Review of Lonely are the Brave (1962) by Garrett C — 18 May 2016
What an incredible gem of a film that does not deserve its minor status. This film is every bit as great as the films that are frequently cited as the best that Kirk Douglas starred in, such as Paths of Glory or Ace In the Hole.
Which is to say that it deserves to be considered one of the greatest films ever made. I've never seen a film that so brilliant combines a western with an existential noir drama, prison escape movie, and an action thriller! The film flows beautifully, and even during it's more outlandish moments feels completely plausible.
Kirk Douglas's performance is one of the best I've seen in a film. The black and white cinematography is to die for, and the shots are creative. "Lonely are the Brave" (Douglas wanted it to be titled "The Last Cowboy," which is more appropriate) is a thrilling film that manages to say a lot on loneliness, modernization, friendship, love, family, individualism, the west, and societal duty.
If that isn't what makes a brilliant film I don't know what does.
This review of Lonely are the Brave (1962) was written by Garrett C on 18 May 2016.
Lonely are the Brave has generally received very positive reviews.
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