800 Bullets

Synopsis

800 Bullets (2002), directed by Álex de la Iglesia, is a unique Spanish comedy-drama that pays homage to the forgotten world of Spaghetti Westerns. The story follows an aging stuntman and former child star, who manages a small tourist attraction dedicated to Western movies in rural Spain. His life takes a turn when he encounters a young American who dreams of becoming a cowboy, leading to a blend of humor, nostalgia, and reflection on fading glory and the passage of time. Combining action sequences, heartfelt moments, and satirical undertones, 800 Bullets explores themes of friendship, legacy, and the clash between old and new generations within a visually captivating Western backdrop.

Cast

• 

  Sancho Gracia

  Julián

• 

  Ángel de Andrés López

  'Cheyenne'

• 

  Carmen Maura

  Laura

• 

  Eusebio Poncela

  Scott

• Luis Castro

  Carlos

• 

  Manuel Tallafé

  Manuel

Reviews

800 Bullets received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, reflecting a divided response. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 6.3/10, indicating average reception among viewers. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 45% audience score, showing that less than half of the viewers appreciated the film's style and narrative. Metacritic's score of 51/100 denotes mixed or average reviews from professional critics. Many reviewers praised the film's affectionate tribute to the Spaghetti Western genre and its quirky blend of comedy and drama. Sancho Gracia's performance was often highlighted as compelling, bringing depth to the aging stuntman character. However, some critics pointed out inconsistency in tone and pacing, which at times diluted the film’s emotional impact and humor. According to some reviews, 800 Bullets boasts imaginative action scenes and a heartfelt storyline but struggles to fully engage audiences due to its uneven execution. Overall, it is considered a niche film appealing mostly to fans of Westerns and Álex de la Iglesia’s distinctive style.