Movie Review: True Grit
Teen Mattie Ross is sent on a trip by her mother to make arrangements for her father’s body to be sent home for burial. Mattie realizes her mother and siblings have little left to live on other than her father’s final posessions. Unknown to her mother, Mattie is planning to seek revenge against her father’s murderer, hired hand Tom Chaney. Mattie discovers the toughest U.S. Marshall is Rooster Cogburn, who has killed many men and drinks as hard as he lives. Straight-laced Texas Ranger LaBoeuf is also after Tom Chaney and joins forces with Cogburn and Mattie along the way.
The Coen brothers version of True Grit is excellent in every way, from the casting to the story and direction, cinematography, costumes, art direction and settings maintained historically down to the finest detail. This is how westerns are meant to be made. The filmmakers elevate from the original film by following the novel’s dark story. The main players are all excellent, with Jeff Bridges Oscar Nominated performance a stand-out. Bridges embodies Rooster Cogburn in all of his frailties, grit, and courage.
If you love westerns, Coen films, and want a different experience than the original True Grit, you’ll find it in this Coen brothers remarkable remake. Add this one to your must see list.
2010. Direction and screenplay by Ethan and Joel Coen. Starring Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Josh Brolin, Barry Pepper, and Matt Damon.
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