A drama of morality and redemption within a Western--superbly done.

Rating: 9/10 (16 October 2007)

Christian Bales and Russell Crowe are perfectly cast as the protagonists in this Western, as their respective characters seek redemption for their lifetime of failure and evil, respectively. Christian Bale's performance is especially riveting, as you come to know the character portrayed in the very depth of his soul. He finds redemption in his relationship with the villain Wade(Russell Crowe)and in his heroic behavior within the story. So, too, does the villain Wade, who finds his own redemption in his relationship with Dan (Christian Bale) and his final decision to give closure to the elder son. There is sufficient humanity and, indeed, humor in the portrayals by these characters, who are ably supported by the rest of the cast. This is a Western that can be enjoyed by serious film-goers who normally bypass this genre, and these same film-goers will regret missing this one if they do.