- Sensibility: A very sensible Western tale. Some of the more mystical aspects may give pause, but even these are easy to contextualize.
- Cinematography: Absolutely stunning. So many incredible shots with natural lighting and unbelievable scenery. Costuming and props are also flawless. A near perfect Western visually, capturing the spirit of the land and the harsh living in it.
- Energy: A clear mission and great pacing make this short run-time film jam-packed with action, drama, and spirit.
- Narrative: Few stories have this much adventure, drama, action, spirituality, and humor all together in one beautiful package. Great dialogue writing with brilliant, thought-provoking lines that are so common throughout the film they flow effortlessly. On top of all this, the story has something meaningful to say about life, death, love, and nativism.
- T-Points: The film received 5 bonus points: one for a sequence with a man named Werner that feels non-literal, one for a great flood, one for two bits of dialogue that are brilliantly written and performed from Fassbender ("For our sake, let's hope he's wrong" and "Yeah, there's dying"), one for salt in a wound, and one the constant display of jaw-dropping scenery and use of natural lighting.
A near perfect film, and arguably one of the best Westerns I've ever seen. I think it holds a place with Leone's trilogy among the all-time greats.
Number of Watches: 3
