Robert Duval and Thomas Haden Church are uncle and nephew in this wonderful western tale directed by Walter Hill. Exquisite locations, fine acting, effective directing, and a moralistic script combine for an interesting excursion into the Old West of 1898.
The two are herding horses for sale in hopes of cashing a bonanza profit, when they come upon a brutal maniac abusing his charges: five young Chinese girls who have been sold into slavery/prostitution.
The film is not afraid to approach the subject of the inhumane practice of families selling their own children, or the danger and violence these young immigrants faced. Both lead characters prove themselves not only good Samaritans, but quite handy with all kinds of guns, so it's easy to see from a mile away what abusive maniac has a bull's eye painted on him. Soon, Duval and Church are escorting (and defending) the girls.
I think the Chinese & American characters would have had an easier job of learning to communicate than this movie depicts, but you know that all parties are sincere, and that is what's important. The language barrier is important for plot development, so the film forbids its characters to conquer it.
Good guys and bad guys are clear polar opposites, as this film's focus requires characters with heart do the right thing, and evil ones evoke audience involvement by representing everything repugnant. Gun play scenes are used sparingly, only when necessary, with several sections of the movie devoted to character study. This slow pacing approach provides good build up for the the crucial gunfight scenes. When bullets do fly, the action is well-choreographed.
All elements of a good Western are here. Duval's work is superior as always, as is the acting of the rest of the cast. A good story, and a well defined resolution. A worth-while movie.
The two are herding horses for sale in hopes of cashing a bonanza profit, when they come upon a brutal maniac abusing his charges: five young Chinese girls who have been sold into slavery/prostitution.
The film is not afraid to approach the subject of the inhumane practice of families selling their own children, or the danger and violence these young immigrants faced. Both lead characters prove themselves not only good Samaritans, but quite handy with all kinds of guns, so it's easy to see from a mile away what abusive maniac has a bull's eye painted on him. Soon, Duval and Church are escorting (and defending) the girls.
I think the Chinese & American characters would have had an easier job of learning to communicate than this movie depicts, but you know that all parties are sincere, and that is what's important. The language barrier is important for plot development, so the film forbids its characters to conquer it.
Good guys and bad guys are clear polar opposites, as this film's focus requires characters with heart do the right thing, and evil ones evoke audience involvement by representing everything repugnant. Gun play scenes are used sparingly, only when necessary, with several sections of the movie devoted to character study. This slow pacing approach provides good build up for the the crucial gunfight scenes. When bullets do fly, the action is well-choreographed.
All elements of a good Western are here. Duval's work is superior as always, as is the acting of the rest of the cast. A good story, and a well defined resolution. A worth-while movie.