Review of Hostiles (2017) by Richard S — 03 Jul 2018

The shocking and brutal opening scene of this movie sets the tone for the story to come. The film is set in 1892 and follows an American Captain as he is given one last order before he retires, to transport and protect a Cheyenne war chief and his family as they return home after being imprisoned by the American army for some time. Having been a war for many years he is reluctant to help and only agrees when his future is threatened by those giving the orders. Along the way he encounters hostilities from a Comanche war group, American soldiers and hunters looking for a quick prize.

I thought Christian Bale was superb as a man fighting his own hatred to protect these people in the hope of laying down foundations for peace. It might be brutal and sombre in tone but it's overall message is one of the fight for peace, acceptance and forgiveness. One of the best films I have seen recently.