Paul Ferguson

One of the best westerns I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy. Robert Duvall as Boss and Kevin Costner as Charlie play off each other in a convincing way that invokes a combination of tenacity, integrity, and grit with a wonderful touch of humor. The same can be said of the supporting actors, particularly the late, great character actor Michael Jeter who plays the town stable guy Percy. Annette Bening likewise was compelling as the love interest of Charlie; and Michael Gambon who plays the ruthless, evil rancher Baxter in a manner reminiscent of the chilling brutality of the town lawman played by Gene Hackman in another classic western Unforgiven. And then there is the climatic ending gun fight that is reminiscent of other classic westerns like High Noon, Shane, and more recently the above mentioned Unforgiven. Kudos to Director Costner for orchestrating this ongoing fight for life like a cruel and vicious ballet.