Visually Stunning Epic Western

Rating: 8/10 (23 January 2016)

I think this movie can be classed in two categories - "movies for the big screen" and "movies for men". The last category is tongue-in-cheek because I know there is a 'movies for men' channel that usually shows really bad films. I watched this at the cinema with a group of friends. The women did not like it as much as men did - that is all I am saying, but all agreed that the cinematography was amazing.
It is a story of survival in the wilderness in 19th century America. I think fur trapping was a lucrative business at the time and these guys were out there doing their job when catastrophe falls on them. Leonardo DiCaprio (Glass) and Tom Hardy (Fitzgerald) are the two main actors in this film, and they do a good job. One of the main themes of the film is revenge and these two actors play well against each other. The other theme is survival and this picture is relentless in the displaying hardship endured in what appears to be a endless winter wonderland. The film is shot completely in winter which is great if you like epic landscapes and there is plenty to admire in the beautifully shot locations.
There is also a running theme through the film of Indian tribes and their relationship with the 'white people', who were pushing them off their land. Glass and Fitzgerald I felt represented different views of the settlers on the Indians. One was of including their culture, the other was excluding it. I thought it was quite interesting with the racism agenda at the current Oscars that this film, which could win the best film, does convey a subtle anti-racist message.
Two and half hours, but not boring at all. A must watch in a cinema though. The visual display is enough in itself to make it a good watch - 8/10.