Soldier Blue(1970)

The R-rated cut of SOLDIER BLUE (1970) contains 100 minutes of a G-rated romance, bookended by 15 minutes of graphic, blood-soaked atrocities. Director Ralph Nelson doesn't pull any punches; disfigurement, immolation, decapitation, and impalement (amongst other acts of barbarity) splash across the screen - often in Sam Peckinpah-style slow motion. These opening and closing scenes have power; the problem is the 100 minutes we have to spend with the one-dimensional survivors of the initial Indian assault. Candice Bergen and Peter Strauss are given generic, facile characters to interpret; one is naive, one is worldly (of course); one is prudish, the other permissive (surprise); they gradually develop feelings for one another (if you didn't see that coming...). Donald Pleasance eventually shows up for some much needed variety, but it's not enough. If you're a fan of violent western-style action, you'll enjoy some of this. If you're fond of budding romance pics, then the love story might engage you. Everyone else would probably be better served by watching LITTLE BIG MAN (1970) again.