True Grit Review

I don't know why it's taken me so long to watch True Grit. My goal this year was to watch every Oscar Nominated film for Best Picture, and I failed up until now. True Grit is a perfectly emotional Western that hits every right note to make one great film.

Now, True Grit is based on a novel of the same name, and it follows the novel very well, or so I'm heard. The story follows a young woman by the name of Mattie Ross, who tells the story of when her father was killed by a Mr. Tom Cheney, when she was just 14 years old. The story is told through her eyes, and follows her journey to avenge her father's death. She does this with the reluctant help of Deputy Marshal Rooster Cogburn, who insists that she shouldn't tag along. She does so, anyways, and the duo sets off in search of Cheney. Meanwhile, a ranger named LeBouef, who is pursuing Cheney for his own reasons, lends them a hand along the way. This puts the plot in full swing, as they travel across rugged Texas land in hot pursuit. Being a road movie, it's important that the plot never drags. Thankfully, it doesn't, and the pacing is excellent, balancing between more subtle quieter scenes within a cabin, and crazy gunfire chases in the old West. It's this element that makes the film great, since it's never rushed. All this great pacing leads up to an excellent confrontation with Cheney and his goons, and you'll smile seeing your favorite characters aid each other, especially one heartfelt scene between Mattie and Rooster, which puts Mattie's life in danger.

With such an excellent plot, you must expect excellent acting. Like always, the Coen Brothers deliver, and I haven't seen a better cast for any movie in a long time. Jeff Bridges is the star of the show, playing Rooster, and Bridges delivers a fantastic role. He balances humor with stern and care, and his character and Steinfeld's really interact, almost to the point of calling them related. It's truly a wonder to see these two on screen, since they give such a sincere and relatable performance as their relationship throbs up and down. 14 year old breakout star Hailee Steinfeld gives a phenomenal performance as Mattie Ross, and it's no wonder why her role got her an Oscar Nomination. Matt Damon also gives a great role as LeBouef, but his character is never really fleshed out, and is sort of just there for the ride. You'll want him to be developed more, but it never really happens. Thankfully, we get a phenomenal villain played by Josh Brolin, who, up until now, I never really enjoyed as an actor.

Another surprise from True Grit is its soundtrack. Every piece is fully orchestrated, with soft piano beats and violin riffs rounding it out. One track in particular, titled "The Wicked Flee" is sort of played as the theme song for the film, and it's obvious why. A great piano introduction leads into an astonishing orchestra melody, and its emotional quality is surreal.

True Grit is that rare Western that stumbles along and astonishes us all. With a great plot, astounding acting, and a beautiful soundtrack, it's clear why True Grit is receiving all the praise, and it tops my list for best Western film of all time.

Overall: 4.5/5.0