Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Tom Hanks | ... | Captain Kidd | |
Helena Zengel | ... | Johanna | |
Tom Astor | ... | Cavalry Lieutenant | |
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Travis Johnson | ... | Cavalry Rider (as John Travis Johnson) |
Andy Kastelic | ... | Union Duty Officer | |
Ray McKinnon | ... | Simon Boudlin | |
Mare Winningham | ... | Doris Boudlin | |
Jeffrey Ware | ... | Red River Heckler | |
Chris Bylsma | ... | Red River Heckler | |
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Justin Tade | ... | Red River Heckler |
Darrin Giossi | ... | Federal Soldier | |
Brenden Wedner | ... | Young Progressive Speaker | |
Elizabeth Marvel | ... | Mrs. Gannett | |
Michael Angelo Covino | ... | Almay | |
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Clay James | ... | Almay's Man |
Five years after the end of the Civil War, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Tom Hanks), a veteran of three wars, now moves from town to town as a non-fiction storyteller, sharing the news of presidents and queens, glorious feuds, devastating catastrophes, and gripping adventures from the far reaches of the globe. On the plains of Texas, he crosses paths with Johanna (Helena Zengel), a 10-year-old taken in by the Kiowa people six years earlier and raised as one of their own. Johanna, hostile to a world she's never experienced, is being returned to her biological aunt and uncle against her will. Kidd agrees to deliver the child where the law says she belongs. As they travel hundreds of miles into the unforgiving wilderness, the two will face tremendous challenges of both human and natural forces as they search for a place that either can call home. Written by Universal Pictures
Tom Hanks is a 19th century newsman who reads newspaper stories to townsfolk in Texas. On his route of numerous locations, he comes across a young German-born girl who has been living under the care of native Americans who have been slaughtered. He takes it upon himself as her new guardian to escort her across the countryside to safety in the hope of finding her a new home. Along the way, they achieve an expected bond as two lonely souls in a treacherous world of danger of adversity.
Hanks is great as always, as the film is told from his weary, anguished eyes. But newcomer Helena Zengel steals the film from right underneath him with a mesmerizing performance as a young girl traumatized by personal tragedy, untrusting of the world around her and just beginning to learn her communication. Together, they bring this rugged journey to life. Director Paul Greengrass makes a vivid recreation of 19th century American wilderness, a land of difficult terrain and occasionally bitter climate. Through it all, it becomes a battle for survival for both the old man and the child he is protecting. An old school tale of American grit, this one is expertly crafted and highly recommended.