Review of Keoma (1976) by Dan H — 17 May 2009
I was going to just give this film 4 stars ad move on...then I remembered that this is about as artful a western can get. Many people have a problem with the soundtrack, that the vocalists are terrible and, I almost was in agreement, except that I think they're style which I would call other-worldly was intentional.
The music is there as a guide, it gives important information through its powerful notes and lyrics. "In her eyes is the answer, the answer to my life..." This film is about Kemoa, a half white half indian man, who returns home after the Civil War.
He finds that his half brothers have joined a local gangster who runs the town through fear. His father is afraid to stand up to the man, and his former mentor, a black slave, is now a useless drunk. This film is essentially about redemption.
Redemption for his father, for the black man george, and for Keoma himself. Keoma is man surrounded by death, pain, and sadness. Through a pregnant woman he puts death behind him and redeems himself into a new life.
Its quite an amazing film. The cinematography is a few years ahead of its time and honestly, its almost breath taking. I literally sat up when I realized this film wasn't just another Spag Western.
Watch for the witch...she's the personification of death.
This review of Keoma (1976) was written by Dan H on 17 May 2009.
Keoma has generally received positive reviews.
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