LET THE ADVENTURES BEGIN, HERE COMES THE "HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER"

I have the utmost respect for Clint Eastwood. I didn’t actually like him much in the past though. I don’t know why, possibly because I had fed off too much of the clichés and not seen enough of the real thing to pass proper judgment. Now, personality-wise I wouldn’t know… But as an artist, well… RESPECT (Ali G. style). I honestly started watching this film as a fortunate discovery of a Western in my almost endless archive. I have mentioned before I believe that westerns are sorely neglected by yours truly, not out of any malice but well… So many films so little time. It is a western, but not a typical western. That much you can be sure of. But the plot twist at the end is of such a grandeur that I won’t give you any clues as to what it is, but bear with it to the end… I have a sneaking suspicion you’ll be surprised…
Lago is a small, sleepy town, much like any other in the Wild West. It’s a mining town and the main hub of business is the Lago Mining Company. Until, one day, a stranger comes to town. He doesn’t say much but he’s one hell of a shot. He proves this by killing three men within half an hour of arriving in town and raping a woman too. The trouble is the three men just happen to be the three paid gunmen the town hired to protect them. And the stranger has killed them when they were needed the most: Three known bandits and scoundrels are due out of prison any day, and the inhabitants of Lago know full well they have a bone to pick with them. Having lost one means of protection but being faced with the toughest and best shot they have seen in their lives, they approach the stranger, offering him absolutely anything, as long as he keeps them safe from the three bandits heading their way… The stranger accepts. But the price he demands is both high and unusual. But then again, Lago isn’t really your usual little mining town…
First of all, credit where credit is due… Clint Eastwood (who not only directed the film but also plays the stranger of course) is one heck of a good looking guy. All through the film, he is exactly what we expect a western hero played by Clint Eastwood to be. Lean, mean, tough , quiet, rugged and good looking. What is really fascinating is the town. What’s different about this film is that sure, there are “baddies”. You know, the bandits fresh out of prison, ruthless men, with no morals. But the real bad guys in this story are not just “bad”. They are not “black” to Clint Eastwood’s white. They are simply very human. Very, very human indeed. Not that one approves of this sort of thing but one knows it happens. Notice how I’m bending over backwards not to give the plot away? =) Well, you may even guess what it is, it’s not exactly earth-shattering but it definitely gives the film a kick. I strongly advise you watch it if you’re into the genre. It’s worth about 50 spaghetti-westerns and definitely a classic for a reason.