Sartana, o Matador

Garko displays true stellar charisma in this film, the second film in the Sartana series. Although this film borrows some plot elements from the first Sartana film, the script, acting, and direction is far superior to the first film. The plot has Sartana framed for a bank robbery; the price on his head results in countless bounty killers seeking to claim the reward, while he strives to discover the true criminal. Sartana, supremely cool, never loses his excellent sense of humor, and is always in control of every situation. Klaus Kinski gives another of his deliciously weird characterizations as a bounty killer addicted to gambling. The biggest action sequence in the film has Sartana taking on two dozen opponents in sequence (and he doesn't use a gatling gun, either). And there is a nice musical theme. If you are a Spaghetti Western fan, don't miss this excellent one.

This is the third Sartana played by Garko film I have seen and while I found the first two to be mediocre at best this one hit me positively. Sartana is falsely accused and is searching for the real bank robbers. The evolving story consists of many little entertaining episodes and whenever you think that the real bad guy is already revealed there is one more twist. In his quest Sartana is assisted only by Buddy Ben who is well played by Frank Wolff, the rest of the characters is hunting the bounty put on his head. No problem for Sartana who kills them all, most of them with his Derringer pistol. Kinski with more screen time than usual shines in his role as an addicted gambler.

The lead characters are having their own and nice scores. Cinematography is above average but I've seen already better. The German budget DVD is OK and has even the original Italian soundtrack.

7 / 10 (**1/2)

So Kinski is in this one too, as he was in the first official entry of the Sartana movie series. But the movie is a bit different than the first one, as is his role and his credited name (the first one listed him as Kinsky). What remains the same is the thirst for getting rich. Who can blame them? It's always about Gold or money in general isn't it? Especially in Spaghetti Westerns, where there seems to be no other motivation.

Although our "hero" here does seem to have some sort of morals. And the body count does pile up. If you like shootouts, you will like this. Setting is clear, goal is pretty simple and in contrast to the first one, this plays quite confined. There are more character moments without too much "twist" to it. It's ok for what it is, and that is what you should expect - of course if you haven't seen a movie like this before you might be and feel bewildered

Nothing short of great stuff here with an excellent cast and a well written script punctuated by some great little moments of humor. Garko is better than usual as the eagle-eyed, razor toungued and lightning fast Sartana and has a wealth of great character actors to support him, including the vastly underrated Frank Wolff. The direction is exceptionally stylish, with numerous POV shots and expressionist angles that add loads of atmosphere to what, in lesser hands, could have been a rather average outing. Great stuff, that may not convert the heathens, but will definitely please the spag aficionados.

The second film in the popular Sartana series is, on the whole, pretty entertaining ..well spun in Carnimeo's typical "Sartana" style....combining a whodunit...w/ elements of a smokey good mystery...with Spaghetti Western action & humor. More than a bit tongue in cheek...yet straining for credibility & often (but not always) hitting the mark.

"Sono Sartana......" hits the ground running...in a snappy opening...as Sartana is implicated in a bank robbery. A $10000 reward on his head insures that he's pursued by bounty hunters....many of whom are known to him already as friends, allies, competitors. There's a good amount of tension & unpredictability as Sartana tries to get to the bottom of it all, as he follows the trail of clues as to who framed him.. as well as the wherabouts of the $$$$$...all the while being stalked by bounty hunters and people trying to get their own grubby little hands on the $$$$$. Unfortunately...those remaining who can shed any light on the issue are knocked off before he can get to them.

The trail takes him to Poker Flats...a gambling town where everybody's a cheat...out for themselves...& can't be trusted. A shady saloon owner...corrupt judge...dishonest sheriff....are but 3 of the slightly twisted characters we meet in this quirky corner of 'Spaghettiville'.

Frank Wolff puts in a nice turn as Buddy Ben...although willing to lend his assistance, you never know exactly where his loyalties or motivations lie............& it's a nice performance.

Kinski delivers one of his most sane Spaghetti Western roles as the unlucky gambler/bounty hunter...........Hot Dead.

Mancuso's music/score has some nice moments...and some lesser ones. Sartana's theme is good..but tends to be overplayed...over & over & over (and over)...........Kinski's theme --> a little banjo tune --> is recognizable as "Santa Claus is coming to town." Interesting choice of melody...to say the least.

All in all...an enjoyable romp.......with enough twists & turns to keep you guessing....... Within a genre filled w / copycats & overused plots...I appreciate any Spaghetti Western that has a different style...w/ at least an attempt at an original plot. "Sono" manages to be intelligent...funny ..pretty brutal w/ a lot of action...& an entirely satisfying conclusion.

Sprinkled throughout are some great names ..Slim Shotgun...Shadow...DeGuello......some great dialogue...the bounty hunter who announces his arrival with "I am death"...& of course Sartana's quip "I'm your gravedigger".

My cherished little copy used for this review is in Italian w/ English subs..so I can't comment on the English dubbed version...nor can I be aware of any changes or differences in the English translation (and there always are differences). Spaghetti Western w/ a definite twinkle.