95
There were a lot of things I was expecting here. I was looking forward to a classic "let's get 'em" story full of cliches and classic tropes. I was looking for a really good thing, but what I did not expect was a complete masterpiece. What I did not expect was an amazing critique of America, its racist roots, and an exploration of foundation. Ethan is such an easy guy to hate, and I do too. But his journey makes me respect his character so much (FROM THE STANDPOINT OF RESPECTING THE CRAFT, NOT AGREEING WITH HIS IDEALS OR ACTIONS). Letting rage and racism take you over and turning you into what you once hated is some powerful stuff. And what I REALLY didn't expect was him to have a slight redemption at the end by saving Debbie. That completely caught me off guard and felt so contradictory. But about 2 minutes later, it all made sense as he stood alone in that doorway. You can change, but the wrongs you've done will still isolate you from others. Is he a good guy at the end of the story? No, I don't think so. Did he realize something and begin to change? I think so, yes. But that change doesn't happen immediately, and that's what makes this ending and the entire film so genius to me. Let's not forget it looks gorgeous thanks to Technicolor (I don't know what I'd do without it, seriously). This is one of the best Westerns ever made and that is without a shadow of a doubt.
95
There were a lot of things I was expecting here. I was looking forward to a classic "let's get 'em" story full of cliches and classic tropes. I was looking for a really good thing, but what I did not expect was a complete masterpiece. What I did not expect was an amazing critique of America, its racist roots, and an exploration of foundation. Ethan is such an easy guy to hate, and I do too. But his journey makes me respect his character so much (FROM THE STANDPOINT OF RESPECTING THE CRAFT, NOT AGREEING WITH HIS IDEALS OR ACTIONS). Letting rage and racism take you over and turning you into what you once hated is some powerful stuff. And what I REALLY didn't expect was him to have a slight redemption at the end by saving Debbie. That completely caught me off guard and felt so contradictory. But about 2 minutes later, it all made sense as he stood alone in that doorway. You can change, but the wrongs you've done will still isolate you from others. Is he a good guy at the end of the story? No, I don't think so. Did he realize something and begin to change? I think so, yes. But that change doesn't happen immediately, and that's what makes this ending and the entire film so genius to me. Let's not forget it looks gorgeous thanks to Technicolor (I don't know what I'd do without it, seriously). This is one of the best Westerns ever made and that is without a shadow of a doubt.
