Review of The Searchers (1956) by Brendan D — 07 Apr 2012

A classic John Ford/John Wayne collaboration with the most memorable and perfectly constructed ending shot of the entire Western genre. While beautifully filmed, there are some flaws that bother me about this film.

Wayne is characteristically stiff, while everyone else overacts. There was a exaggerated stereotype theme that is a little too in-your-face than it should have been. The plot, though compelling in the end, seemed loose at times, especially when years went by and the audience has to take the characters' word for it.

But I want to end on a high note here, so I'll say that overall, it's a great movie, and a must for all Western lovers.