Quartile rating: 7/10 · 1 rating
When a wandering mercenary named Hogan rescues a nun called Sister Sara from the unwanted attentions of a band of rogues on the Mexican plains, he has no idea what he has let himself in for. Their chance encounter results in the blowing up of a train and a French garrison, as well as igniting a spark between them that survives a shocking discovery.
Two Mules for Sister Sara is a likable Eastwood-MacLaine pairing with a fun central conceit — a 'nun' who isn't what she seems traveling with a cynical mercenary through revolutionary Mexico. The chemistry and banter carry the film, and the Morricone score adds considerable flavor. However, the plot is fairly episodic and the twist regarding Sara's true identity, while entertaining, is telegraphed early enough that it loses dramatic punch. The climactic assault on the French garrison is competent but feels rushed and anticlimactic relative to the build-up, making the ending the weakest link. Cinematography by Gabriel Figueroa is solid but not exceptional. Novelty is moderate — the premise subverts Western conventions pleasantly but not radically, and the revolutionary backdrop is well-worn territory by 1970. Acting is enjoyable without being career-defining work for either lead.