The best western since Unforgiven

Rating: 9/10 (8 November 2007)

I read the comments earlier prior to watching this movie and they were spot on. The acting is fantastic and Oscar worthy performances throughout. It deserves best film but whether this is up for Oscars come next year who is to say, it should be and best supporting actor easily by Ben Foster who plays the ruthless gang member on the trail of his captured boss Ben Wade (Russel Crowe). His performance was the most memorable as he exhibits the resolute qualities of his captured boss. Both the antagonist and protagonist roles are well played. A well crafted and intelligent screenplay which makes for the best film since Unforgiven. Like Unforgiven it doesn't set out to show good guys as flawless and bad guys without some sensitivity. Ben Wade (Russel Crowe) exhibits all the wile and cunning of a fox to escape his captors and it is towards the end he shows a different side to that which he plays so well throughout the film. Another case in point Byron Mcelroy (Petre Fonda) who is on the good side. It is soon apparent that he is as ruthless as those he intends to bring to justice and those who are justice are equally as ruthless in other ways as the story unfolds. Only Dan Evans (Christain Bale) has any credibility as the suppressed rancher. As the story unfolds the twists in the story make the film intense and thoroughly enjoyable. It will stand out as a classic and hopefully be the revival of the western. If it is I hope for more of the same intelligently written well acted and Oscar worthy westerns. Lets hope it is nominated and gains the recognition to put it up there with Unforgiven.