OK film... but why did i need to see it?

Rating: 8/10 (12 September 2009)

To be honest, this film left me wondering. I mean, everything in it was good; the acting of Pitt and especially that of Affleck was faultless. The cinematography was inspiring, and considering the setting and the story, the writing maintained a sustainable pace. It was all good... but the big question it left me asking, is why did i need to be told this story?
The one area in which i think the story fell down, is the part where it is supposed to tell me why this historical story is of any significance to history? Is it? Because in the end, the entire story is just about a junior criminal killing a senior criminal... I'll admit, this comment may sound a little naive maybe, (I don't know if Jesse James is some kind of people's hero in American culture or what), but the film failed to explain it to foreign (i.e. non-American) audiences. Why does it matter that Jesse James is killed, i just didn't get why everybody was making such a fuss and ostracising his killer. I mean, yeah the way he did it was cowardly, but its certainly not the only time a cowardly murder has occurred, so why is this one special?
Whilst this may sound like a minor issue, when you spend 2 hours and 40 odd minutes watching a film, you want to know why you invested your time in such a venture...
For future viewers, don't let this point prevent you seeing what is otherwise a brilliant, near-perfect movie, but my suggestion would be that if you are unfamiliar with Jesse James, maybe do a little bit of research regarding why he is infamous, because you will only be left guessing here.