a re-do of the 1957 film with Glenn Ford & Van Heflin.

Rating: 9/10 (9 January 2008)

I gave the 1957 version a rating of 9 as well as this one, Normally remakes rarely if ever get as good a review the second time around.
This version starring Russell Crowe & Christian Bale is a near copy of the original, They did change a few things & nearly every one is for the better. The original film was made in the time of the censors, Thankfully today we are much more realistic, (men are not fully shaved & groomed in every set up, Sets & costumes are not brand new in every scene etc)
Both films are violent, in this version the scenes are more realistic.
Both films are based on an Elmore Leonard short story he wrote in 1953. Neither screenplay is historically accurate, the writers were faithful to Mr.Leonard's thinking
The acting by both Russell Crowe & Christian Bale are perfect, as well as the entire supporting cast,an extra kudos to Ben Foster (ex juvenile star) the psycho cohort of Crowes character,, Yiu can really apply many things to his relationship to Crowe.
Gretchen Moll plays as Christian Bale's wife is good, The lad who plays their oldest son also very good. (this is a much larger role than in the 1957 version.
My only semi-gripe is (SPOILER ALERT) what happens at the ending with Bale's character.
Ignore the illogical spots in the film, just enjoy the superb acting & great production
ratings ***1/2 (out of 4) 95 points (out of 100) IMDb 9 (out of 10)