Dark Of The Sun (1968)

Set in the Congo during the turmoil following independence from Belgium, a mercenary (Rod Taylor) leads a group of soldiers (both mercenaries and rebels fighting for their country) into the heart of treacherous Simba country to retrieve civilians in a trapped village and fifty million worth of diamonds. Directed by Oscar winning cinematographer (BLACK NARCISSUS) turned director Jack Cardiff, this is an unflinchingly brutal and bloody film. Absolutely shocking in its 1968 release but even today, still hard to take. Little children cold bloodedly machine gunned by ex-Nazis, nuns and soldiers raped, chainsaw attacks, people set on fire and other assorted tortures. The film is a favorite of Quentin Tarantino and it's easy to see why. Not only is it an influence on his INGLORIOUS BASTERDS but he even cast DARK's star Rod Taylor in the film and used portions of the film's score by Jacques Loussier. It's an exciting and visceral film, no doubt about it, but one can't help feeling queasy about it. If it were anyone but Cardiff at the helm, one might question the film maker's motives. Cinematography by Edward Scaife (KHARTOUM) with Jamaica subbing for the Congo. With Yvette Mimieux, Jim Brown, Kenneth More, Calvin Lockhart and as the unabashed ex-Nazi, Peter Carsten playing one of the most hateful of screen bad guys.