ThiefHott Too much of everything

Nonureva Really Surprised!

Glucedee It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

Plustown A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.

Scott LeBrun Begun by John Huston, who departed the production supposedly because of that old standby, "creative differences", the action-melodrama "Love and Bullets" is mostly noteworthy for its exotic locale, as well as some breathtaking photography and a super Lalo Schifrin score. The way that it often plays out may lead one to believe that it's meant to be seen as tongue in cheek; it does get silly at times. Still, it's attractive, reasonably well directed (by Stuart Rosenberg), and nicely acted.Charles Bronson actually plays a guy named Charlie; Charlie Congers is an Arizona detective sent by the FBI to Switzerland to pick up a gangsters' girlfriend, a gal named Jackie Pruit (played by Bronsons' real-life love and frequent co-star Jill Ireland). The feds desperately want her to testify against her boyfriend, who's portrayed in a typically hammy fashion by Rod Steiger. He's hired assassins including a creep named Vittorio (Henry Silva) to silence her.Overall, "Love and Bullets" is fun to a degree. It's not really remarkable in any way, but it moves along well and has some good moments. Bronson is in fine form and he and Ireland (whose bimbo shtick ultimately wears a little thin) naturally have good chemistry. Steiger is amusing; in one interesting character touch, he has a stutter. A solid bunch of familiar faces have supporting roles, although some, like Silva and Strother Martin (who plays Steigers' lawyer) are under utilized. Also co-starring are Bradford Dillman, Michael V. Gazzo, Paul Koslo, Val Avery, Billy Gray (the kid from "The Day the Earth Stood Still" all grown up), Albert Salmi, John Hallam, Robin Clarke, and Andy Romano.The movie gets off to a shaky start, but soon recovers, and fortunately isn't too predictable. Fans of this cast should find it to be a mild diversion.Six out of 10.

Andrew Eastenegger I've always had a special place for this movie in my heart, as a kid. And now at 28, it still is if not better with age. Come on its has Bronson, Steiger and a great musical score. Oh and don't forget great locations. Movies that come and go, that stay in the lime light that are rubbish get better praise then this. And to be honest there isn't anything wrong with this film, it a classic late 70's movie. If you love Bronson it is for you, if you don't but love the 70's then you still may enjoy. It has its bad points and troubles from the start of production but nothing to make a big deal out of. It didn't do out in US but in the foreign markets it was still a huge success which is why Charlie stayed a huge bankable movie legend. The film is attacked like it was a major problem or something, the same with Bronson's Borderline which has also aged well, because it is a thriller drama about real things which audiences didn't want then. Anyway Love and Bullets is still a great movie and doesn't deserve any of the bad reviews it's had over the years, so don't listen to em, watch it for yourself. Its better then most rubbish released today thats for dam sure.

lost-in-limbo What's on mind… love definitely more so than bullets. The premise seems rather straight-forward, but within the context is a primarily downbeat and melancholic angle. The crime/thriller slant is pretty low-key (as the chase scenes leisurely tick along) with the main focus being on the three performances; Charles Bronson, Jill Ireland and Rod Steiger and the eventual bonds that are crafted and from that the situations that occur. Love follows on… tragedy also with guts and grit winning out.Police detective Charlie Congers has been picked to head to Switzerland to rescue an ex-mistress of crime boss Joe Bomposa who now wants her dead. Getting her first means a chance to probably convict Bomposa, but is she as innocent as she claims to know anything of importance about his crime ring.I'm not particularly surprised to see this Bronson outing become a forgettable title in his career that rarely sees daylight, and those who had seen it mainly want to bombard it for being tedious and bland. I didn't feel that at all. It has a very European vibe to the get-up with a stylish and almost uncommon development. Stuart Rosenberg's textured direction (who replaced John Huston) is economically surefooted, as he works with the beautifully moody and authentic European backdrops (that the compelling cinematography frames) and constructs moments of high-strung suspense. Plentiful they're not, but those few are well-executed. I just wished that the dangerous side wasn't kept in check. Writer Wendell Mayles' (the man behind 'Death Wish') minimal screenplay is simply old-fashioned and the pacing is quite relaxed. Concisely structured. but nothing surprises… well the final climaxes do come up and pinch you. Were I thought it achieved a rather powerful imprint was because of Lalo Schifran's arousing score. It was exotic, colourful and flavoured. Never did it not make some sort of impression. I would say it's up there with his inspired score for 'Dirty Harry (1971)'. He knows how to place the action or feelings on screen with music and successfully push the buttons.A strong cast do a serviceable job. Bronson's impassively stalwart turn fits accordingly and his chemistry with an empathic Jill Ireland (his actual wife) pays dividends. She was practically in nearly every movie he made during this period. Rod Steiger puts in an outstandingly staggering performance that grows with believable weight. Henry Silva and Paul Koslo hold up well in the bad guy roles. Also featuring with fine turns are Bradford Dillman, Strother Martin, Michael V. Gazzo and Val Avery.

gridoon This is an extremely boring Bronson thriller, one of those movies that nobody has seen, and deservedly so. Charlie looks understandably fatigued, Rod Steiger gives a hammy performance as the gangland boss and Henry Silva plays an assassin very much like the one he played in "Sharky's Machine", only far less memorable. The movie was filmed in beautiful locations, and has a good Lalo Schifrin score, but you'll still be checking your watch frequently. (*1/2)