Excellent character development if you like that type of movie, although not for those who like only upbeat movies. Good cinematography. Every once in awhile, there are movies that have such an effect on me that I am grateful I saw it, but I don't know whether I ever want to watch it again. This is one. "Platoon" is another one. I remember walking out of the theater after watching "Platoon," and there was complete silence. Not a word was spoken by anyone who was there. I watched "Winter's Bone" on TV, but I would not be surprised if the theater audience's reaction was similar.