This is a brutal but beautiful story of redemption set against the harrowing backdrop of the wars between Native Americans and the settlers. It's both sad, moving and touching with a clear and important message about the need for tolerance. It was relevant then and it's relevant today, sadly.
Christian Bale is excellent as the reluctant leader of a posse of men tasked to take an old Cheyenne chief back to his homeland before he dies. Picking up Rosamund Pike on the way, who is part of a shocking opening scene, they embark on a journey of immense proportions. Echoes of past battles continue to haunt the soldiers as they are pitted against new enemies along the way
It is beautifully shot and captures the untouched beauty of the US perfectly.
There are few things that let it down though. Dialogue is frequently hard to understand. Some characters aren't made the made the most and come and go too quickly. For instance, Ben Foster is great, and he could have been more integral. It feels like there was maybe more to draw from the consternation that these US soldiers had in protecting their 'enemy'.
And whilst the main theme is redemption, it does seem that the main character was too quick to change this outlook considering his initial refusal when asked to undertake this voyage.
Either way, this is a good film worth watching.
Christian Bale is excellent as the reluctant leader of a posse of men tasked to take an old Cheyenne chief back to his homeland before he dies. Picking up Rosamund Pike on the way, who is part of a shocking opening scene, they embark on a journey of immense proportions. Echoes of past battles continue to haunt the soldiers as they are pitted against new enemies along the way
It is beautifully shot and captures the untouched beauty of the US perfectly.
There are few things that let it down though. Dialogue is frequently hard to understand. Some characters aren't made the made the most and come and go too quickly. For instance, Ben Foster is great, and he could have been more integral. It feels like there was maybe more to draw from the consternation that these US soldiers had in protecting their 'enemy'.
And whilst the main theme is redemption, it does seem that the main character was too quick to change this outlook considering his initial refusal when asked to undertake this voyage.
Either way, this is a good film worth watching.