phenomenal film

Rating: 9/10 (27 January 2008)

One of the best films of the year, certainly one of the best of the 'new breed' of westerns to come out in the past ten.
Gritty and realistic but without the gratuitous gore thought necessary in updates of this genre.
Russell Crowe and Christian Bale (why is he constantly overlooked by the Academy?)are at the top of their game. The supporting cast is outstanding with nary a false move made by anyone. Very happy to see the entire ensemble nominated by SAG. Ben Foster has true chameleon like qualities and makes for an excellent villain.
I have not seen the original but I have to say the ending was unexpected.
Highly recommended.