Dances with Bear orThe Hateful One

Rating: 8/10 (2 January 2016)

While not my type of film, there's no mistaking it; The Revenant is one outstandingly made film. From cinematography, story, acting, scoreit's probably destined to win best picture.
While not my favorite movie of the year, again, not my brand of cinema and the movie never seemed to end, I wouldn't have a problem with it taking home the gold. Maybe Leo can FINALLY win one, as well. As good as he's been in the past, if he didn't give his all here, I don't know what it'll take.
While the story begins confusing – very little is spelled out, it becomes fairly simple. In probably thee most realistic animal attacks I've seen, the 1800's Cap'n Glass wrestles with a bear and is eventually left for dead by his men. When the even worse circumstance happens, it's man vs. nature leading into man vs. man.
The Revenant isn't a movie I ever want to see again, but I can appreciate all the efforts, scope, heart and depth that went into this production. It's an unmistakably realistic Western if I've ever seen one.
Not for kids and not for the mainstream, it's still recommended for cinema and (real) Old West lovers.