2008 (1968) / Columbia Japan / 39 mins
Part-high energy Mexican music, part traditional Spaghetti Western music, Il Mercenario has a very cool sound. Each of the main characters is given their own theme. Whistling, organs, and choir are all prominently featured, and some lively Mexican songs are incorporated into the score, as well. It all culminates in one of the most soaring cues that Morricone ever wrote for a western, in "L'Arena."
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Highlight: L'Arena (4:48)