18 recensioni
Enjoyable and entertaining sequel to ¨A man called Horse¨ . The English gentleman known as Horse, returns to the American west to save his adopted Indian tribe from extinction . As the Britisher aristocrat abandons his formal ways and returns the Sioux territory , in the Dakotas , and discovers again is own strength . As he passes their torture tests , and he is again embraced by the tribe . And again the ¨Sun Vow¨scene where our ex-aristocrat is suspended by horsehair ropes from bones inserted into holes made in his chest by eagle claws before they will accept him .
This exciting picture packs thrills , chills , marvelous outdoors and more of the torture scenes for which this series is notorious . The picture contains a deep critical on the inevitable contempt that ignorance of different cultures engenders as well as anthropological differences . This is a very gripping and realistic portrayal of American Indian way of life and many critics considered to be better than its precedessor . Interesting screenplay by Jack DeWitt who wrote also the original plot , based on a 1958 segment of the TV series ¨Wagon Train¨ 1957 , bearing the same title , The Man called Horse, it is the same story as this movie, with a few changes, even chief with two sisters, and a slave to Yellow Rope's mother . Furthermore , the story is based on Cabeza de Vaca's real life , a soldier from Spain that in 1528 suffered all that happens in this movie.
Richard Harris is excellent , as always , at one of his mightiest box office hits . He is in terrific form as the Britisher nobleman who returns along with his Indians friends . Gale Sondergaard , replacing Judith Anderson , provides a strong acting . In addition , a fine support cast such as William Lucking , Geoffrey Lewis and Mexican actors as Jorge Luke , Claudio Brook , Enrique Lucero , all of them ordinaries in Indian roles . It displays rousing and powerful musical score by Laurence Rosenthal at his best . Colorful as well as evocative cinematography by Owen Roizman , including impressive landscapes . The motion picture was very good directed by Irvin Kershner . Due to George Lucas found to be a very attractive sequel , he hired Irvin Kershner to shoot another awesome follow-up : "The empire strikes again" .
The original version ¨The man called Horse¨ is the best , starred by Harris , Judith Anderson , Iron Eyes Cody , Dub Taylor , James Gammon and directed by Elliot Silverstein ; it deals with Harris who fall into the clutches of a tribe of Sioux ¨Yellow Hands¨ Indians and they proceed to inflict torture by ritual ; it remains a riveting variation of ¨the man living wild¨ issue . Sequelled by a third part titled ¨The triumphs of a man called Horse¨ (1983) an inferior and inadequate following dealing with Horse's son who have to save his people from prospectors in order to keep his title as Chief ; being realized by John Hough with Michael Beck , Anna De Sade , Simon Andreu , but not much Richard Harris .
This exciting picture packs thrills , chills , marvelous outdoors and more of the torture scenes for which this series is notorious . The picture contains a deep critical on the inevitable contempt that ignorance of different cultures engenders as well as anthropological differences . This is a very gripping and realistic portrayal of American Indian way of life and many critics considered to be better than its precedessor . Interesting screenplay by Jack DeWitt who wrote also the original plot , based on a 1958 segment of the TV series ¨Wagon Train¨ 1957 , bearing the same title , The Man called Horse, it is the same story as this movie, with a few changes, even chief with two sisters, and a slave to Yellow Rope's mother . Furthermore , the story is based on Cabeza de Vaca's real life , a soldier from Spain that in 1528 suffered all that happens in this movie.
Richard Harris is excellent , as always , at one of his mightiest box office hits . He is in terrific form as the Britisher nobleman who returns along with his Indians friends . Gale Sondergaard , replacing Judith Anderson , provides a strong acting . In addition , a fine support cast such as William Lucking , Geoffrey Lewis and Mexican actors as Jorge Luke , Claudio Brook , Enrique Lucero , all of them ordinaries in Indian roles . It displays rousing and powerful musical score by Laurence Rosenthal at his best . Colorful as well as evocative cinematography by Owen Roizman , including impressive landscapes . The motion picture was very good directed by Irvin Kershner . Due to George Lucas found to be a very attractive sequel , he hired Irvin Kershner to shoot another awesome follow-up : "The empire strikes again" .
The original version ¨The man called Horse¨ is the best , starred by Harris , Judith Anderson , Iron Eyes Cody , Dub Taylor , James Gammon and directed by Elliot Silverstein ; it deals with Harris who fall into the clutches of a tribe of Sioux ¨Yellow Hands¨ Indians and they proceed to inflict torture by ritual ; it remains a riveting variation of ¨the man living wild¨ issue . Sequelled by a third part titled ¨The triumphs of a man called Horse¨ (1983) an inferior and inadequate following dealing with Horse's son who have to save his people from prospectors in order to keep his title as Chief ; being realized by John Hough with Michael Beck , Anna De Sade , Simon Andreu , but not much Richard Harris .
I loved the movie,because it showed the beautiful people,that the American Indians are. They are really, very spiritual people. I lived with a family (who did the dance),for about 4 months and it was by far the most interesting period of my life,so far. I learned a lot from this Wonderful family,I could go on. But my point that I want to make,is I understand why the Richard Harris character returned to help his old family. I have experienced many of the ways of the Indians in modern society. Seeing an Eagle fly,now makes me touch my heart with the knowledge of what it signifies.Their spirituality will touch your heart,IF you let it in.
- hughdunnit48
- 18 feb 2005
- Permalink
this sequel to A Man Called Horse focuses much more on the spirituality of the Native Indians.i didn't mind that aspect at all.it's very interesting.the problem i had with the movie is there just didn't see to be a point.i didn't feel there was much of a story to it.to me,it felt like they made a sequel just for the sake a making a sequel.the first movie had much more thought put into it.i did really like the musical score,though.i thought it was very majestic and poetic.if you're expecting a lot of action,you'll have to look elsewhere.this isn't that kind of picture.adding everything up,i liked the first movie more.but this one isn't so bad.for me,Return of a Man called Horse is a 5/10
- disdressed12
- 30 apr 2008
- Permalink
The first sequel to A Man Called Horse {there was another one a few years later which turned out to be something of a disappointment} is a much more conventional adventure movie. This does not mean it's bad,not at all,in fact it's probably more enjoyable. There's more English language dialogue,The Sioux dialogue is subtitled instead of just being incomprehensible to those who don't know Sioux,and it follows a familiar action movie structure and scenario. It just lacks the originality and edge of the original,where we were exploring an unfamiliar culture and weren't sure all the time if we liked everything about it. Disappontingly,none of the Sioux in the first film appear to return.
Well directed by Irvin Kershner,generally a journeyman director who occasionally excelled himself {i.e.The Empire Strikes Back},it has a fantastic cut early on from violence in the wild west to fox hunting in England,a different kind of savagery. The early scenes do a really good job of showing the film's hero,again well played by Richard Harris,as a man who appears to have everything-a title,a big house,a wife,etc} but inside is empty because he was only truly himself when he was with the Sioux. The first half of the film is leisurely,and has a re-run of the Sun Vow ritual of the first film,but longer and more graphic. But it's essential to the film,especially the vision Harris has of meeting himself as an old man.
The film's second half is mostly conventional if well staged action fare,although Harris looks out of place riding with the Sioux in western clothes-surely he would have dressed like one of them? Laurence Rosenthal's soaring score is wonderful and,in contrast with the more authentic sounding music of the first film,is more evidence that the filmmakers were generally going for a more romanticised approach. On that level,this sometimes rousing follow up works well.
Well directed by Irvin Kershner,generally a journeyman director who occasionally excelled himself {i.e.The Empire Strikes Back},it has a fantastic cut early on from violence in the wild west to fox hunting in England,a different kind of savagery. The early scenes do a really good job of showing the film's hero,again well played by Richard Harris,as a man who appears to have everything-a title,a big house,a wife,etc} but inside is empty because he was only truly himself when he was with the Sioux. The first half of the film is leisurely,and has a re-run of the Sun Vow ritual of the first film,but longer and more graphic. But it's essential to the film,especially the vision Harris has of meeting himself as an old man.
The film's second half is mostly conventional if well staged action fare,although Harris looks out of place riding with the Sioux in western clothes-surely he would have dressed like one of them? Laurence Rosenthal's soaring score is wonderful and,in contrast with the more authentic sounding music of the first film,is more evidence that the filmmakers were generally going for a more romanticised approach. On that level,this sometimes rousing follow up works well.
- happipuppi13
- 3 mag 2022
- Permalink
The English gentleman known as Horse (Richard Harris), returns to the American west to save his adopted Indian tribe from extinction.
According to Roger Ebert, "The film reveals its basic white-chauvinist bias, but it certainly seems to take itself seriously. It's of average length, but paced like an epic. There are four main movements in the plot: Return, Reconciliation, Revenge and Rebirth. If this seems a little thin for a two-hour movie, believe me, it is, even with all that portentous music trying to make it seem momentous." The film as a whole is not remarkable. Allegedly this is the film that convinced George Lucas to hire the director for "Empire Strikes Back", arguably the best of the "Star Wars" franchise. But this movie, I don't know... aside from the race issues (a white man intervening t save the Indians, and the Indians being played almost entirely by whooping, stereotypical white actors) it is just a bland movie. Even by sequel standards. Richard Harris is great, but he can't save this one.
According to Roger Ebert, "The film reveals its basic white-chauvinist bias, but it certainly seems to take itself seriously. It's of average length, but paced like an epic. There are four main movements in the plot: Return, Reconciliation, Revenge and Rebirth. If this seems a little thin for a two-hour movie, believe me, it is, even with all that portentous music trying to make it seem momentous." The film as a whole is not remarkable. Allegedly this is the film that convinced George Lucas to hire the director for "Empire Strikes Back", arguably the best of the "Star Wars" franchise. But this movie, I don't know... aside from the race issues (a white man intervening t save the Indians, and the Indians being played almost entirely by whooping, stereotypical white actors) it is just a bland movie. Even by sequel standards. Richard Harris is great, but he can't save this one.
- classicsoncall
- 28 mar 2017
- Permalink
Well reviewed here to date, I would like to give a different slant in the hopes it may give pause to reflect to one or two of you. I enjoyed the movie, however the experience was upgraded since it was with a gang of friends that piled into my semi-antiquated but proportionately generous 1964 Chrysler Imperial to see the movie previewed at the studio. As one of us was the proud ex- of one the the villains in the cast, we looked forward to a free night on the town. Meeting one of the producers, cast members, and an old favorite of my dear Mother-Gale Sondergaard making perhaps somewhat of a comeback after many years-added spice to the event for us humble non-industry types. Realizing this is a silly and non-conforming review, the point is: "If you're getting out, make a night of it!" Happy Hour before at Yamashiro, after hours at a private party, whatever, try not to give up too soon, even if the flick is less than stellar. Just a thought.
The movie, by the way, was indeed a decent sequel, with reasonable production values throughout.
The movie, by the way, was indeed a decent sequel, with reasonable production values throughout.
- thedesertraven
- 21 set 2017
- Permalink
- doug-balch
- 21 lug 2010
- Permalink
Good reviews here generally averaging 6 stars out of 10 except for one tortured soul
So I'll cheerfully add this review although upon reading you no doubt find it completely unusable
With our small joyful entourage we saw this as guests of one of the main cast members, as a pre-release screening, I believe it was at the studio in Century City I was delighted to meet the producer Sandy Howard, one of the main cast members Geoff Lewiswas there, other cast members, the reporters were there and also Gale Sondergaard making a comeback after many years (my mother was delighted!)
Great fun, so this is my valuable advice to you--get invited to a preview, you'll feel more important and the movie will be better!
- thedesertraven
- 21 nov 2018
- Permalink
I thoroughly enjoyed A Man Called Horse when it was released in 1970, but Return played like a typical sequel. Everything about it -- budget, script, plot, casting, and acting -- was inferior to the original. Gale Sondergaard as Elk Woman, an elder of the Yellow Hand tribe, looks nothing like an Indian, and neither do half of the other "Indians," who were played by Italians, Mexicans, and Latinos with cheap wigs. And the old guy who played the chief acted more like a fat old squaw than a fierce leader of warriors. He even used the bow like a woman! Finally, Richard Harris, who did such a superb job in the original, seems to be coasting this time around. I guess he couldn't resist the easy paycheck he got for reprising his role as Horse.
To be fair, there are some interesting moments in the movie, such as Horse's undergoing a painful purification ritual to "find his vision" and rally the Yellow Hands against their Indian enemies and white oppressors, but on the whole, Return is uneven, boring, corny, and predictable -- just like most sequels.
To be fair, there are some interesting moments in the movie, such as Horse's undergoing a painful purification ritual to "find his vision" and rally the Yellow Hands against their Indian enemies and white oppressors, but on the whole, Return is uneven, boring, corny, and predictable -- just like most sequels.
- barnfife-1
- 26 gen 2005
- Permalink
I'll admit it: I only watched the sequel of A Man Called Horse to catch another glimpse of Richard Harris's fantastic body. Since he took his shirt off in the '70s as often as Kirk Douglas did in the '50s, it was a safe bet that I'd be a happy audience member. Sure enough, within ten minutes, Richard decided he didn't want to stay fully clothed in England any longer, and he returned to the American west to find more Sioux Indians. Once found, he gives tons of presents to the tribe, strips down, and does the same sacrificial induction ceremony he did in the first movie: hanging from a rope while animal talons pierce through his pectorals. If you're wondering why he didn't just show the Sioux his scars from the previous piercings (or why his chest is unblemished and gorgeous), just be quiet and appreciate his smooth chest before he mutilates it again.
In the plotline of this story, you'll see Richard trying to save the Sioux nation from extinction. He teaches them how to fight with guns and how to combat the different tactics white men will use in combat. You'll also see all the ways of life of the Native Americans, and it's not always pretty. What starts as a beautiful cinematography shot of the men riding wild horses among the buffalo ends with several buffalo dead and being skinned and carved up. You'll see scalpings and ceremonious violence, because, after all, this is a man's movie. Ladies, just pay attention to the eye candy and let your fellow enjoy the testosterone.
In case you're not in it for the testosterone or the eye candy, you'll really appreciate the music. After you finish the trilogy and hear the lousy music from the third movie, you'll appreciate it even more. Laurence Rosenthal's lovely themes truly transport you to a simpler time when the greatest beauty was in nature. It's easy to get swept away by this story from the first few scenes as the music swells and carries you off to the west. Dances with Wolves may have swept up a bunch of Academy Awards, but Richard Harris found his home among the Indians first. He also survived a bear mauling first, even though someone else won an Oscar for the remake. Interested? Check him out in Man in the Wilderness, the original of The Revenant.
Kiddy warning: Due to violence, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.
In the plotline of this story, you'll see Richard trying to save the Sioux nation from extinction. He teaches them how to fight with guns and how to combat the different tactics white men will use in combat. You'll also see all the ways of life of the Native Americans, and it's not always pretty. What starts as a beautiful cinematography shot of the men riding wild horses among the buffalo ends with several buffalo dead and being skinned and carved up. You'll see scalpings and ceremonious violence, because, after all, this is a man's movie. Ladies, just pay attention to the eye candy and let your fellow enjoy the testosterone.
In case you're not in it for the testosterone or the eye candy, you'll really appreciate the music. After you finish the trilogy and hear the lousy music from the third movie, you'll appreciate it even more. Laurence Rosenthal's lovely themes truly transport you to a simpler time when the greatest beauty was in nature. It's easy to get swept away by this story from the first few scenes as the music swells and carries you off to the west. Dances with Wolves may have swept up a bunch of Academy Awards, but Richard Harris found his home among the Indians first. He also survived a bear mauling first, even though someone else won an Oscar for the remake. Interested? Check him out in Man in the Wilderness, the original of The Revenant.
Kiddy warning: Due to violence, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.
- HotToastyRag
- 11 mar 2022
- Permalink
- Oslo_Jargo
- 13 ago 2001
- Permalink
This is a weak sequel: it lacks the interest and light touch of the magnificent "Man Called Horse" in nearly every aspect and when compared to each other they hardly seem to be the same genre.
The Return is almost a parody of the first and tries to evoke different Indian ceremonies but comes across as trying way too hard to bottle the magic of the first. In this film the tribe is lost and abandoned, having lost their homelands, modern life has encroached on paradise and they are living in abject misery and poverty. Perhaps this is the point: the first film took us to a place where we would want to be, a simpler time. This takes us to broken Indians in a miserable world and the White Man is the hero and savior which rather negates the whole idea of the film.
The beauty of the first lay in the fact that the white man learnt and discovered that real civilization lies in values rather than western materialism. In the second film this is all but lacking and so we end up with a weak film.
A huge disappointment.
The Return is almost a parody of the first and tries to evoke different Indian ceremonies but comes across as trying way too hard to bottle the magic of the first. In this film the tribe is lost and abandoned, having lost their homelands, modern life has encroached on paradise and they are living in abject misery and poverty. Perhaps this is the point: the first film took us to a place where we would want to be, a simpler time. This takes us to broken Indians in a miserable world and the White Man is the hero and savior which rather negates the whole idea of the film.
The beauty of the first lay in the fact that the white man learnt and discovered that real civilization lies in values rather than western materialism. In the second film this is all but lacking and so we end up with a weak film.
A huge disappointment.
- intelearts
- 20 ott 2009
- Permalink
And invariably with an overlong and slow movie we say hello to Mr Boredom. You know something isn't right when you're skipping ahead but still haven't really missed anything.
I love the original 'Man Called Horse' and i've seen it many times over the years. It's a good, solid western that's well cast, acted and directed.
Unfortunately the sequel couldn't exist by itself because it has very little additional value to bring to the overall story. Instead it's content to repeat big chunks of the original and really labours towards the climactic confrontation which is essentially the crux of this picture. The whole 'plot' becomes very obvious very quickly.
The soundtrack is also unfittingly over-orchestrated and austentatious, not sitting well with what's happening on the screen.
On the positive side, it does have Geoffrey Lewis, stalwart of many better westerns, although that's not enough to make this a remotely good film.
If you were to re-watch the original and just pretend this doesn't exist, you really wouldn't be missing anything.
I love the original 'Man Called Horse' and i've seen it many times over the years. It's a good, solid western that's well cast, acted and directed.
Unfortunately the sequel couldn't exist by itself because it has very little additional value to bring to the overall story. Instead it's content to repeat big chunks of the original and really labours towards the climactic confrontation which is essentially the crux of this picture. The whole 'plot' becomes very obvious very quickly.
The soundtrack is also unfittingly over-orchestrated and austentatious, not sitting well with what's happening on the screen.
On the positive side, it does have Geoffrey Lewis, stalwart of many better westerns, although that's not enough to make this a remotely good film.
If you were to re-watch the original and just pretend this doesn't exist, you really wouldn't be missing anything.
- ProctoPhobic
- 8 ott 2024
- Permalink
This is a gritty, tremendous sequel, and I would say, better than the first film, from director Elliot Silverstein. Not for the squeamish, it is bloody, realistic in terms of action and battle, fights sequences. I agree that the bad white men and the good Indians was not that new in 1976 film industry - a good thing though - but it doesn't matter for me. Richard Harris is better than ever in this second movie of the franchise. The Indians way of life, daily life is very authentic, and I guess the research for writing was very serious, accurate and that adds much to the power of this film. Among the best westerns dedicated to Indians.
- searchanddestroy-1
- 29 nov 2023
- Permalink