This is a first rate Western with Tommy Lee Jones in the role of a neglectful father who comes back to help his daughter recover her kidnapped daughter from renegades. The setting is New Mexico in the nineteenth century and the depiction is not the all too typical romantic west. The action scenes are vivid... with lots of violence. The ending is suitable for a movie of this genre.
Ron Howard has come a long way from his days as Opie in Mayberry. The scenery is breathtaking, and the cast is outstanding. Tommy Lee Jones is a perfect fit for the father "gone Indian", while Cate Blanchett gives a solid performance as a woman holding her own in the wilderness. The outstanding performance in my mind is given by Eric Schweig as Chidin, the evil Apache witch. His acting is second to none in this film, a very convincing visual treat. Jenna Boyd is excellent as Dot, the younger daughter who goes on the chase with her mother and grandfather. This is a bit rough to watch in some places, a bit brutal, but then the west was a brutal place full of conflict and death, and spirits. Anyone who thinks the witchcraft aspect of this movie is over the top should enlighten themselves about the Indians' beliefs about the spirit world. To this day, there are still "good" medicine men, and "bad" medicine men, and this movie is in no way anti-Indian for depicting this. This movie is about the eternal struggle of good vs. evil, very well done.Read full review
I have watched this movie before and decided to own it. Ron Howard is the producer and the casts is exceptional!
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If you are a Cate Blanchett fan, then you must add this movie to your collection. Although this certainly is not her best work, it is pretty good nonetheless. Director Ron Howard did a good job casting all of the characters in the movie, the acting was great. The only portion of the movie that was a bit too much to take was of course "the witchcraft" stuff. Even with the witchcraft non-sense this movie is not as bad as the critics stated.
I'm not a real western fan but when you combine Cate Blanchett ( whom I adore), Tommy Lee Jones and directed by Ron Howard how can I resist? It's done extremely well. The acting is top notch. Hardly if any CGI effects which in my opinion lessen the effect of the story. A small and forgettable role by Val Kilmer in my opinion. I like the small roles that Ron gives his father and brother in all of his movies. This movie is definitely worth the time even if westerns aren't your thing.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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