Unforgiven

Rating:
Summary: More reality than spaghetti
Review: In brief, when I watched this film I felt as if I were really watching events of the last century taking place before me: the characters were all real to the bone, the storyline intriguing, and the action gripping. I couldn't help but contrast this production with older westerns made up through the 60's or so, where heroes wore white (spotless) ten-gallon hats, with black shiny boots and silver medallions all over their clothing and tack. I recommend this movie to anyone who likes westerns.

Rating:
Summary: In my opinion the best Western ever made
Review: This movie operates on so many levels one can watch it over and over again and always find something new. Eastwood does an amazing job of dealing with the myths of the west, making this the most realistic western I've ever seen, and one of my five favorite films of all time. It should have won an award for screenplay too..I think it is as well written as "Chinatown." Definitly worth getting on DVD as the crisp photography adds a lot to the overall film.

Rating:
Summary: Slow!
Review: I saw this movie for the first time a few months ago and I'm very greatful I never rented it or went to it in the theater. It was very dull. I will say that Clint Eastwood's performance was among the best he ever gave, it is just not that good of film. The characters never really go and do much, there is nothing done during this movie to keep you intersted. Once again the story takes for ever to get going and some characters are pointless. However the ending is done pretty well.The only thing that saved this film.Grade:D-

Rating:
Summary: Wrapping Up Clint's Western Career
Review: Those who say that this movie is slow, dark, depressing etc., are absolutely right. But that's exactly why the movie is brilliant. In many ways its a very late sequel or wrap up to all of Eastwood's Western heroes over the years. Its the tale of 4 old gunfighters who have taken different paths, worn down by the killing, with Eastwood playing a character that could be Josie Wales 20 years later. Its grim and morally ambiguous, but there's tremendous depth to the characters, and the performances are brilliant. Its hard to see Clint doing another Western after this one--its the perfect wrap up to his Western career, and to all of those stoic, seemingly invincible gunfighters he's played over the years.

Rating:
Summary: Good movie, but DVD light on the extras
Review: I rented this movie and enjoyed it. The final half hour was the best part. It had strong performances surrounded by a good story. The DVD picture and sound were well done. The DVD didn't include any extras but was still worth a rental. A great western and movie period.

Rating:
Summary: Clint Eastwood delivers a masterpiece
Review: This film won the 1992 Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Gene Hackman) and Best Editing. Garnering three of the "major" awards is impressive and they are what make the film a memorable and enjoyable experience. Eastwood the director is in top form. He has always displayed a steady hand in directing his stories and actors and he doesn't disappoint here. Nothing flashy but it is his understated direction that leads this film to it's climax. In less capable hands, a director may be apt to moralize or preach. Eastwood capably lets the story (overlooked as an original screenplay) tell itself. His turn as the lead character -- William Munny -- is also an underplayed, nuanced part. I think it is one of his best acting jobs. He carries a grim outlook and those set, steely eyes convey all of the emotions the character feels. In a movie with so much else that is good, his performance is not to be ignored. Gene Hackman is outstanding in his portrayal of Little Bill Daggett, the sheriff of Big Whiskey, WY. His performance is both blustery and low-keyed. It is a credit to Hackman to know how to pull if off effortlessly. The movie itself is the real star. It plays on so many levels and gives a lot of shades of gray that really blow off the Westerns of old. There is no good guy in the white hat. In fact, there is little good to be found in the movie. Most of the men and women are scoundrels or people of ill-repute. However the general theme of reality that Eastwood conveys is what you will have to look for. Things aren't what they seem and this "anti-Western" shrugs off the myths of the Old West.

Rating:
Summary: .
Review: Four-and-a-half stars would be my true rating, I think. This comes off more like a deliberate, careful, and thoughtful exploration of the aesthetics of the Western, and a manipulation of those same aesthetics, rather than a Western in the regular sense of the word. It plays with the notions of what constitute the romantic Western images, and twists them around with restraint but no apology. It is a fairly minimal, slow-paced movie, and this adds to its haunting and unusual effect. Fans of Westerns in general may or may not enjoy it; I am not particularly interested in Westerns and I thought it was brilliant. A little short of what I'd consider a masterpiece, but certainly a well-made, admirably handled, and distinctly original film.

Rating:
Summary: Majestic filmmaking meets timeless allegory
Review: "Unforgiven" is, simply, a masterpiece. Eastwood's contribution to filmmaking is cemented by this movie, which doesn't miss a beat. Richard Harris and Gene Hackman are unforgettable as English Bob and Little Bill, respectively. Enough hype, though; what brings me back to this movie time and again is that it works on three distinct levels. It is a morality play about alcohol and its impact on one man; it is a very entertaining Western; and above all, it is the story of the avenging angel, visiting down the Wrath of God on the wretched inhabitatants of Big Whiskey. If you haven't seen this yet, throw away the preconceptions and get ready to get blown away.

Rating:
Summary: Well-Made But Considerably Over-Rated
Review: There has been considerable discussion of the "depth" of this film, so I approached it with much anticipation. I was quite surprised to discover that, while expertly filmed, "Unforgiven" is largely a repetition of standard Western themes with all the depth of a pancake. It's a basic call: it isn't as memorable as Stage Coach or Red River, but if you like westerns you'll enjoy Unforgiven. On the other hand, if you don't like westerns, this isn't a film that will convert you.

Rating:
Summary: This is no doubt the best western ever made.
Review: This western is a masterpiece! Symbolic of the good and evil that resides in all of us, this is a story of a ruthless gunslinger's inner struggle to do good. Obviously, this evil, calloused world won't let him, and we see a raging dark side to this man that will make your head spin! On DVD it becomes a magnificent collector's item.