Unforgiven (1992)

Genre

Drama | Western

Director

Clint Eastwood

Country

USA

Cast

Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris, Jaimz Woolvett, Saul Rubinek, Frances Fisher, Anna Levine, Rob Campbell, Anthony James, Liisa Repo-Martell, Shane Meier, David Mucci, Tara Frederick, Beverly Elliot, Josie Smith

Storyline

With the help of his old partner Ned (Morgan Freeman) and a young man (Jaimz Woolvett), retired gunslinger William Munny (Clint Eastwood) rides off to kill one more time. 

Opinion

Like I said in the past, I am not a fan of western films. I don't dislike them, but it's not a genre I particularly enjoy watching. However, being a fan of Clint Eastwood, I decided to give this film a chance, and it was really worth the time.

"Unforgiven" is in fact a great dramatic western that feels so real it's shocking yet beautiful at the same time.

Although it's simple, thin and unconvincing, the story of a group of prostitutes trying to hire a killer to revenge the cut up of one of them actually works, in part because the writer filled it with plenty of human elements, and in part because it is presented more like a noir set in the west than a classic western. However, in spite of prostitutes being the foundation of the story, the film is actually the story of one man's redemption, and it's beautifully told.

The characters really surprised me. I wasn't expecting so well-developed characters in a western. It's unbelievable how each character feels like a real person. The transformation of the main character, Clint Eastwood's William Munny, throughout the film is also incredible. I have a complain though, not all the characters are interesting, most of them just happen to be there.

In here, Eastwood also proves his capabilities as a director, transforming violence into something unique and portraying a darker Wild West.

In addition to that, the film also benefits from the excellent cinematography by Jack N. Green, and a beautiful musical score by Lennie Niehaus.

And there's also a great cast. Other than Clint Eastwood giving a good performance as the main character, the supporting cast is really shining here, especially Gene Hackman in the role of the sadist sheriff, Little Bill Daggett, who gives an Oscar-worthy performance that easily eclipses Eastwood's.