Review of Ulzana's Raid (1972) by Charles P — 16 Feb 2011

A very brutal and thought provoking western, which is also a very good character study. The story is very basic and is quite neutral. It shows the brutality and naivety of both sides very well. The film does not side with either Indian or Soldier the film remains completely neutral. The violence shown in the film is very brutal but, for the most, it is the aftermath of the violence which is depicted, which is meant to shock the audience. The violence itself apart from on a few occasions is left to the imagination.

In terms of the character study there is a naive inexperienced Lieutenant, a white experienced scout and an Apache Indian scout. All three characters clash often as all three are different characters and it is those scenes where there are attempts to explain the brutality and the naivety.

The only downside to the film is that there is no real introduction. The film starts with the beginning of the raid. There is no reason as to why the raid happened. It has the feeling that the films starts in the middle of a story.

The two principal stars of Burt Lancaster who plays the white scout McIntosh and Bruce Davison who plays the inexperienced Lieutenant DeBuin are very well cast. Lancaster achieves his role with his mannerism and sharp dialogue. DeBuin whose character is the opposite achieves his role by his soft dialogue and accent.

Overall a very good western, which is realistic, neutral and very brutal. It is a good story it just seems to lack an introduction. The actors play their roles well and are reinforced by their dialogue.