern scene is very powerful and emotional. The "revolution" topic is well faced. IMHO it occupies the second place of best Leone's movie immediately after Once Upon a Time in America.
An underrated masterpiece, beautifully directed by the greatest filmmaker of all time... With a score that's truly incredible
I have lost count of how many times I have watched it and never get tired, the whole package and of course Morricone's music compliments it perfectly. Leone's best in my opinion.
We really need to get on other reactors and tell them that they need to finish the saga because they were some reason think it's a trilogy just because Clint Eastwood
Sean, Sean, Sean!
My favorite movie of all time. This movie transitions from funny and charming to dark and depressing very smoothly
We really need to get on other reactors and tell them that they need to finish the saga because they were some reason think it's a trilogy just because Clint Eastwood
@@mobilemechanics6565bro 😂
It is much darker than the dollars trilogy, which is great. I think Leone was lucky because he had different actors which gave it different dimensions. It's all about betrayal and the bloody brutality of revolution. I have never seen a film with so many executions.
One of the most underated movies ever
I really loved this movie from childhood
Thanks for the review and i hope more people watch it.
thanks.
We really need to get on other reactors and tell them that they need to finish the saga because they were some reason think it's a trilogy just because Clint Eastwood
Only available on Laserdisc for years, as soon as it was released on DVD, I bought it and watched it over and over.
Couldn’t have said it better. In complete agreement that this is a top 3 Leone film. The parallels between Mallory and Juan, effectively Ireland and Mexico, were very satisfying. Ennio’s score is also sublime.
thank you.
My favourite Leone movie. It has an epic scope, drama matched by humour, and a great if unlikely duo in Steiger and Coburn, both of whom are terrific.
Good, Bad, and Ugly is like a really good Shonen Manga. It may captivate you, you may fall in love with it, but you have to admit it's nothing too deep or moving, just something incredibly fun.
Giù La Testa (or duck, you sucker, or fistful of dynamite) is a much more mature movie, while being just as fun. I like it a lot
T the good the bad the ugly is deep
Couple of things to add for context:
Even though Sergio Leone claimed this movie is not political, it is very much so.
It was made during a time of political violence in Italy, when the "Red Brigades" ( a radical leftwing terrorist organisation) pretty much "declared war" on the Italian government, committing a number of pol. assassinations,kidnappings & bombings.
Leone himself was from a leftwing background but became really disillusioned with the violence. ( Same as his fellow Italian Western director Sergio Corbucci).
So this movie is basically a commentary on how the ideals of a revolution get perverted through violence. Like the quote from Mao Tse-Dung states in the opening of the film and I´m paraphrasing here: "....the revolution is not a social event, it requires from us to get our hands dirty..."
Despite this, it also features a strong criticism on fascism though.
There´s a scene, which depicts a massacre in a cave, which is a direct reference to a real life war crime, the Ardeatine Massacre, where the Waffen-SS murdered over 300 Italian resistance fighters & civilians in 1944 in a cave near Rome.
And there´s also an amazingly shot, "continuous shot" scene with a mass execution by the Mexican Army in this movie.
The title is a not so perfect translation of the original title: "Giu, le testa", which is a common phrase in Italy, roughly translated in: "Keep your head down and don´t get involved..." which makes sense in the context of the movie, because Juan & John don´t really want to get involved with the revolution and just robb a bank.
this is a fantastic comment. thank you.
I don't know how I missed your review of this. This movie is awesome. Thank you for talking about it. I read somewhere that Leon was convinced that "Duck you sucker" was a common American phrase and no one could convince him otherwise
Another enjoyable review. I saw this film as 'A Fistful of Dynamite' and enjoyed it, maybe not as much as 'The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly' or 'Once a Time in the West', but Leone still seemed in top form. For those who complain about Rod Steiger as a 'white man' playing a 'Mexican', it might be worth pointing out that in spite of American biases, Mexico is a multi-ethnic country and 5-10% of the population consider themselves of European descent.
my favorite Leone Western and I agree with you I like it better than good the bad the ugly. The score and flashback sequences really make this make this film exceptional as well as the acting and the action. duck you sucker!
I honestly prefer this film to the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Brilliant, brilliant movie. Criminally underrated. What is the title alluding to, for us Europeans?
Totally agree w/ you. That last part of the film where everything is revealed & Rod Steiger’s “What About Me?” is heartbreaking. Morricone ‘s score is perfect in making you feel the innocent sort of whimsical beginning & the somber transformation of both John & Juan.
Historical costumer here. I love this movie in general, but looking at it from a more historic lens, it is the only Spaghetti western to use Mexican Revolution era clothing and concepts in the right time period. You can see characters dressed like Zapatistas in Spaghetti westerns set as early as the American Civil War which wouldn't be remotely accurate. Duck, You Sucker/Giu La Testa did a beautiful job doing that but it got little recognition for it. It's a must watch for anyone who wants to be emotionally moved by a movie.
I actually did watch this at the theater way back when. It was fun movie!
Josh thanks for mentioning The Swimmer in one of your old streams a couple months ago, really good recommendation that’s one of the best 60’s films I’ve seen
thanks. I should put together a video of "movies I didn't like but most of you will." The Swimmer would definitely be in there! glad you liked it.
I finished this movie last night and thought it was great!
Easily Leone's best (and I love the rest of his films) but DYS aka AFOD is beautiful. Two powerhouse performances from the leading actors (Steiger really playing against type), a solid, highly engaging central plot, an unforgettable score and gut punch of a finale. The film's pacing is perfect, it's a near 10/10 for me. DYS is just majestic and packed with genuine insight into the human condition, taking particular aim at the romanticised view of revolutions and focussing on the human cost of such. Essential viewing IMO.
thank you.
I remember watching this film in the drive-in as a kid and loving it!! I was looking for it on disc for decades and grabbed the 2009 Blu-Ray when it came out. Now to figure out who I loaned it to…
Hi Professor Matthews - I just got around to watching "Duck, you Sucker" and I was very skeptical given the title and the hype that this was one of Leone's best films. Well now that I have seen it, I couldn't agree more!! Never judge a book by its cover, or a film by its title! I simply love this film!
How many more gems Sergio hides in his pocket?
It was a joy to watch this movie.
Its not forgotten once you've seen it.. amazing film.
Do you have a light?
Also, I finally caught up on OUATITW as well. I though OUATITW was an aweful movie. Looking at the quality of Leone's other movies, looks like Leone simply phoned that in. Duck You Sucker, on the other hand, is a work of a master craftsman.
What a great review, Dr. Matthews!
I'd written off this movie thinking the title suggested a cheap blaxploitation film, not worth the time and effort of watching. I love watching Rod Steiger's work, and have added this to my list.
Thank you!
thanks. I think you'll enjoy it, almost certainly if you have liked any other Leone movie.
What a great, great movie!!! Rod Steiger and James Coburn in their finest performances, in my opinion. A Fistful of Dynamite, fine. Duck, You Sucker... no way. Maybe the title is why this fine film was so overlooked in the oeuvre of Leone's work. And the score by Ennio Morricone might be his finest, which is saying a lot.
To me, Leone's peak is OUATITW. It gets 2nd place in my personal western list, just behind My Name is Nobody, the best spaghetti western Leone never made haha
I don't care what race rod steiger was he was excellent in his role just like Marlon Brando was in his role in viva Zapata
Great review on a nearly perfect movie. I say 'nearly' because of a couple of bizarre cuts in the early part of the movie (probably a product of too many cooks in the editing kitchen). Other than that, there was nothing wrong in the movie. Perfect cast, perfectly acted (Steiger seems a bit over the top initially but becomes so endearing as the movie progresses). Flashbacks could not have been better constructed. The parallel between Villega and John's Irish revolutionary friend is beautiful drawn and executed. The train collision climax could not have been better with Villega and John both finding their redemption. And an unforgettable line that will always linger in my memory - 'when I first started using dynamite, I believed in many things, now I only believe in dynamite'.
The cuts are very unfortunate. We can only hope that a more complete version of the film may appear one day.
What I remember most from this movie is the following epitomising dialogue:
"Oh, yes, my friend: you are a hero of the revolution now!"
"But I don't want to be a hero! The only thing I want is money!"
dang, I can hear Tuco saying that.
You totally hit it on the nose to go is totally the star of Good bad and The ugly
I just picked up the lp at a record store absolutely one of my favorites definitely underestimated however I'm going to have to disagree with you although it is technically a western it's considered to be in the Revolutionary Spaghetti Westerns which came out in the 70s both characters are fantastic Rob's Steiger character Arc is one of the best in cinema
That's my favourite western.
At first "Duck You Sucker" seems to be a comedy, but it becomes a film that explores the tragedy in the history of both Mexico and Ireland.
I think the reason this movie is heavily underseen is because it's not as flashy as the Dollars trilogy, or as big in scope and ambition as either of his Once Upon a Time movies. It's pretty similar to Nolan's The Prestige in that regard
I have a special edition Blu-Ray of this which I treasure. I watched it a couple of years back as a huge Leone fan. My favourite is probably TGTBATU, but mostly for the score and the final cemetery sequence (which is also the reason I rank it as my personal favourite film). I remember enjoying this film but not quite as much as his previous westerns. I definitely will give it another shot at some point and I agree with your comments about the acting, the opening 25 mins and some of the themes (although here I could've been more receptive to them, I think I didn't appreciate it as much when I watched it). Anyways here's my short review which I wrote after watching it:
"It's not as good as other Sergio Leone westerns. Ennio's score is not very good either. However, the direction is still great and the performances are good too. The script is where it goes astray. There's a bigger story going on within the film and we never really get to see it and there are some jarring elements that don't quite work (what's going on with those flashbacks??). Overall, it's good, but it could've done with a few cuts and a few changes to the script... I wish Morricone's score was better, especially coming off the rest of his collabs with Sergio Leone."
Did this one have sync sound?
I think if anybody says anything about Rob steiger. I would say that it's OG Robert Downey jr. And tropic thunder. He plays the character😊 so well speaks well of his family's bloodline
Good old film
How have you seen A fistful of dollars, a few dollars more, The Good The bad and The ugly, once upon a Time in the West, but failed to finish the saga with Leone's magnum opus A fistful of dynamite is it filmmaker I swear the other movies like screw those movies.
i like Juan more than Tuco
This is my favorite Leone film and there is no reactions to it it's really a tragedy since all the Clint Eastwood spaghetti Westerns take all the spotlight from truly Leone's magnum opus where I've watched show me reactions to the first part of the saga you totally miss out on how well Leone built up everything from set design from audio design story like line it's just so good and when one loses his kids it's just one of them it's like John coffee Die, and I could list a bunch of other ones but it's just really a great movie everything from wooden wand's laying on the map Intel's John it's not my country but where is the poor people they're dead
how many titles did this film have?
well,
Giu la testa (italien original)
Duck, You Sucker
A Fistful of Dynamite
Once Upon a Time...the Revolution (french)
Death Melody (german)
Cockburns character, Seán/John Mallory, is presented as an IRA man who is on the run from the British government.."we had a wee sort of a revolution back in Ireland" he tells Juan Miranda (Stigers character) and if you are in any doubt about his status we are also shown a white flag with the letters I.R.A. emblazoned on it. The film was released in 1971 when the IRA had re-emerged in Northern Ireland. Leone took some artistic licence with history as the Mexican revolution and Irish rebellion are years apart and the IRA did not exist in the time period that the film is set. The movie was originally butchered and released as a matinee in 1971 and it wasn't until 2005 that Duck You Sucker got a full release on DVD. The movie is symbolic of Leone's rejection of the violent revolutionary politics that was rife in the 60's and 70's.
It's a great film. Top 3 Leone? I seem to remember you haven't seen Once upon a Time in America yet. Get to it 😉
I have that one to view, it's true. thanks for the reminder. I tried to find a 4-hour block of time this summer (northern hemisphere!). I do think this would be top-3 for me no matter what.
can u do a vid about the 30 best westerns? and please dont put movies like the proposal or logan on it lol
yes, I have made two rankings videos for Westerns -- one on my greatest-of list and one on underrated Westerns. Those should come out at the end of the year.
The original title was "giu le teste" or Grab your balls😃!
did anyone misread the thumbnail like i did?
I imagine that was the effect of the title upon initial release. Probably intentional. The title is used in the film, and it feels like it's trying to be the coining of a catchphrase, which didn't catch.