I hated this film. It is such a chore to sit through, I hesitate to even give it points for its superficial qualities: a few handsomely photographed Western vistas, Christian Bale's convincing-if-perfunctory intensity, etc. It has a handful of concerns and notions—the inhumane treatment of Native Americans, violence and the trauma it causes on both sides of a conflict—and it lugubriously stretches them to well over two hours, but without much character development (particularly for its Native characters) and almost no historical or psychological insight. Allergic to excitement and suspense lest a single frame not be pompously forlorn, the film consistently confuses a funereal tone, slow-motion pacing, and a well-burnished aesthetic for depth, and what storytelling there is is often perplexing and oddly structured: consider Ben Foster's character, his introduction, and his exit...or the abrupt resolution of the Comanche threat...or how rapidly Rosamund Pike's character seems to transcend her delirium and grief...

D

I really dug this. Sure it glosses over some things that could have been more important, but I was pretty captivated throughout watching this. Bale is so good here at playing a complex yet interesting character who starts out as a racist, but redeems himself eventually. Cooper got a really solid ensemble cast in this even though some of them don't have a whole lot of screen time or are just brief cameos. I also loved the cinematography and something about this film felt like a old-school, epic Western. When the action hits it's badass and pretty damn violent too.

B+

Excellent Western.

A-

I saw this in theaters and was not a fan. I don't regret seeing it theatrically because it is gorgeous to look at. But it's incredibly slow and not very engaging. The opening is excellent. Thought I was going to love it after that. But then it just didn't go anywhere interesting and was way too long. Rosamund Pike is excellent though. She deserved a Best Supporting Actress nomination.

It's not bad. I am pretty shocked by David's rating. But it was underwhelming. Would never watch it again.


6/10 (C+)


I think Algren is going to give this an A or A+, FYI. Totally his kind of movie. Though I also thought it was David's kind of movie .

Not bad, but I can't lie that I am hugely disappointed by it. It ends well. Very poignant. But it does drag, and the story doesn't play out as expected (and that's the real let down - we do not even see the red-faced Camanche dude get his comeuppance!). It's about retribution and forgiveness, and understanding the warrior and his place. Bale gives a good performance. No surprises there. I did not think Chalamet was very good, so I was pleased when he exited early. The violence was rather tame. After the first initial attack on Pike's family, I thought it was going to be a savage western, but that is the high point in terms of violence. B-

Chalamet was awful in it. Razzie-worthy. Don't know what happened there.

Agreed. It was a weird performance. As if he stumbled into the role off the street.