In this allegorical tale, Clint Eastwood tackles the subjects of religion and law and order in 19th century USA with his customary panache. Directing himself, Eastwood is cast as a mysterious preacher who rides into a remote community of gold-panners under threat of eviction from their claims by gangsters in the nearby town. Eastwood’s preacher practises a muscular form of christianity, which leads him into several armed skirmishes with the hoodlums and an exquisitely staged final shoot-out with hired lawman Marshall Stockburn and his deputies, which will determine the fate of his adopted congregation.
Throughout the film Eastwood weighs the question of whether resisting violence with force can be justified, and conducts a subtle exploration of the dangers inherent in exercising such choice.
A multifaceted masterpiece.
3 Comments
March 16, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Great film.
A
March 16, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Now this one I have seen – A while ago, but I’ve definitely seen it :0)
March 16, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Yeah, I thought this might be more up your street, DG
And with Freeview, it’s never more than a couple of weeks before one of the channels is showing it again!