Redemption, at any cost.

Rating: 10/10 (17 August 2010)

I think above all "the Western" is the kind of movie genre that only interests its certain fans. Fans who love being told the oldest and most classic stories in a very straight-forward fashion.
I would say this movie is kind of a break from that mold, the story doesn't settle with any subject matter nor are the characters set in a black/white world.
Man is inherently good. This is something a lot of people believe in. Even if reality is more or less grounded in the grey area.
Which is where most of these characters reside.
Ben Wade (Russel Crowe) is a ruthless criminal, leader of an outfit of 'animals', loose but loyal henchman. It's quite the performance.
Dan Evans (Christian Bale) is a rancher down on his luck, who seems to have found his redeeming act in bringing Ben Wade to justice.
These two characters and at the same time the actors, make this film what it is. A story tracing the thin line between what is right and what is wrong. And with that knowledge, making a choice.