The Wild Bunch (1969)

The Wild Bunch



Peckinpah's Wild Bunch is one of those benchmark movies that has influenced films throughout its history, even into modern cinema.
It was the first film to employ blood squibs for realistic entry and exit wounds. So realistic it reportedly had audiences vomiting in the aisles.
The regularly imitated slow-motion kill, widely used today, originated with this film.

The story follows a group of sociapathic bank robbers as they are trailed by a group of money hungry bounty hunters, led by a former Bunch member.
We are first introduced to the lack of human empathy, when the bounty hunters lay a trap for the Wild Bunch and we witness the civilians mowed down in the cross fire. Both groups of men have no coda except that of getting the money and surviving.

The Bunch is led by Pike Bishop(William Holden) whose leadership is called into question after leading them into the trap. Not only are they on the run, but now they're coming apart at the seams.
After an altercation with a despotic General, they are offered a job. They must steal the guns from a munitions train so the General can continue his reign of terror. Without any morals the group agree, all except the Mexican member, Angel. He knows the guns will be used against his village and cannot commit. Pike offers him a crate of guns for his village to defend itself if he surrenders his share of the gold.
Once the deal is done, the General takes Angel prisoner, having learned of his plan. The Bunch appear to abandon him and enjoy their spoils. It's not long before Pike grows a conscience and gathers his gang for a rescue. They mosey into town (Cooler than the Reservoir Dogs walking scene) and demand Angel back, kicking off the final blood bath.

This film is Peckinpah's tribute to the passing of the 'age of the outlaw', when they were desperate men pursued by posse's as ruthless as themselves. Pike is heard to say, "We've got to start thinking beyond our guns. Those days are closin' fast".

The set pieces in this film are incredible; Bookended by two of the greatest gunfights in movie history. The last one being the bloodiest with the odds of 100 mexicans to the Bunch of 4. Things balance out though as the Bunch have a gattling gun.

William Holden is pitch perfect as a man who has long since kissed goodbye to his humanity. The story redeems him, but it redeems the bunch as a whole. Any differences they had are forgotten when one of their number is in danger.
Ernest Borgnine is solid as the staunchly loyal Dutch. Never questioning Pike's logic, even when things go wrong.
The best credit must go to Robert Ryan, who plays the leader of the Bounty Hunters. He portrays a man torn between his duty to capture the Bunch and his desire to join them. His contempt for the Bounty Hunters is displayed at every turn, but his life depends on them succeeding.

A piece of Cinematic excellence. Another of my recommendations for movies to see before you die.

Verdict 10 /10

Revolutionary on its release. A necessary part of cinematic history.