Review of Jeremiah Johnson (1972) by Ola G — 24 Feb 2009

Jeremiah Johnson (Robert Redford) is an American soldier grown tired of war and has decided to become a mountain man. Being a beginner at his newly chosen profession, he struggles to handle everyday situations as a trapper. Eventually he is taken in by an older trapper who teaches him how to survive. His adventure takes him trough both hardship and enjoyment. One day he is forced to take care of a mute little boy and this leads him to another situation of him getting married to an indian woman. This unlikely trio which has issues of communicating at first, grows into a proper family and they decide to build a home together. Life is complete for Jeremiah and his family.

One day a troop of soldiers passes his house on their way to save some settlers trapped in the mountains. They convince Jeremiah to become a scout for them and lead them to the settlers. On their way they are forced to violate an Indian burial ground, which results in Jeremiah losing his family to vengeance from the Crow indians. This starts a vendetta between him and the Crows, that ruins his idyllic life as a fur trapper.

"Jeremiah Johnson" contains of great direction from Sydney Pollack, as always a great performance from Robert Redford, gorgeous scenery, an intriguing/emotional/humourous story and just a great cinematic adventure. I really enjoyed this movie. I found the part where Jeremiah, his indian wife and their mute adopted son grew together into a family being were strong and showing in a great way of how we all long to be part of something bigger. This is a solid western saga and I can warmly recommend it.