From retrospective reviews, AllMovie stated that the film "could very well be the Italian splatter-master's most personal, poignant, and compelling film – not to mention one of the most original spaghetti Westerns ever filmed."
According to AllMovie's retrospective reviews, the film is considered by many to be the director's most personal, moving, and captivating work, as well as one of the most innovative spaghetti Westerns ever made.