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Barbarosa

Barbarosa

Western · Action · 1982

Karl Westover, an inexperienced farm boy, runs away after unintentionally killing a neighbor, whose family pursues him for vengeance. He meets Barbarosa, a gunman of near-mythical proportions, who is himself in danger from his father-in-law Don Braulio, a wealthy Mexican rancher. Don Braulio wants Barbarosa dead for marrying his daughter against the father's will. Barbarosa reluctantly takes the clumsy Karl on as a partner, as both of them look to survive the forces lining up against them.

Movie details

Barbarosa

“The outlaw...the outcast...and the legend that was bigger than both of them.”

1982 Western · Action 1h 30m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

5.9 / 10

Community rating

Karl Westover, an inexperienced farm boy, runs away after unintentionally killing a neighbor, whose family pursues him for vengeance. He meets Barbarosa, a gunman of near-mythical proportions, who is himself in danger from his father-in-law Don Braulio, a wealthy Mexican rancher. Don Braulio wants Barbarosa dead for marrying his daughter against the father's will. Barbarosa reluctantly takes the clumsy Karl on as a partner, as both of them look to survive the forces lining up against them.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over Barbarosa?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Fred Schepisi

Written by

William D. Wittliff

Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson

Barbarosa

Gary Busey

Gary Busey

Karl Westover

Isela Vega

Isela Vega

Josephina

Gilbert Roland

Gilbert Roland

Don Braulio

Danny De La Paz

Danny De La Paz

Eduardo

Alma Martinez

Alma Martinez

Juanita

George Voskovec

George Voskovec

Herman Pahmeyer

Court is in session

Put Barbarosa on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Adrenaline Seeker

“Momentum is a formal choice.”

The velocity sharpens instinct and tension, making every beat land before self-importance can settle in.

The prosecution The Auteur Devotee

“Speed as an alibi.”

The film races past its weak spots and hopes acceleration will keep the audience from inspecting the evidence.