Review of Red River (2011) by Johnathon W — 20 Feb 2016
Epic western thanks to a superb cast and Hawks brilliant direction. John Wayne gives one of his best performances as Tom Dunson, a stubborn & driven man that can build a cattle empire and drive a herd thousand of miles, but run off his loved ones in the process.
He's matched well by Montgomery Cliff, who isn't blind to his adopted father's faults but his love provides his loyalty till he goes too far. Behind the camera, Hawks crafts one of his best films, making great use of the epic landscape while providing realistic depiction of life on the range (death & hard living were a part of it).
Hawks admirably also keeps Dunson conflicted, not softening his edges but gives him enough layers you can understand him (he's the kind of man who will kill someone but then read the Bible at their funeral).
Plus, the story takes some nice twists, even playing against expectations while still be satisfying. Overall, one of the best films by both John Wayne & Howard Hawks, which by default, makes it one of the best films ever.
This review of Red River (2011) was written by Johnathon W on 20 Feb 2016.
Red River has generally received positive reviews.
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