Review of The Searchers (1956) by Jose Luis M — 14 Jan 2015

A classic from possibly the greatest actor-director.

Combination in the history of westerns: John Wayne and John Ford.

An epic western. Epic in its timespan, its vistas, in its sheer.

Grandeur.

Entertaining story, with a plot that feels just right - complete,.

Circular and doesn't overstay its welcome.

Pacing is just right. Movie doesn't get bogged down at any stage.

However, there are some silly detours that threaten to derail the progress.

Incredible cinematography and scenery. Fantastic soundtrack too.

Moreover, you get a feeling that this is how the west really was:

Untamed, where everyone had to be resourceful and also rely on their.

Fellow settlers for survival.

Solid performance by John Wayne in the lead role. His sheer presence.

Carries the film. Good support from Jeffrey Hunter and Vera Miles.

Natalie Wood (aged 17 at the time) does well as (the older) Debbie.

Henry Brandon is suitably menacing as Scar.

However, it is some of the other performances, or characters, that let.

The movie down and prevent it from being an absolute masterpiece. I.

Found the Reverend, played by Ward Bond, incredibly irritating. So too.

Lars Jorgenson (played by John Qualen), Charlie McCorry (played by Ken.

Curtis) and Mose Harper (played by Hank Worden). All these characters.

Just don't seem real: they're either overly stereotypical or extreme.

It feels like every single one of those actors is over-acting.