What might have transpired ultimately results in something pleasant to observe. Originally conceived as a powerful drama by director Sam Peckinpah, Major Dundee was removed from his control after filming and reshaped into a nearly incomprehensible version. Now, in the twenty-first century, we can experience a restored edition of the film, including scenes that create a more unified narrative—and it does significantly improve the movie because the characters feel fully realized. However, we are still only seeing portions of Peckinpah's original idea, as another thirty minutes of footage appears to be lost permanently, which is disappointing since this film could have achieved true greatness if it had been allowed to develop properly. Despite this, there’s much to appreciate. Major Dundee leads a diverse group—Union soldiers, Confederate prisoners, convicts, eccentrics, and a one-armed James Coburn—into Mexico to pursue an Apache force responsible for attacks on U.S. bases in Texas. It's not quite like "The Dirty Dozen," but more akin to a dirty army! The film’s strength lies primarily in the conflicts within this assembled group. It seems likely that the movie foreshadowed Vietnam-era stories, and whether you agree with it or not, the theme of unprepared soldiers elevates it beyond an average offering. The acting is solid; it's like looking through a roster of tough guys. Charlton Heston portrays Dundee, a large, assertive man struggling to maintain order while battling his own ego. Richard Harris stands out as Tyreen, and his ongoing conflict with Dundee propels the story forward. James Coburn’s character is compelling, but he doesn’t get enough screen time (possibly due to careless editing?), leaving you wanting more. It's a worthwhile experience, a well-developed study of characters, and it’s worth noting that the widescreen cinematography is beautiful. Ultimately, Major Dundee only suggests the brilliance that would later produce The Wild Bunch four years on and Straw Dogs two years after, but things could have been so different. One can almost feel pity for those involved. 7/10

Source on TMDB