Today (November 9th)EBS1Director Sergio Kobucci’s ‘Companions in the Wilderness: Companeros’ will be broadcast.
It is a 1970 co-production between Italy, Spain, and West Germany, directed by Sergio Cobucci, and starring Franco Nero, Thomas Milian, Fernando Rey, and Jack Palance. Running time: 115 minutes, suitable for ages 15 and older.
◆ Plot:
Those dreaming of revolution in Mexico gathered in San Bernardino. Vasco and his companions, who believe and follow the Mongol general as an idol, kill people without any hesitation and even enjoy it. A Swede, Jodlav Peterson (Yod), approaches them with the intention of selling them weapons, and Vasco mocks him and finds him uncomfortable. After meeting General Mongo, Yod learns that he is a man who does not care about the revolution and is just interested in money. He then persuades Mongo to bring Vasco and the United States by offering to open the village’s safe by bringing Professor Santos, who is being held captive by the U.S. military. Professor Santos’s followers, who dream of a non-violent revolution, threaten Vasco and Yod, but the two manage to escape the attack and succeed in letting the professor escape. However, John, who has experienced being betrayed by Yod, interferes with them, and a fight breaks out to intercept Santos. After many twists and turns, Yod takes Santos to San Bernardino and finds out the password to the safe. However, it contains only useless items. Yod, who was trying to leave the village with a statue of the village’s guardian deity, ends up fighting for his life with Vasco, and Professor Santos dies in the process. Yod dissuades Vasco’s persuasion and decides to leave, but when he sees soldiers approaching from afar, he turns his horse back and heads toward the village.
◆Topic:
There are forces that seek to achieve their own goals by appointing representatives in the name of achieving revolution in the country. It is difficult to give an easy answer as to which revolution is more correct: a slow and frustrating revolution that claims to be pure, legal, and non-violent, or a force that is rough but can achieve its dreams quickly with money and power. The goal of various forces is the same in that it is revolution, but their values and beliefs are very different. Even within one organization, people kill and betray each other and pursue their own interests. Yesterday’s enemy may become today’s comrade, and today’s comrade may become tomorrow’s enemy. Although the means and methods they display are different, perhaps the world they all hope for in the end is a peaceful place without betrayal and death.
◆Impression points:
This is the work of director Sergio Kobucci, who led the trend of Italian western films called ‘Macaroni Westerns’ or ‘Spaghetti Westerns’. Italian western films, mainly set in Mexico, were very popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Unlike traditional western films where good and evil are clear, the content is mainly a cruel revenge story where everyone shoots guns so that it is impossible to tell who is the villain. . Franco Nero, the protagonist of this work, was also at the center of the wave of Italian western films. In addition, the fact that Ennio Morricone, a master of film music who created background music for over 500 movies, was in charge of the background music for this work is also a point of appreciation that cannot be overlooked.
◆Director:
Sergio Corbucci, who was born in Rome, Italy in 1926 and passed away in 1990, is considered a representative director of the Italian western film industry along with Sergio Leone. His representative works include ‘Django’, ‘Joe Navajo’, ‘Leopard Leaving at Dusk’, and ’The Great’. ‘Silence’, etc. The older brother of actor Bruno Kobucci, he also worked as a writer and producer as well as a director. In the beginning, he made low-budget independent films, but ‘Django’, released in 1966, became a huge hit and remains his representative work. In addition, through that work, he continues his relationship with Franco Nero, the main character of this work, and also works with ‘The Leopard Leaving at Dusk’. Kovucci’s western films are characterized by being more violent, indiscriminate, and even cruel than Sergio Leone’s works.
EBS1’s ‘Famous Paintings of the World’, a program that shows carefully selected nostalgic masterpieces, is broadcast every Saturday at 10:35 pm.
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Kyung-eun Photo = EBS World’s Famous Paintings
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Interview with Expert on Sergio Kobucci’s “Companions in the Wilderness”
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Elena Martinez, a film historian specializing in Italian cinema and the “Spaghetti Western” genre. We’re here to discuss Sergio Kobucci’s film “Companions in the Wilderness,” which airs today on EBS1. Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for joining us!
Dr. Elena Martinez: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to delve into this fascinating film.
Editor: Let’s start with some context. “Companions in the Wilderness” was co-produced in the 1970s, a peak time for Spaghetti Westerns. What do you think makes this particular film stand out in that genre?
Dr. Martinez: Excellent question! Kobucci’s film stands out because it straddles the line between traditional Western tropes and a more complex, morally ambiguous narrative. While the archetypal good vs. evil dichotomy is common in classic Westerns, Kobucci presents characters with questionable motives, where heroes can easily become villains. This blurring of lines offers a more realistic and engaging portrayal of revolutionary struggles.
Editor: Indeed! The film’s plot revolves around a group dreaming of revolution in Mexico, led by Vasco and his companions. How does this reflect the socio-political landscape of its time?
Dr. Martinez: The film reflects the turbulent political climate of Mexico during the revolutionary period and mirrors sentiments prevalent in Europe and America in the 1970s. The struggle against oppression and the romanticization of revolution were hot topics. The characters’ conflicting ideals represent both the hope for change and the chaos that often ensues when those ideals are corrupted by self-interest. In many ways, Kobucci critiques revolutionary zeal that overshadows human compassion.
Editor: That’s a great insight! It sounds like the characters are rich with depth. Can you elaborate on the character relationships and their dynamics?
Dr. Martinez: Absolutely! The character dynamics are central to the narrative. You have Vasco, who embodies the violent pursuit of revolution, contrasted with Yod, who initially seeks profit but ultimately experiences moral conflict. The interplay between betrayal and alliance is significant. Characters who appear as allies one moment can quickly turn into enemies, reflecting the unpredictable nature of politics in revolutionary times. This realism adds tension and depth to the storyline.
Editor: The film emphasizes themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the varying motives behind revolution. In your view, how does it comment on the efficacy of different approaches to revolution—violent versus peaceful?
Dr. Martinez: Kobucci intentionally raises questions rather than providing clear answers. He contrasts the violent, immediate results of Vasco’s methods with the slower, more principled approach of Professor Santos, representing non-violence. The film suggests that while the ends may justify the means for some, the cost—personal and moral—is often too high. It leaves audiences pondering which approach, if any, leads to a truly just outcome.
Editor: Fascinating! It appears Kobucci’s work resonates with contemporary themes too. How do you see “Companions in the Wilderness” inspiring modern filmmakers or audiences?
Dr. Martinez: The film’s exploration of ethical complexity in the pursuit of justice is timeless. Today’s filmmakers often grapple with similar questions about power dynamics, societal change, and the morality of means. By telling a story that doesn’t shy away from these complexities, Kobucci offers a template for present-day narratives that resonate with audiences seeking depth and authenticity in their cinematic experiences.
Editor: What a fantastic perspective! Lastly, for viewers new to the Spaghetti Western genre, what should they take away from this film?
Dr. Martinez: Viewers should embrace the moral ambiguity and engage with the characters’ struggles. They should also appreciate Kobucci’s craftsmanship in blending action with thoughtful commentary. This film is not just an adventure; it’s a reflection of human nature and societal struggles that remain relevant.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for sharing your insights. “Companions in the Wilderness” certainly offers much to discuss and ponder. I’m sure our audience will appreciate your perspective and be more intrigued to tune in!
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me! I hope everyone enjoys the film.
Editor: That wraps up our interview. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions!