Review for Keoma

Keoma was the only Native American child to survive a senseless massacre. Amidst the burning rubble, William Shannon rescues him and takes Keoma as his own. His biological offspring, Butch,   Sam and Lenny are jealous and thrash Keoma into a bloody pulp.

Later in life, Keoma returns from war and visits his father only to find out that his half brothers ride with a gang of ex-soldier outlaws who threaten the welfare of the town's folk. As a deadly plague has gripped the population, the outlaws isolate the victims and set up a makeshift camp in the wastelands. They refuse to give them medical supplies. Keoma believes this is morally perverse so he rescues a pregnant woman, and takes her back to town. Arriving at a saloon for a drink, the gang of outlaws confront Keoma and after a discrepancy, he kills them.

Discovering Keoma has come home the three brothers along with the head-honcho Cordwell try to intimidate Keoma and request him to join the gang. Keoma refuses. 'I'll pay you well', Cordwell says. Keoma responds, 'you'll pay don't you worry and my price is high'.

Along with his elderly comrade George and the local doctor, Keoma brings medical supplies back to town but Cordwell and the brothers want to get rid of Keoma. They will do anything to keep the townsfolk in the grips of fear and death. The ultimate battle for justice will decide Keoma's fate…
 

Disc: What a wonderful world it would be if Castellari's Keoma got the re-mastered special edition treatment with a commentary track, booklet and the documentary it deserves. Even though the print has aged, the film is sharp and clear and presented all its widescreen splendour.

Special Features: There's an 'exceptionally good' 15-minute interview with Castellari in which he talks about inventing the script on a day-to-day basis. It's just a shame that we haven't got subtitles as Castellari's English is somewhat broken. The Argent Westerns Trail displays the trailers for Django, Django Kill, A Bullet for the General and Texas, Adios. There is also a 5-minute presentation by Alex Cox. The reversible sleeve is a welcome gimmick. 

Trivia: Franco Nero is married to Vanessa Redgrave (Nero walked his stepdaughter Natasha Richardson down the aisle when she married actor Liam Neeson).