Verdict:A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 6.2/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Western genre.
Answer: Yes, A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies.
It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 10, 2026
Released in 1972, A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die enters the Western genre with a narrative focused on A dishonored Union Army officer leads a group of convicts to retake Fort Holman from the Confederate Army. Under the direction of Tonino Valerii, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from James Coburn, Telly Savalas, Bud Spencer. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die resonates with current cultural themes in the Western space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of January 2026, A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
The plot of A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die centers on a unique premise within the Western landscape. A dishonored Union Army officer leads a group of convicts to retake Fort Holman from the Confederate Army. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1972 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die (1972): with an audience rating of 6.2/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Western cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.2/10, and global collection metrics, A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1972 cinematic year.
A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Western movies, but read reviews first.
A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die is a Western movie that A dishonored Union Army officer leads a group of convicts to retake Fort Holman from the Confederate Army....
A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Western movies, but read reviews first.
A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die is a Western movie that A dishonored Union Army officer leads a group of convicts to retake Fort Holman from the Confederate Army....
A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die is a Western movie. Please check the content rating before watching with family.
You can find streaming options and availability for A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
The runtime and duration of A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
The Dirty Seven. Una ragione per vivere e una per morire (AKA: A Reason to Live, A Reason to Die & Massacre at Fort Holman) is directed by Tonino Valerii, who also co-writes with Rafael Azcona and Ernesto Gastaldi. It stars James Coburn, Telly Savalas & Bud Spencer. Cinematographer is Alejandro Ulloa and the music is scored by Riz Ortolani. Plot sees Coburn as Union Colonel Pembroke, who during the Civil War is given a rag-tag group of criminals to go win back the fort he lost to Confederate Major Frank Ward (Savalas). For him it's a chance to regain his honour, for them it's a chance to avoid execution for their crimes. Joplin Gazette, Joplin Missouri, April 10, 1872 ---Today I walked through the ruins of what was once Fort Holman. 10 years ago, this Civil War fortress, thought to be impregnable, was destroyed by a wild bunch of marauders. Eli Sampson, a survivor of that massacre, revealed in an interview that the raid was the result of a blood feud between two bitter men: Colonel Pembroke, a Union officer, thought to be a traitor and a coward, led the mission to recapture the fort he had once surrendered. Major Ward, a ruthless "Mad Genius," who joined the Confederacy solely to gain command of Fort Holman, so that he could rule the vast surrounding Santa Fe territory after the war. But what motivates these two men and what caused this incredible blood bath, was explained by Eli Sampson in the story that follows--- It's a written opening that grabs the attention straight away, it has all the promise of a spaghetti western done Peckinpah style. Then early in proceedings a grizzled James Coburn walks along a line of men about to be hanged, being introduced to them and calmly wondering if said scum-bags would like to stave off execution by accompanying him on a suicide mission? OK, it's derivative of The Dirty Dozen five years earlier, but if this is blending Peckinpah with Robert Aldrich at his best then it will be worth every second spent with it. Sadly it doesn't come close to living up to that particular promise. But it does have points of worth within. If you are willing to invest some patience with the slow narrative and get to the carnage finale unscathed? Then it's actually worth the wait as regards action. There's also some fine photography from Ulloa around Almeria in Spain, while Ortolani's soundtrack score blends well in context to the story. However, away from Coburn the acting is sub-standard, especially from Savalas who is miscast, while some suspension of disbelief is needed once the group reach the fort. But all in all it's a safe recommend to fans of Westerns, spaghetti or otherwise. And certainly a must for Coburn fans. 6.5/10 Footnote: The full cut of the film now runs at just shy of two hours in length, film buyers should ensure that they buy home format discs that run at around the 113/114 minute mark.
