Review: ‘Django Shoots First’ is an entertaining but middling Spaghetti Western

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By Pip Ellwood-Hughes

August 24, 2026

Django aka Glenn Garvin (Glenn Saxson) meets a bounty hunter who has killed his father, and is in possession of the body. After killing the bounty hunter, Django takes his father’s body into the nearby town to collect the bounty for himself. Upon arrival, Django befriends Gordon (Fernando Sancho) and learns that following his father’s murder, he now owns half of the town. Now with a target on his head, Django has to outwit his late father’s business partner Ken Kluster (Nando Gazzolo), who wants him dead.

‘Django Shoots First’ is an Italian Spaghetti Western from director Alberto De Martino, that was originally released in 1966. Arriving at a time when there were many films using the Django character, this film was a lighter, more comedic take on the Western that eschewed the brutality and darkness that existed in the genre at the time. Featuring a linear story that unravels at a quick pace, the film isn’t trying to be deep or profound – just thoroughly entertaining.

One of the strongest moments is the opening scene where Django confronts his father’s killer. It’s a surprise for the audience and it sets off an intriguing story about a son who is out to stake his claim on what he’s owed, and avenge his father. While we never get a real sense of the relationship Django had with his father, it’s enough plot to compel him into the same space as Ken Kluster, the villain of the peace. There’s double-crossing, fights and a bit of romance, ticking off the tropes of the Western genre along the way.

The film really does ride on the shoulders of Glenn Saxson who gives a very animated performance as Django. Saxson is as adept at the film’s comedy elements as he is the action-packed moments. He’s a strong leading man and he elevates this rather middling material to be more watchable. Audiences will be able to root for Saxson’s Django, even if they might not fully believe him as a no-nonsense and dangerous cowboy.

The 4K restoration looks superb and brings out the colours, as well as improving the sound quality. The extras on the release include a new 15-minute interview with Glenn Saxson, a new audio commentary by filmmaker Alex Cox, interviews with Erika Blanc and Evelyn Stewart, and a 12-page booklet with a new essay from Peter Raleigh.

‘Django Shoots First’ is nothing more than an average Western that whiles away 90 or so minutes. It’s not groundbreaking for the genre, but it is buoyed by lively performances and plenty of action. Fans of Westerns will likely find plenty to enjoy but anyone who isn’t a fan of the genre best steer clear. ‘Django Shoots First’ is by no means a classic but it’s a solid enough film that should prove entertaining if Westerns are your thing.

Cast: Glenn Saxson, Fernando Sancho, Evelyn Stewart, Guido Lollobrigida, Nando Gazzolo, Erika Blanc Director: Albert De Martino Writers: Sandro Continenza, Massimiliano Capriccioli, Tito Carpi, Vincenzo Mannino, Giovanni Simonelli, Alberto De Martino Certificate: 12 Duration: 96 mins Released by: STUDIOCANAL Release date: 24th August 2026 Buy ‘Django Shoots First’ now