L’Or de MacKenna

Gregory Peck in one of his defining roles as a true man in the most honest form of a western. The camera wanders through the countryside for long minutes, while at other times the story rushes forward. But even half a century after its creation, Mackenna's Gold remains a genre film that, despite its surprisingly pioneering visuals, does not break boundaries, and yet remains unique and unforgettable in every aspect. This is not to say that it isn't somewhat headless in the final act, or that the tooth of time hasn't left its mark on certain groundbreaking scenes, but I would still give anything to occasionally encounter such sincere and heartfelt classics in theaters. (18/10/2018)

I like these treasure hunts a lot and the great cast gave this one the hallmark of uniqueness. I wouldn't be angry at all if they made something like this today. (24/08/2011)

One of my favorite westerns. The lead role, however, is not played by Gregory Peck, but by greed. This characteristic presents itself in several forms in Mackenna's Gold. And it doesn't matter if one is a bandit, soldier, journalist, merchant, pastor or sheriff, anyone can succumb to it. I think that's the strength of the film - although the characters are not very well-developed, they manage to tell us a lot about human nature in 128 minutes. And because it is not just a dull story full of shootouts (the most thrilling, final fight is completely without colts), but a pleasant adventure spectacle full of interestingly shot scenes (the opening, the swinging bridge crossing, the final half hour), I give it four stars. Oh, and one more thing. The music: Quincey Jones provides pleasant refreshment not only thanks to the opening song. (21/08/2010)