Robert Duvall Movie:

Editorial Review:
James Caan and Robert Duvall star as a pair of CIA operatives in the Bay Area; when Duvall sells out Caan, he cripples him instead of killing him. But Caan fights back, working himself back into shape and back into service to protect a visiting dignitary who is targeted for assassination. It all leads to a solid shootout and martial-arts battle aboard the mothballed fleet in the North Bay. Economic and spare, this is one of director Sam Peckinpah's lesser efforts, but still features his skillful direction of action scenes. An intriguing cast includes Arthur Hill, Mako, and Bo Hopkins; this may be the only film that features both Burt Young and Gig Young. --Marshall Fine

The Killer Elite [Region 2] Reviews:
DVD
2009-03-04 - Took a little longer to receive item than I expected.

Good quality 1975 movie.

Not a bad film
2008-12-01 - Not high up on the list of Sam Peckinpah movies, this is actually a pretty entertaining and -- for Peckinpah -- toned down movie. Caan and Duval star as employees of a private security company that protects defectors for the CIA. When one such defector -- in the opening -- asks if they work for the CIA Caan's reponse is "CIA? Cirumcised Italian Americans." Duval later kills the man and leaves his former friend cripped and, supposedly, out of the game. Caan embarks on an odyssey to return to form and kill his former compatriot. Also starring Burt Young (Rocky), Bo Hopkins, Gig Young, Mako and Arthur Hill. Following Robert Mitchum's THE YAKUZA and preceeding Michael Douglas' BLACK RAIN, an interesting look at the Japanese underworld and ninjas. Classic ending line: "I don't know where we're going. Don't know where we've been. But I know where we was wasn't it."

Sam Peckinpah or San Francisco Fans
2008-03-16 - If you are a Sam Peckinpah fan or a native San Franciscan you will enjoy this film for different reasons. It is REALLY violent. Has a couple of good character actors, Burt Young and Bo Hopkins that add to a well acted tail. Shot on location in the SF area the Killer Elite and Steve McQueen's Bullitt are two of the best SF thrillers along with Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry. As far as rating this Peckinpah film to his others I have to say that Pat Garret and Billy the Kid followed by The Getaway, The Wild Bunch, Straw Dogs and then The Killer Elite.

Caan and Duval, Uzi's and Ninja's!
2006-12-25 - I watched this movie a long time ago when I was much younger and it immediately became one of my favorites. First the movie was directed by Sam Peckinpah who's style I always liked. Second it stared two really powerful actors of the time in James Caan and Robert Duval. And lastly it had a LOT of action. It is a highly intelligent movie and several steps up from anytthing that you will ever see that has Ninja's in it. The movie revolves around a company of mercenaries that are hired by corporate interest or the government to do certain jobs. The movie story really takes off when two friends are torn apart by betrayal and then the movie becomes a story of revenge and obsession.

I have heard several people review this movie in a bad light when it first came out. But I must say that I enjoyed it back in the early 80's when I first saw it and I have watched it several times over and over since. Each time I still find the movie to be fun and interesting and the acting to be top notch.

Not a complete waste of time , but do not expect too much
2005-11-03 - It is always sad when , for whatever reason , someone who has a strong reputation releases material with their name still attached , but without the former quality .

That is the best description of this movie . It feels like scenes are missing .

I encourage you to seek out and watch Sam Peckinpah's earlier , better films . The two lead actors are not shown to best advantage - I am a James Caan fan , but didn't feel much was asked of him in the film .

Rent it if you want to see all of Sam's films .
I have traded my copy . I won't miss it .