Review of The Proposition (2005) by Mauro R — 23 Feb 2010

Gritty, visceral Western that uses the stunning and brutal Australian landscape to brilliant effect. Featuring contrasting familial relationships (the violent brothers, the married couple), this film builds up the tension through a taut script, a soundtrack that is more to the fore than in most films and some excellent performances, particularly from Ray Winstone as the good soldier tainted by his constant brushes with the dregs of humanity and Emily Watson as his devoted wife.