A forgotten Western film has been hailed as one of the all-time greats by movie fans, with many believing it was "robbed of an Oscar".
The 2010 adaptation of 'True Grit', a second take on the 1969 classic that starred John Wayne, draws from the novel bearing the same title. This later cinematic venture, helmed by the Coen Brothers, aspired to align more closely with the source material than its predecessor.
Stepping into the lead, Jeff Bridges portrays the tough-as-nails US Marshall Rooster Cogburn. A 14 year old lass named Mattie Ross hires him to solve her father's murder, a foul deed committed by hired gun Tom Chenny.
Alongside Bridges, star-studded names such as Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, and Hailee Steinfeld in his debut performance feature in this critically acclaimed piece.
A critique in The Guardian read: "In 1969, it was all about Mattie and Rooster's comic father-daughter relationship and LaBoeuf was a minor figure. Now it is an emotional triangle, and Damon gives a really outstanding performance as the prickly Texan Ranger, unsure whether to dislike Mattie or fall in love with her, and whose relationship with Mattie finally becomes poignant and tender, a gallant brotherly concern. Damon comes close, very close, to upstaging Bridges.", reports the Mirror US.
The 2010 remake of True Grit has been hailed as a masterpiece, with critics praising its stunning cinematography, courtesy of Roger Deakins, and its poignant conclusion, which showcases a level of emotional depth previously unseen in the Coen Brothers' work.
In addition to its critical acclaim, the film was also a massive commercial success, raking in an impressive $300 million at the box office. Fans were deeply moved by the movie's dark and powerful drama, and many were outraged when it was overlooked for an Oscar win.
On Rotten Tomatoes, one reviewer said: "Holy moly, the performances are amazing. Bridges is oscar-worthy here."
Another critic added: "Bridges should have won Best Actor for his amazing performance."
One reviewer went so far as to declare True Grit the best Western of the past 20 years, saying: "I would go as far to say as it's an excellent, albeit very fannish piece of filmmaking and the best western of the last twenty years."
Another critic praised the film's ability to win over both longtime fans of the original and new audiences, saying: "True Grit is a masterpiece that should win over the most dedicated Duke die-hards and introduce a new generation of boys (and girls) to the gritty thrills of the Wild West."
The film's unique blend of humor and eccentricity was also highlighted, with one reviewer noting: "The sharp humour of the film and flashes of eccentricity, such as a henchman who only communicates using animal noises, show the Coens' unique personality, but as a whole True Grit is beautifully, simply classic."
True Grit is currently available to rent on Apple TV or stream on Hulu.
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