A western of modest virtues
Those seeking one of those "spaghetti westerns" which are filled with noise and violence and exaggerated flourishes will probably be disppointed in "Chino." It moves at a deliberate pace, keeps the action in check, and knows the virtue of silence. The result is an odd, understated movie that almost qualifies as a "character study."
Charles Bronson plays a loner who runs a small horse-farm in the waning days of the American frontier. He takes in a runaway boy as a helper, visits an Indian village on the verge of extinction, and engages in a hesitant courtship with the sister of a hostile landowner. That's about it for the plot which concludes in a somber, realistic fashion.
The by-play between Bronson and real-life wife Jill Ireland is mildly amusing, the scenery is attractive and well-photographed, and for those who like to see Bronson with his shirt off, there's a scene where he's hanged by the wrists and flogged across his bare back by one of the...
Digitally Remastered??? Perhaps to Braille
Charles Bronson is always great. Jill Ireland is always beautiful. However, this movie has a dull, uninspired story line. There is little to no redeeming value. No happiness. The visual is dark, and very hard to see, all the way through. If this movie was digitally restored, it must have been a box of ashes before. Watch if you want. You'll need glasses afterwards.
An excellent and stylish film
I have just watched "Chino" and I loved it. The acting is brilliant, the characters are well defined, there is depth and humor, and excellent camera work. The landscapes are magnificent. I didn't find this film boring at all. On the contrary, it seemed a bit short. This film is an important achievement. It has style and beauty. I recommend it to anyone who is not looking only for incessant screams and shooting in Westerns, but for something deeper and broader.
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