Rating: 
Summary: Eastwood's Dark Masterpiece
Review: For many years now, my favorite Clint Eastwood western was "The Outlaw Josey Wales". But, in 1992, that changed. That was the year "Unforgiven' was released, and there will have to be something pretty significant to dislodge this film's achievement from my mind--though TOJW remains a close second. What makes this film so great are the star/director, supporting cast, cinematography, and story are so well matched as to create a film for the ages.The story is one that works on many levels. It begins with one insecure cowboy and a prostitute of Big Whiskey, Wyoming that cascades into an unforgivable act of violence. One that'll beget more when all is done. The local sheriff, "Little Bill" Daggett (Gene Hackman in top award form), has a less-than adequate consequence for the cowboys involved--especially for her fellow prostitutes led by Strawberry Alice (Frances Fisher). Thus, this group of women will look outside of the law (since it's done nothing for them and their mutilated cohort) in search for "justice." And so, a word-of-mouth bounty of $1000 is placed on the trails and in the ears of any 'randy' passersby. This promise of a bounty (through a young relative of an old sidekick) will eventually find William Munny (Eastwood), a poor, widowed Kansas pig farmer trying to make ends meet for his two young children. The "Schofield Kid" (Jaime Woolvett) has heard, in passed down tales, that Munny was one of the most cold-blooded bounty hunters there ever was. A "... known thief and murderer, a man of notoriously vicious and intemperate disposition" that he surmises would be an asset to have for the quest ahead. The others that will come to regret their involvement will include Ned Logan (the always great Morgan Freeman) as William's longtime friend and partner, and English Bob (the late Richard Harris) as the colorful, haughty gun-for-hire that also comes looking to collect. 'Unforgiven', besides bringing together a marvelous cast of lead and character actors together, has an absolutely splendid screenplay written by David Webb Peoples. It is quite a feat of elegant writing that can debunk the Western myths, as it does, but still come off heroic. Clint knew that when he obtained the rights many years prior. It's to his credit that he recognized it as such and was smart enough to hold on to it until he was the right age and maturity to bring it off as actor and director. William Munny is both very close and far aways from his earlier 'Man With No Name' character. If anything, he is the summation of him. His being is of a troubled man, one that was 'turned' from drink and violence years ago by the love of a good woman (she's only hauntingly referred to in the prologue/epilogue). A struggling man looking to avoid poverty (for his kids) and damnation (for his past deeds), only to find he can't have both. He'll learn that the cost of violence, to twist a phrase by Mark Twain, "cannot compromise for less than 100 cents on the dollar and its debts never outlaw." 'Unforgiven', by rides end, will attest to all of that. And, it will sharply come back on itself. Little Bill, a good man gone bad, will have us pulling for that reformed bad man to take up the drink again and summon back the demon. Violence and revenge, without an 'Undo' command. At the climactic moment, in one of the best and simplest exchanges of the film, the essence of this becomes clear: Little Bill says, "I'll see you in Hell, William Munny." To which Munny knowingly replies, "Yeah." Another interesting aspect of the story is that none of the main male characters is what he first seems. Note the changes each character goes through by story's end. None of the men presented are black or white--just a soul-robbing gray. Cinematographer Jack N. Green does an equally beautiful job etching an great visual canvas for a story told mostly in the contrast of shadows and highlights. This film won four deserved '92 Academy Awards (Picture, Supporting Actor, Director, and Film Editing). Finally, this second-edition DVD offers an all new digital transfer, a good commentary track by film critic Richard Schickel, and a nice set of featurette and documentary extras. Also included is a vintage episode of 'Maverick' with Clint guest starring--an interesting, light counterpoint to the movie. This is one of the most grim and dusky Best Picture winners ever (and only the third Western in film history to do so). But, it's also Eastwood's Dark Masterpiece.
Rating: 
Summary: Unforgiven: A Classic Western
Review: During the 1980's, the western genre seemed to be dying out, but with films such as "Unforgiven" and "Dances with Wolves", it may be on the rise again. "Unforgiven" is Clint Eastwood's masterpiece, representing the pinnacle of a long successful career. Although Eastwood is famous for such westerns as "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" and "Hang 'em High", this may go down as his best. The movie borrows themes from other westerns while psychologically analyzing the morals of the West. From the great western "Shane", the movie uses the idea of a retired gunslinger. It has funny light scenes that are reminiscent of the western "Butch Cassdiy and the Sundance Kid" as well. The violent end seems to hark back to the western "The Wild Bunch". This film goes beyond those films though, because there are no clear good and evil sides in this movie. The audience does not really despise Gene Hackman as the bad guy (Best Supporting Actor Oscar). One also feels bad for the two cowboys that cut up the prostitute. One drunken mistake gets them both killed. If it wasn't for the popularity and love of Eastwood, the audience might even despise his character. This film represents the perfect western. With beautiful photography, editing, and directing, it is the very epitome of a great western.
Rating: 
Summary: Clint's Done Better
Review: Clint's done better. For example, "High Plains Drifter" was a far cry better. At least there was a hero in HPD; in "Unforgiven" this anti-hero stuff just leaves you kind of bummed out. I understand the movie's message but it just doesn't work for holding my interest. Gimme a good guy and let's just forget the depressing gray area. Believe it or not, there really are such things as distinguishable good and evil, unlike what this movie would have you believe.
This movie is rather slow at times too.
That they gave this movie best picture had more to do with throwing Clint a lifetime achievement bone--and the fact that it was up against weak competition that year--than it did any real merit of this movie.
By the way, I would've given this movie 3 stars were it not for the groupthinked, ridiculously hyperbolic 5 starred reviews on here.
Rating:
Summary: A good anti-Western
Review: Eastwood has turned in a good Western here, even though the theme is anti-Western, and he plays an anti-hero. The plot is well covered by other reviewers. A ... is attacked and disfigured by a couple of local cowhands, and the madam and her girls raise a bounty and hire Munny (Eastwood) and his sidekicks to kill them. And, they do. That's the gist of it. The movie is earthy. The bad guy, for example, is killed while using the outhouse. An undignified end, which is exactly what he deserves. No heroism here. No shining knight on a white charger. Instead, you get the feeling of realism, which is what director Eastwood was certainly after. Joseph (Joe) Pierre
author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
Rating:
Summary: A poetic, elegiac and beautiful masterpiece
Review: With "Unforgiven", director Clint Eastwood delivered his best film to date. The Oscars and countless other awards for this film were entirely merited.
Eastwood gives heroism and old Western clichees a backseat and gives his movie a more realistic tone. He destroys the myth that justice always triumphed in the good old west (one of the cowboys that Eastwood shoots actually did not do anything wrong and Morgan Freeman is sadisticly tortured though he did not kill anybody). The film is full of strong, poetic imagery and the performances by Eastwood, Hackman, Freeman and the supporting cast are all excellent. One should also not forget to mention screenwriter David Webb Peoples ("Blade Runner", "12 Monkeys"), whose script is one of the finest in the history of the genre. "Unforgiven" proved that many critics underestimated Clint Eastwood. He showed that he is able to make a subtle, haunting and intelligent film that is also entertaining. It's a pity that he did't make any Westerns after this one. Maybe he thought he couldn't top it. If you look at it that way, who could?
Rating:
Summary: Not a Western movie fan but loved this one
Review: For the most part, I have never gotten into the Western movie genre, although I did enjoy "The Searchers". So I had my reservations in renting this movie, but did so just to see why it won so many awards and the praise of critics. And now I understand why this is such a decorated film. "Unforgiven" touts two great characterizations. Gene Hackman makes you loathe him as the prideful and sadistic sheriff Little Bill who rules with an iron fist of justice. But the Clint Eastwood character, William Munny, is even more interesting. He portrays an once infamous outlaw, who has softened under years of aging and family responsibility. Had this film been about William Munny in his youth, he undoubtly would have been the bad guy. So on one hand, as the "good" guy of the film, you don't want to see him become a killer again, but on the other hand you really want to see him kill the bad guys. It's a great examination of the moral dilemnas in killing, something rarely offered in this kind of film. If you're looking for a great shoot 'em up cowboy flick, then steer clear of this one. Otherwise be prepared for a treat of moral amibuities, beautiful cinematography and Clint Eastwood & Gene Hackman at their best.
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: Horrible!!!!
Review: I have no idea what the big deal with this movie is. I was told by a couple of people that it was one of the greatest movies they have ever seen. Well apparently they haven't seen too many. It was aweful. And just so you don't think I have horrible taste in movies. Here are some of the movies that I think are REALLY great: Once Upon A Time In America, Saving Private Ryan, The Shawshank Redemption, Good Fellas, Enemy At The Gates, and Life Is Beautiful. Save your money!!
Rating:
Summary: Unforgiven: A Classic Western
Review: During the 1980's, the western genre seemed to be dying out, but with films such as "Unforgiven" and "Dances with Wolves", it may be on the rise again. "Unforgiven" is Clint Eastwood's masterpiece, representing the pinnacle of a long successful career. Although Eastwood is famous for such westerns as "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" and "Hang 'em High", this may go down as his best. The movie borrows themes from other westerns while psychologically analyzing the morals of the West. From the great western "Shane", the movie uses the idea of a retired gunslinger. It has funny light scenes that are reminiscent of the western "Butch Cassdiy and the Sundance Kid" as well. The violent end seems to hark back to the western "The Wild Bunch". This film goes beyond those films though, because there are no clear good and evil sides in this movie. The audience does not really despise Gene Hackman as the bad guy (Best Supporting Actor Oscar). One also feels bad for the two cowboys that cut up the prostitute. One drunken mistake gets them both killed. If it wasn't for the popularity and love of Eastwood, the audience might even despise his character. This film represents the perfect western. With beautiful photography, editing, and directing, it is the very epitome of a great western.
Rating:
Summary: Rather good
Review: This film is very good. As you can tell from the rave revies it has on this website and the 4 oscars it won in 1992 for Best Picture, Director, Supporting Actor and something else i cant remember. The plot is convential - the hitman comes out of retirement after personal tragedy, but the performances superb and the charcetrs fascinating you'll be hooked. It's a great film and shows the acting talents of Clint Eastwood amount to much more than simply facial expressions, although they are spot on again here. Gene Hackman is probably the true star here and his oscar was well deserved. The performance he gives as Little Bill Daggett is so three dimensional and you wonder to start with just is he good or bad? Nothing is made too obvious and you only find out later you should root against him. Morgan Freeman and Richard Harris have smaller roles but do their best and it all works well. It's well acted, directed and boasts great scenery. This is the intelligent western and portrays gritty real charcters and makes you think. It's very grim and shows real hardness without being brutal - and that's hard to achieve. Watch - better yet buy - this, you certainly won't regret it.
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