Review of The Searchers (1956) by Dan S — 30 Dec 2010
Every now and then, I just like to turn on Netflix and watch one of my ol' favorites (and by old, I mean the movie is actually near ancient), and in hopes of keeping my recent Western tear going, I turned to one of the best in The Searchers.
Starring John Wayne in one of his many collaborations with famed director John Ford, The Searchers is without a doubt the duo's most impressive and still highly relevant outing. Painted in beautiful technicolor, Ford's cinematic landscape comes alive like few films of its time with an ever vivid blue sky standing out in particular.
The Duke's near villainous role as Civil War veteran Ethan Edwards is a rarity for the acting legend, and the film's outright confrontation with racism and treatment towards Indians stand it apart from all others.
Obviously, over fifty years have passed since its release, so the acting and general feel of the movie isn't gonna be exactly what one might be accustomed to these days. But make no mistake, The Searchers is a sprawling epic that stands the test of time and continues to serve as a benchmark for many modern day filmmakers (Stephen Spielberg admittedly being one of them).
If you've never watched a Western or even cared to try, start here and you'll get an idea of how it should be done.
This review of The Searchers (1956) was written by Dan S on 30 Dec 2010.
The Searchers has generally received very positive reviews.
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