Review of The Searchers (1956) by Jeff N — 26 Feb 2012
Looking past the 50s over dramatic acting is a prerequisite to seeing the beauty of films like The Searchers. Â What is important to recognize is the sheer difficulty of filming such large, elaborate scenes back then in such majestic locales like Monument Valley.
 Visually, the scenery and battle scenes are marvelous.  However, the additional reason The Searchers is such a great film is the emotional battle in Ethan, played by the great John Wayne.  It's never explained where he was between the end of the Civil War and when he arrives at his brother's home.
 Clearly he learned the ways of the Comanche and of the Indians as a whole.  He developed an understanding of their thoughts and way of life, something he clearly wanted to eradicate.  So much so that he was willing to kill the very girl for whom he's been searching for 5 years after discovering that she has adapted to the Comanche ways.
 In the end, his humanity wins and he brings Debbie home to the only family she has left.  The ones who want her home no matter how much the Comanches have changed her.  The struggle between family and the perceived duty to eliminate the country of the Indian way is at heart of what is truly being sought.
This review of The Searchers (1956) was written by Jeff N on 26 Feb 2012.
The Searchers has generally received very positive reviews.
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