True Grit (15)

Directed by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen
Written by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen (screenplay) and Charles Portis (novel)
On general release from 11th February 2011

Reviewed by Hayley Morgan

The star of this film is no doubt the female lead Mattie Ross (played by the young Hailee Steinfeld).

Armed with a spunky attitude and quick tongue she persuades the slurring drunk, Marshall Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to help find Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), the man who killed her father. This story is quite clearly one of revenge. Accompanying Ross and Cogburn is Texas Ranger La Beouf (Matt Damon), who has been offered a reward for Chaney’s return to Texas where he is to be tried and hanged.

In true Coen Brothers style, the surroundings play a huge part in the overall atmosphere of the film; just like the snowy scenery in Fargo, the desert is used to great effect. The Brothers seem to have a way of creating a unique mood throughout their films and include their trademark wry humour and mild penchant for violence. There are some surprisingly gruesome scenes in the film which I feel that most mainstream directors would shy away from, but it’s done in such a way as to not discourage too many folk from seeing this brilliant film.

A well paced film with the Brothers’ trademark long drawn out scenes and witty dialogue, which might prove a bit difficult for your casual movie goer who doesn’t like anything too challenging, but for the rest of us a very well done film with all round brilliant acting, which is a rare thing from Hollywood these days.

Printer friendly page

Sorry Comments Closed

Comment left by russellalmond on 9th June, 2011 at 21:26
I am wanting to see this film but as a fan of John Wayne i feel as though i am being disloyal, i don`t want to like it realy but all the reviews i have read make me think i will like it. daft i know but there yer go