Unforgiven (1992)

Director: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman
Genre: Western

Plot: The biggest names in Hollywood come together to revive what was long dead, and they do it in style—Western makes a come back!

Clint Eastwood has done more westerns (actor/director) than anyone else I can think of. However, instead of being banal, each one of his films is a masterpiece in its own rights. In the same wild west setting there are such subtle variation in script and approach that you can only admire the master at work.

Once notorious killers and partners: William Munny (Eastwood) and Ned (Freeman) are now leading simple farm lives, separately. Munny’s beloved wife is dead and he has completely given up his old ways—whiskey and gun. Until, the economy forces them to take up a last job after a gap of almost eleven years. This last job is more about retaliation than money, though. The task will require them to lock horns with dangerous Little Bill (Hackman)—the sheriff, rather ruler, of the town of Big Whiskey, and they will pay a hefty price.

To clean any place somebody must get hands dirty and, inevitably, the chore falls into Munny’s hands. A little wary at the onset, in the end Munny is at peace with his inner self and realizes he must be who he is without a guilty conscious.

Another superb directorial effort by Eastwood. Timing, chemistry, perception and many other things might go awry when such heavy weights are involved; Eastwood shrewdly avoids that by giving them all personalized breathing space.

Eastwood had to ensure Munny isn’t swashbuckling like his “Dollar Trilogy” character and does a stupendous job on that. Gene Hackaman as a domineering sheriff is nothing less than mesmerizing.

8/10

Dances With Wolves (1990)

Director: Kevin Costner
Cast: Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene
Genre: Western/Adventure

Plot: A civil war hero is transferred to the remote west at his own behest. Here, he befriends the mystic Indians and Wolves! 

I remember watching this amazing movie a long time back on television. For my re-watch, fortunately, I had the extended version and still wouldn't mind any more of it!

Lt. John Dunbar (Costner) is a Union soldier manning a deserted post at the western frontier. The native Indians--possessing a very reserved nature and tolerance toward the outsiders--are his neighbors. His prized possession, a horse, is his only companion. Dunbar soon befriends a curious wolf that earns him the name Dances with Wolves with the Indians! 

Eventually, with the help of Kicking Bird and Stands with a Fist (a white girl rescued by Sioux Indian when very young) Dunbar breaks the ice with the Indians and becomes one of them.

It is a deeply touching epic about the end of a civilization (of Indians) and arrival of the 'Whites' into the west. It took Kevin Costner a total of 5 years and relatively shoestring budget (as compared to what movie earned!) to complete the movie. The effort is distinctly visible.

A special mention must be to the state of art cinematography and background score, which make the movie an audio-visual treat. The scenes featuring wolf (Two Socks-named by Dunbar for his white paws) and Costner are amazingly shot and have an artistic glow about them that soothe your whole inner being.

Dances With Wolves is a significant contribution to the world cinema by Costner. It isn't merely an entertaining movie, rather a tribute to once thriving genre. It entirely retains the legacy of the mysterious Indians.

Kudos to Costner for his maiden gem!!

8.5/10