I have to say, isn't it interesting that often the best westerns are European? I'm not exactly saying this was 'the best' but think of Sergio Leone's 4 great American releases. I mean 'The Good the Bad and the Ugly" + "Once upon a time in the west"? These were fantastic films, shot not by Americans. This movie definitely opened in classic Sergio style with slow dialogue and interesting shots. I agree with others that the heart that Sergio had wasn't necessarily in this one, but, it is Polish and not Italian, so some of the high opera was definitely lost. But, I think this movie almost stands on its on in some ways as not a mere rip off of a spaghetti, or American style western, but rather it borrows from both types and adds its own eastern European touches. If you REALLY like westerns, or rather 'good' westerns, and you like different styles 'i.e. you liked Dead Man', you will most likely find this one a gem.