Ford directs this with a very subtle touch, softly balancing many conflicting tones. It is unusually tender while avoiding sentimentality, and yet it's tough without overt masculine pretension. The leisurely pace is sprinkled with moments of tension-and-relief until the big finale, and there's a slight comedic element that works much better than the usual hokey John Ford stuff. A flawless cast, and really outstanding cinematography (with lots of chiaroscuro). Just an all-around great movie.

Even those who think they don't like old westerns should give this a shot. It might just change your minds. It's a perfect example of the genre, with Henry Fonda (a stand-out in this) and Victor Mature in the familiar Wyatt Earp and Doc Hollyday roles. Yet, there's nothing familiar about the rest of this fresh and enjoyable film, exquisitely directed by one of the masters of the western, John Ford.

Truly iconic photography, flawless performances, and also remarkably well-paced, to boot - one of the finest reminders as to how important John Ford was to filmmaking.

I certainly appreciate the technical aspects and acting, but there's nothing about the story here that really captivated me. I personally prefer Tombstone (mainly for Val Kilmer's Doc Holiday, which was very much inspired by this film).

Hot-damn, this was pretty cool. Awesome presence from all the cast, competent script (with a touch of Shakey), and gorgeous cinematography to boot.

I don't see what the big deal is

Action, drama, romance, suspense, comedy, triumph and tragedy, song and dance: all done flawlessly. Every scene feels iconic and classic, it's the Casablanca of westerns. Fonda and Mature are men who are heroic by the nature of their inherent goodness, not tough guy talk and macho swagger. The supporting cast is excellent too, and the photography is top-notch. A film that beautifully blends mythology and reality.

# 86

A gracious, lyrical western with, yet again from Ford, impressively beautiful framing and careful and contrasted lighting. And again, Ford display a keen eye for details, primarily visible in the way he capture small gestures, modest glances, small nuances, implicitly and elegantly commenting on the various characters participating in this sombre poem. The characters, all clearly burdened by abiding doubts and longings, are depicted with sympathy and respect. Fucking masterful.

Well put-together and visually interesting, but also tremendously boring.

A damn good western. Henry Fonda is as usual fantastic. The chemistry between Earp and Holliday is fantastic. The relationships though underdeveloped was pretty well executed with what they had. A terrific western. Definitely worth a look.

Did I watch the wrong movie? The romance was terrible in my opinion. I'd recommend High Noon over this one any day.

Demonstrably great film, but if, like me, you aren't fond of westerns, this won't change your mind. Fine camerawork abounds.

A classic western with a great ensemble cast and mythic direction.

A couple of patchy spots here and there (The whole actor sequence felt kind of out-of-place) and I never quite bought Fonda as the iconic Wyatt Earp, even if his performance is still good. Still, a great performance from Mature, an exceptional directing job, and beautiful visuals more than make-up for that.

anyone else think henry fonda sounds like matthew fox?

astoundingly beautiful.

95

I liked this quite a bit, but for some reason it didn't really wow me. Maybe it's having seen Tombstone first, but I couldn't help feeling that a bunch of stuff was missing and the relationships were underdeveloped. What is there is great though: the feel of Tombstone, the acting, the pacing of the story all work to make this enjoyable.

One of the greatest westerns ever made, and one of the most unique, in that violence is practically an afterthought; though there are several entertaining action scenes, the movie's primary themes are romance and friendship. Holliday and Earp engage in a sort of power struggle, but it's clear that they have a mutual respect and like for each other; they are genuinely decent. Somber and elegiac, a swan song for the old west.

Fonda is amazing in Ford's western, a director who clearly knows his way around the genre. One must have an inherent love for the genre to perfectly balance a dark and bleak atmosphere with subtle romance and a sense of friendship and hope (the character of Clementine being responsible for that aspect). If you loved "Unforgiven", don't miss this film !!!

There's a church scene that features a particularly touching display of acting from Fonda. I say "particularly" because he's good not just in parts, but throughout, and he's probably the best part of the movie. Better than Ford's direction even. Apparently the depiction of the gunfight at the OK Corral is inaccurate historically. I can't tell you how much I don't care. A sensitive western for all demographics (except maybe injuns. Sorry fellas. The genre hasn't really treated you well has it?)

# 92

85

This could very well be my favorite Ford film from a purely visual standpoint. His use of space, his framing of the camera, the use of lighting in the frame, all of it works beautifully and all of it seems to have an inherent purpose. This is confident, top-notch filmmaking from a master of cinema.