Watch Inglorious Bastards
- R
- 1977
- 1 hr 39 min
-
6.5 (10,427)
Inglorious Bastards is a gritty and action-packed war movie from 1978, directed by Enzo G. Castellari and starring a tough ensemble cast, including Bo Svenson, Peter Hooten, and Fred Williamson. Set during World War II, the film follows a group of American soldiers who are court-martialed and sent to a military prison in North Africa. However, they are given a chance to redeem themselves by undertaking a dangerous mission behind enemy lines.
The titular "bastards" are a ragtag group of misfits, including a New Yorker who loves to brawl, a black giant who can crush skulls, a gangster and a rapist who both want to stay alive, and a former German soldier who switched sides to join the allies. Led by the imposing Sgt. Hugo (Svenson), the group is given a suicide mission - to infiltrate a German-held fortress and blow up a secret Nazi weapon.
What follows is a pulse-pounding and often violent adventure, as the Bastards make their way through the enemy territory, facing numerous obstacles and engaging in brutal skirmishes with German soldiers. Along the way, they meet a sympathetic German officer (played by Ian Bannen) and a group of Jewish prisoners whom they rescue from a concentration camp.
The film's action is propelled by a thumping and catchy soundtrack, composed by Francesco De Masi, which blends rock and orchestral music to great effect. The cinematography by Franco Delli Colli is also worth noting, capturing the rugged landscapes and brutal violence in vivid detail.
Inglorious Bastards has been noted for its influence on later action and war movies, including Quentin Tarantino's 2009 film of the same name. While some critics have criticized it for its simplistic portrayal of war and its characters, others have praised its gritty realism and its unapologetic embrace of the violent and pulpy side of cinema.
Overall, Inglorious Bastards is a thrilling and entertaining war movie that is sure to please fans of the genre. Its cast of tough-guy actors and its bold action sequences make it a standout from the era, and its influence on modern action cinema cannot be denied.