DVD Review: True Grit

Rating: 5.5/10 - Average

This Western directed by the Coen brothers is adapted from the 1968 novel by Charles Portis. It has all the characteristics you would expect from a Western film, a sheriff, horses and a chase.




Director: Joel and Ethan Coen. Screenplay: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen. Producers: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen and Scott Rudin. Executive Producers: David Ellison, Megan Ellison, Paul Schwake and Steven Spielberg. Cinematographer: Roger Deakins. Editor: Roderick Jaynes. Music: Carter Burwell. Production Designer: Jess Gonchor. Costume Designer: Mary Zophres. Distributor: Paramount Pictures. Starring: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Barry Pepper and Hailee Steinfeld. Age Restriction: 13V. Running Time: 111 Minutes.

The 14 year old, Mattie Ross (Elizabeth Marvel), sets out on a mission to find the murderer of her father, Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). She gets the help of one of the toughest U.S marshals, Reuben J. “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges). Cogburn is said to be a man of ‘true grit’, however has no airs and graces about him – booze is his best friend. Against the wishes of Cogburn, Mattie accompanies him on the trip into the Indian Nations in hunt of Chaney.

Texas ranger LeBoeuf is also on the hunt for Chaney and the two teams come into contact. Leboeuf suggests they join together to go on the hunt. Mattie is not happy with this situation and after much disagreement and action Cogburn and LeBoeuf part ways.

The hunt goes on with action happening all along the way.
This film definitely has a bit more violence than some other Western films, one man gets shot in the head at point blank range, another gets his fingers chopped off. It also has its cringe moments, and moments where you are not too sure how to feel – a bit uneasy.

The relationships that the characters have with each other are very interesting to watch. Each character has both qualities that you love and hate, leaving you unsure as to how feel about them. The determination of the young Mattie makes you look up to her and want to be on her side.

Verdict: Overall a very well made film by the Coen brothers. If you love Westerns then you will enjoy it, if you don’t like Westerns it may not be for you however it is manageable to watch. It will entertain you.

True Grit is available now on DVD and Blu-ray.