True Grit, 2010 (Grade A+)

Directors: Ethan Coen & Joel Coen

Awards--Lots of nominations & deserves to win a lot of awards

Cast: Jeff Bridges; Hailee Sreinfeld; Matt Damon; Josh Brolin; Barry Pepper; Dakin Matthews; Paul Rae; Domhnall Gleeson; Elizabeth Marvel

Plot summary: Drifter Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin) murders the father of 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld). She in turn hires U.S. Marshal Reuben "Rooster" Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to help her track down and capture the criminal.  Cogburn is said to have 'true grit', but how could that be so when he is an near penniless alcoholic. But he takes the job and we see what 'true grit' really is.  Joining the Cogburn and Hattie  is a Texas Ranger (Matt Damon) who's also hunting for Chaney in, what some call are calling an 'updated John Wayne western'  -- but they are wrong about that. This it is an entirely different story in the Coen's hands.

sez says: I loved this movie-- I went and saw it twice (I have not gone to see a movie twice in 40 years).  It is about honor and doing the right thing no matter how hard it is to do it.  There has been a lot of talk about the language use in this film.  All contractions in the language are removed.   The characters say "I will' not I'll  --or 'I am not'  rather than  'I'm not;  -- or  they say 'do not' instead of 'don't'  etc etc.  I think it is clear that by using the language this way the characters are made to assert themselves and their intentions with a kind of direct honesty that is part of the theme of the story.  People need to say honestly what can be expected of them and then be good to their word--in that simple idea is the basis of what is required for 'true grit' --to be honorable, trustworthy, willing to take responsibility for doing what is right when called upon, and our drunken Cogburn does all of that-which is the true measure of his 'grit' / worth as a human being. The acting is great, the setting is fabulous and the story is enough to make you cry. 

mjc says: we saw this twice--I could go see it again right now. The images the story telling, the acting, the music, the language of the dialogue still has a grip on me.