The only Buneul I can recall seeing are Un Chien Andalou and Virdinia. Death in the Garden was a totally different experience but just as eye-opening. Its based more firmly in reality and its similar on the surface to films like The African Queen. Its a hard-boiled adventure in the jungle, told in a 2-act scenario with a great emphasis in setting up the relationships and identities of the cast. That sets it apart from so many films of this nature. You care so much about these people. And Buneul keeps them believable and complex. You have no clue who will survive or betray the team. The answers are shocking but the ultimate climax is refreshing. You get an almost romantic and optimistic payoff that is earned... without being melodramatic.It goes without saying that the film is brilliant technically and stylistically. Bunuel was a true master and this is a masterpiece for its genre. Recommended for fans of well-made adventure/thrillers from any time or place.

Dear Luis Bunuel, I am surprised you made a seemingly commercial adventure film like McKenna's Gold. A badass wanderer has to stave off the police (who are in bed with the capitalist mafia), Mexican revolutionaries and a catholic priest. And there are not one but two femme fatales. The wanderer, femme fatales, priest and a cook are all cooped up on a boat as they escape the small town ravaged by fighting between the revolutionaries and the police. Then the action moves to a jungle. Jealousy and suspicion sets in between the members of the group. It is a really nice plot, Luis. One that is worthy of a Western.And it was reasonably entertaining. There are some pretty grotesque scenes in the jungle. Ruggero Deodato must have been watching your movie. I read some of the other reviews and I thought some of the reviewers saw too much into your film and your intentions.Best Regards, Pimpin.(7/10)

It's only now that we are able to enjoy many of the films Luis Buñuel made during his time in Mexico. Sure, it won't rank with his classics like Le Charme discret de la bourgeoisie or Cet obscur objet du désir, but this South American action thriller has a charm all it's own, Make no mistake, La mort en ce jardin, also has pure Buñuel elements to it, especially in the third act.Shark (Georges Marchal) and Djin (Simone Signoret) are certainly the most interesting characters in the first act. Shark may be a lout (Shut up Bible thumper!), but his skills come into play later. Djin is just hot.Great action in the jungle and a beautiful setting in Mexico.

Bunuel doing an adventure movie is fine in my book. Why do people have to be such snobs when it comes to pigeonholing directors? Some of the films Bunuel made during this period, he may have been personally disappointed because he might have rather been making pix with subject matter more of his choosing. Nevertheless the things that Bunuel brings to this movie - the subtle deadpan humor throughout, the irreverent politics, the surreal touches (especially in the last third of the film when our fugitive protagonists are in the jungle) -- make this a gem. Plus Georges Marchal, Charles Vanel and Michel Piccoli are stupendous. And Signoret is in a class by herself. Not only was she one of the most stunningly gorgeous and sexy actresses in movies anywhere in the world in the 1950s, she was also a great actress and perfect here as the unrepentant, mercenary whore who falls in love. The last jungle sequence has some of the most beautifully surreal images in any film from the decade. The new DVD is highly recommended. A really perfect balance of elements.