Movie Review // Far Haven (2023)

Official summary: "In 1887, Hunter Braddock moves back to Far Haven, Arizona to start over with his two young children, but when his father-in-law is brutally attacked, he must take on the corrupt forces strangling the town in order to protect what he loves most."

(Note, the opening shot in the film actually says 1880.)

~

So for LOWCW, I typically like to do a mix of classics and newer titles. Along those lines, I've had a newer one picked out to watch for weeks. And it looks like it will be really great. I'm sure it'll be really great. But I just wasn't feeling it. 

Then, lo and behold, last night I ran across this one... And it has Branch in it. Or, I mean, the actor who played Branch. And he's alive and well. And you all know I'm not not seeing that. So here we are.

Again, this all happened last night. I don't think I've ever watched and reviewed something so swiftly so I'm rather shaking in my boots at my own rapidity. xD

(Full disclosure: where I found it and initially watched it I wasn't able to see the credits, but I've promptly ordered the DVD and if there's anything objectionable in the little bit I missed, I'll come back and update this review.)

I also had this entire thing almost written out and apparently didn't save my first draft. (Trust me, it's been a rollercoaster of a day.) Anyway! We're persevering, but that's why this review may be in a slightly different format.

The acting etc.

Bailey Chase, A. Martinez, and Chris Mulkey all do a great job and the rest of the supporting cast keep up quite decently. Initially, I wasn't sure about the child actors, but they won me over.

The fashions aren't entirely historically accurate, but in this context we won't bother about that.

The plot

Any quibbles I have are over some possible plot holes, but (thinking it over) some of them were actually resolved / nonexistent, so I'll have to watch a second time to make a final determination.

In short, is it hackneyed in places? Yes. Do people kinda have a miraculously speedy path to recovery from gunshot wounds between one day and the next? Yes. Do they sometimes act irrationally? Yes. (Irrationally as in, why pause to form a lynch mob when there's an active stage robbery going on rather than waiting till later?) But then again, the more I see of the world, the more I'm convinced that people just tend to go off their rockers in moments of stress. So yeah. Maybe I'm going soft on plot continuity writers in my old age. Because in spite of all of that, did I end up heartily enjoying it? Yes. 

Additionally, when it comes to family drama, there doesn't always have to be a big showdown for misunderstandings and rifts to happen. Sometimes it's just because one party refuses to explain themselves and say the darn thing. And that can be enough for confidence and trust to be broken. So I actually don't consider that aspect of the plot too far of a reach.

The ending provides satisfying resolution but is also a bit open-ended. And I rather liked that actually.  It highlights how life goes on. There will be future problems for our protagonist to work through, but his mettle has been shown -- and that's not changing. He's proven himself to be a true man. 

(I also saw a review on Amazon saying it feels like they were setting things up for a sequel, so there's that idea. We shall see!)

Themes

The faith themes (might) be more than a bit on the nose, but honestly, they're kind of what I needed right now. Additionally, the more conversations I have as a parent, the more I've realized how cheesy I sound sometimes, but that doesn't matter. Sometimes life is full of on the nose cheese.

I really really loved the emphasis on fatherhood. Further than that, on family. 

There is a strong matriarchal grandmother figure and also hints of what might be in the future with the local schoolteacher / love interest. I really liked how the women were portrayed. They absolutely come alongside their man, they have his back -- but they're women in their own right and when they're coming alongside, with wit and intelligence, they help their man forward to be a yet better man. 

And all of them are there to love on the children.

Theme #2 (or 3?): as aforementioned, there are some forced plot points and it is a tad rough in places, but -- with our protagonist an ex-soldier of the division dealing with Indian affairs -- I very much liked their take on the Indian Wars. Or at least, the train of thought they open up. They don't give a picture of all good guys and all bad guys either way, but by zoning in on one example of a conscientious objector who then paid a heavy price for his stand, they highlight the true nature of what military power should be all about, i.e. at the very least, protection of the helpless. Along these lines, we see the heart of true honor. 

Surprisingly (though it makes total sense, but still, I was surprised), part way through, I was starkly reminded of To Kill a Mockingbird.

And the analogy isn't exact, but, almost in the tradition of High Noon and other classics, we have our lone hero who, if not quite an outcast, at least sits ill at ease among his fellows, and yet still puts his life on the line for what's right. Fair warning, it's late and I'm going down fascinating rabbit trails xD, but here's the thing. We know the conflicted story surrounding the production and reception of High Noon, which does draw a very stark dividing line (accordingly creating a story of epic proportions), esp. regarding *spoilers* its lonely protagonist who is later saved by his wife *end spoilers*. In here they achieve a similar lone hero effect, but (and I liked this) he does ultimately gain a small band of trusted friends (while still having to win the rest of the town to his side). And the love interest can unexpectedly handle a firearm very well in a pinch. (So much so that I'm wondering if that's an homage to HN... Such things do happen in lots of other films as well, but... just maybe?)

The whole thing was refreshing. And -- I don't care if this is cliche -- it reminded and encouraged me once again that it's always worth standing for the truth. Always. 

And I'm grateful for that.

Final summary

All in all, it's clean and (apart from the shoot out scenes) absolutely family friendly, and I already have plans to happily rewatch it again in the near future! 

I'd love to hear if this is a new one to you too!

Inklings // April 2025

Happy April! Hope you're all having a lovely spring.

As always, feel free to join anytime here until the next prompt goes up! 💜 

Rules:

1. At any time during the month, on your own blog post a scene from a book or film that matches the prompt, including a link back here in your post.

2. Make sure to come back and leave a link to your entry in the box on this post. That's it!

~

April's prompt is:

A scene with roses in book or film

I'm really getting into a period drama mode lately... We also have roses blooming everywhere right now, and -- while I generally get in a N&S mood more in the fall / wintertime -- what with these sunny, blowsy yellow blooms glowing outside my kitchen window + everything being absolutely saturated in fresh green (you can probably see where this is going... xD), I just had to highlight the '04 North and South. I mean, what else is one to do?

I was specifically thinking of the early scene when Margaret's in the verdant south and Lennox comes to visit and then they're sitting in the grass together. (You can see the roses popping up in the pic below.)

(And then, of course, we have to have this lovely Pinterest collage... ;) Is that sliding two scenes into one prompt? 🫣)

*happy sigh* So beautiful!

Have you seen the '04 North and South?

You can pop your links below:

🌿 Can't wait to see what y'all come up with and have fun! 🌿

My 2024 Fall Film List

The following are titles that feel like fall to me. Enjoy!

~

Ever After

Still love this one to. bits. 

(reviewed here)

Anne of Avonlea

I mean... need I say more??

Jeeves and Wooster

The seasonal connection might be because the first page I ever read of Wodehouse contained the following:

"I reached out a hand from under the blankets, and rang the bell for Jeeves.

‘Good evening, Jeeves,’
‘Good morning, sir’
This surprised me.
‘Is it morning?’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Are you sure? It seems very dark outside.’
‘There is a fog, sir. If you will recollect, we are now in Autumn – season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.’
‘Season of what?’
‘Mists, sir, and mellow fruitfulness.’"
(The Code of the Woosters)

Love it so much.

But seriously, so many eps from the series just shout fall. An absolute seasonal essential.

Pride and Prejudice '05

Along with Ever After, the clear yet hazy golden light (+ the fog and rain scenes)... the textures and colors... everything in this film is just an entirely autumn-y immersion. It's scrumptious. (reviewed here.)  

The Princess Bride

Hadn't seen this one for years and realized on a recent rewatch that it's kinda set in late summer (with an overarching Christmas setup), but (similarly to EA & P&P) the clear lighting for this film feels so fall-ish. + there're the iconically rustling leaves in certain scenes. (Note: still have to review this one and had forgotten the mentions of self harm -- which definitely stuck out to me more now as a mother -- so just a quick fyi in case you forgot that too before family viewing.) That said, I'd also forgotten just how quotable it is. xD

Rob Roy: The Highland Rogue (1953)

Reviewed here years ago, I hadn't seen this one in eons, but rewatched it recently with my daughter and it held up quite well. As we were watching, it did strike me as kind of more wintery in places than autumnal, but something about all the outdoor scenes and colorful plaids and smoky interiors also just seemed very seasonal at the moment. Anyway, glad it was on our viewing list for this year. 

Love Comes Softly

Satisfyingly romantic (and including one of my favorite hymns in its score), I always end up wanting to rewatch it at least once a year. (short review here)

~

There you have it! Do you have any favorite fall inspired films?

Inklings || October 2024

Happy fall everyone! And once again, thank you for your kind patience. 

Below you will find our October prompt! Note: because I'm posting this late in the month, feel free to do your posts into November. I'll plan on putting up the next prompt the week of November 10th.

Rules:

1. At any time during the month, on your own blog post a scene from a book or film that matches the prompt, including a link back here in your post.

2. Make sure to come back and leave a link to your entry in the box on this post. That's it!

~

October's prompt is:

A scene by a lake in book or film

Full confession, this prompt came about because we just had a lovely little trip up in the mountains beside the bluest and turquoise-y-est lakeside and I'm just filled up to the point of being dazed with fresh mountain air and bushy undergrowth and granite boulders and fall colors and shifting-water-blues. (+ the high altitude sun. xD)

So! I'm going to share one of my favorite scenes from Augusta Jane (Evans) Wilson's A Speckled Bird. It's an old, very very romantic title, slightly mushy (so wouldn't recommend for young teens), but never strays into inappropriosity. The following is a pivotal scene, but shouldn't be too much of a spoiler. ;)

I read this book so many times I have it by heart. (And note: our main characters are married at this point, which is the main twist in this tale v. others.)

"The 'blue room' looked out on the sickle-shaped beach and upon the lake, and when the sun rose above cliffs at the rear of the house, the racing waves leaped, crooned, flashed in golden light. 

Looping back the lace draperies at the window, Eglah stood watching the flight of a loon, the quivering, silver flickers of ducks' wings against the pale pink sky-line, the gliding of a sloop with sails bending like a huge white butterfly balancing over some vast blue flower. 

Walking slowly up the beach, Mr. Herriott was approaching the stile, and with him the collie Pilot, the Polish wolfhound Tzar, one on each side, and the wiry black-and-white Skye terrier Snap wriggling in front. At the stile Amos Lea sat waiting, and master and gardener talked for some minutes.

After a little the latter rose, put one hand on Mr. Herriott's shoulder, raised the other, and turned his rugged face toward heaven.

Eglah knew he was praying for the man now hurrying away to multitudinous dangers, and her eyes grew strangely humid. When the mist cleared, she saw they were shaking hands, and Amos disappeared behind the garden wall. As the master neared the terrace steps he glanced up at her window, took off his cap, and saluted her. He had never looked so commanding, so nobly built, so superior to all other men. Something stirred, quivered, woke up in her heart, and a swift spasm of pain seized her." 

(And... there's still a long road for the poor things from there. 😭😭😭 As aforementioned, it is very romantic.💓) Let me know if you've read any of AEW's books!

You can pop your links below:

Have fun!

Movie Review || 2 Zorro Episodes (1990's) with Duncan Regehr

I've wanted to do a lot more Zorro-ish-ness on this blog for years -- and, one day, hopefully it'll happen -- but meanwhile, I'm just really wanting to add a little Zorro flair to LOWCW. There's a lot of debate out there on whether or not Zorro's a western and, properly speaking, it does belong more to the genre of swashbuckling cloak-and-dagger tales (think royal intrigue, spies and assassins, Three Musketeers, etc). But it's in CA, as far west as you can get, and -- though it's true the first mental image I always tend towards when it comes to the west is high plains, mountains, cattle ranchers, cowboys etc. -- the southwestern flavor is also an entirely valid influence on western history, literature, films, etc. And like some of the most famous spaghetti westerns, this particular Zorro was filmed entirely in Europe (i.e. Madrid, Spain), which is just a fascinating link to those more famous films as well.

So! Here's my humble Zorro contribution. Also FYI, they're not my personal absolute favorites from the series or even 5 star eps, they're just ones that specifically overlap most with my ideas of typical western iconography. In addition, while these particular episodes are pretty simplistically straightforward plot-wise (they are, after all, 20 min eps for a tv series), they're absolutely family friendly. And as there are 88 episodes for the series in total, (as you may imagine) the stakes and emotional investment do intensify as you delve into the entire thing. ;) 

For me now, though, too, it's also just a great deal of nostalgia, so I'm definitely looking forward to finally introducing and rewatching it all in the near future with my own small person.

So! All that said, let us to a quick recap of the two eps in question. First up we have:

Season 2, Episode 18: The Whistling Bandit

Summary: "A bandit robs the people of Los Angeles while whistling Beethoven's Ninth Symphony."

This one is getting honorary mention as the entire inciting incident revolves around a stagecoach hold-up -- with Zorro performing some masterful feats of agility to stay on the speeding stage. It's also especially good fun as it makes you genuinely wryly sympathize with the Alcalde (Zorro's bumbling arch-nemesis). In fact, in this one, pretty much everyone is on the same page. Cousin Hermalinda is frightful. (And she's way over-acting, but either way, it's a fantastic visual object lesson in how terrible it is to be a bona fide scold of a woman. xP) While checking up on a spelling, I also found the entire transcript here, which kinda tickles me. Anyway, yes, definitely a memorable one!

Season 3, Episode 4: The Man Who Cried Wolf

Summary: "A family is traveling to the Oregon territory to make a new life, but they are pursued by a man who the father crossed when he fought him for his pet wolf."

An unusual ep, this one brings a buckskin clad leather-fringed fighting mountain man into Zorro's territory.

Warning: Historical Rabbit Hole upcoming... Because... *coughs* I wasn't sure how much this one was fudging on time period and... I went down the rabbit hole. XD (Also keeping it to US western history in the following, but for an era reference, Jane Austen's Persuasion was published Dec 20, 1817.) 

Zorro adaptations are, of course, pretty fluid on dating: basically they just have to take place any time after 1781 (when Los Angeles was founded), but before 1821 when Mexico gained independence from the Spanish crown and took over control of California. Mexico then oversaw the region till Feb 1848 when the Mexican-American War ended and California became part of the ginormous amount of territory ceded to the US. 

It's a little confusing, but as for the Oregon Territory proper (encompassing what is now Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and parts of Montana and Wyoming) it existed from Aug 1848 to Feb 1859 (during which time you had the massive influx of settlers coming in via the Oregon Trail). Interestingly, it doesn't seem to have exactly been called Oregon Territory (only kinda, sorta?) before 1848, but from 1818-1846 the region was jointly controlled by the US and Britain (including British Columbia; but also apparently the entire region, which makes sense as I know the British Hudson Bay Company was dominating the area around Portland -- and I believe much more of the PNW as well -- in the early 1800's). So in a sense, it was still Oregon Territory before 1848, just didn't have a US governor? According to Wikipedia: "Although the Oregon Treaty of 1846 settled the boundaries of U.S. jurisdiction, the provisional government continued to function until 1849, when the first governor of Oregon Territory arrived. A faction of Oregon politicians hoped to continue Oregon's political evolution into an independent nation, but the pressure to join the United States prevailed by 1848, four months after the Mexican-American War."

I just think this is all so interesting -- and so interesting to overview and factor into our definitions of what makes 'western' films / stories. And what I found really attention grabbing, is just fleshing out how everything came together to create the set-up we see in the mid to late 1800's. It's like the stage is perfectly arranged and everything is poised for the giant explosion of activity that we see in the era of classic westerns. 

To sum up: 

• Spain establishes Los Ángeles in 1781
• Zorro takes place anywhere from 1781-1821 (in 1821 Mexico acquires control of what is now California)
• Meanwhile Britain and the US (from 1818-1846) are jointly ruling what becomes the Oregon territory via a provisional government, and there's a lot of fur trade and logging going on in the region + (I think) much burgeoning maritime activity / ports developing up and down the Pacific seaboard (another entirely interesting rabbit trail). This is the window where our current Zorro episode could definitely take place. (So it is historically possible!)
• Jan 1848 gold is discovered in CA
• US Oregon Territory becomes an official thing in Aug 1848
• The Mexican-American War also ends in 1848 and the US acquires control of what is now California (can't believe how much was happening in this year! I didn't even list two other smaller 1848 things I ran across)
• Heyday of the Oregon Trail in the 1840's-1860's
• In the 1850's we enter the era of the famous railroad barons and there was a lot of survey work being done
• Pony Express ran April 1860 - October 1861
• The first transcontinental railroad was completed from Omaha to Sacramento in 1869 

So yes, you can see the definite frames and transitions happening, but on the ground, in real life, we know things are rarely so clear cut and people's lives actually overlapped all the different eras. As a for instance, I often think of all the shifts that happened between 1915 and 1965, but a lot also happened in the 50 years between 1815 and 1865. 

Anyway! A lot of interesting research sparked from that one little episode, so it definitely gets points just for that. ;D

~

I enjoyed working on this! And as there are tons of Zorro adaptations out there, I thought it'd be great to toss out yet another western-y trail for y'all to explore. :) Have fun!

Inklings // May 2024

And here we are in May. Can you believe it?!? First off, I'm thrilled so many of you were also excited and joined in with our Inklings! If you haven't already, be sure to check out everyone else's wonderful entries below. You'll also find the new prompt for May. 

(My blogger account -- or our firewall, not sure which -- is still acting weird and won't always let me comment on the computer so I have to do it off my phone, which is slightly tricksy, but I'm hoping to come round and leave proper comments on all your lovely contributions asap. <3)

Rules:

1. At any time during the month, on your own blog post a scene from a book or film that matches the prompt, including a link back here in your post.

2. Leave a link to your entry in the comments section on this post and I'll post all your links with the next prompt. That's it!

April Round-Up:

(re a cake)

Astrya // The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Chloe the MovieCritic // Sleeping Beauty (1959)

Heidi // An Old-Fashioned Girl

Housemouse // Big Little Island by Valenti Angelo

Ivy Miranda // Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Lizzie Hexam // Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery

Ruth March // In Grandma's Attic by Arleta Richardson

~

May's prompt is:

A scene with a pearl necklace in book or film

My brain was spinning with ideas for this one, but ultimately I ended up going with this tried and true scene -- Bertie and Aunt Agatha and the Stolen Pearls during their sojourn at Westcombe-on-Sea in The Con (based in part on the short story Aunt Agatha Takes the Count in The World of Jeeves). It's a climactic moment so I won't divulge too many details, but it's also notable in being one of the few moments (only moment?) when Bertie stands up directly to Aunt Agatha. xD 

An all around classic. 

Full ep here:

~

Looking forward to seeing your entries as well -- have fun!

Comfy westerns

Ok, so I did a top 10 post a few years ago and -- while my choices have shifted around a fair bit from back then -- I don't feel like re-hashing all my decision making and/or describing ones that would still be on the list. 

So! I'm gonna make a top ten of my favorite comfort westerns. Not that they don't make you think and feel (obviously), but they're just comfy and familiar as an old hat and/or I just enjoy watching them.

#'s 1&2 are an overlap from what would be my current official top 10 list, but that's kinda a foregone conclusion. The great thing about this comfort watching thing, though, is that I don't have to agonize so much over the lower spots, as they would be much more dependent on a given day than on any strict grading system. 

And yes, Silverado, Lone Ranger (2013), Maverick '94, My Name's Nobody, The Good, The Bad & The Ugly and about 15 others are all runners up, but we're trying to keep this list manageable. ;) There are also sooooo many on my TBW list that I'm sure may eventually find their way onto it, but that's for another day. 

So, at this moment in time, here goes! 

10) Rawhide (1951)

Just re-watching bits this week and realizing how much I really do like this one. The found family elements... and the deceptively slow-burning action leading to massively high stakes and intensity (the ending is probably one of the most intense I've ever seen) -- all contributing to massive character development... Yeah, IMHO it's a totally underrated classic.

9) Angel and the Badman (2009) 

 

I don't blame anyone for not considering this one their cup of tea. Yes, certain casting decisions. Yes, the general B-rated-ness. Nevertheless, this one actually made me like the story better (including actually warming more to the old one as well), and that I find charming. There is one gratuitous and highly irritating change near the end (thanks, filmmakers), but fortunately it's easily skippable, and, if you do, it leaves everything nearly identical in gist to the original. I do love the original too. I mean, how could I not? It's straight up epic, gorgeous, stunning, and classic, which this isn't. But (and more will have to wait for a full review), BUT (with the proviso of skipping that one bit near the end) this one tweaks a few things from the narrative and in the process resolves some of my sticking points with the original, while at the same time being thoroughly recognizable.

Sidenote: it's also filmed in a very similar corner of the world to where I grew up and I didn't realize how nostalgic that would be -- it's actually quite lovely to see it used in a genuine western.

8) Love Comes Softly (2003)

 

All around sweet, this one usually ends up somewhere on my annual watch list.

7) Wanted: Dead or Alive (1958-1961)

(Have you ever looked into how hard it is to find a good pic for this? They're all either like blurry or squished.) Anyhow, I need to delve more into the later seasons, but -- as I always end up on a western thing after LOWCW ;) -- hopefully that'll be in the very near future.

 

6) The Fastest Gun Alive (1956) 

Slow yet stark -- pulsing with the torturous process of battling inner demons and facing down fear -- come the ending, this one always makes me want to alternately cheer and cry.

5) The Apple Dumpling Gang (1975)

One of the first westerns I ever saw and -- as such -- is pretty much the epitome of the comfy definition. 

 

4) The Tin Star (1957)

A weary loner... found family... a young idealistic hothead meeting the steadying (even if sometimes slightly annoyed) mentorship of ripened experience... this one's just entirely endearing.

3) Guy on a buffalo (2011)

Ok this is quirky and funny and an entire rabbit trail, but it's also THE single most played western thing at our house. And my husband has had -- not one -- not two -- but three t-shirts graced with quotes from it, so yeah, it pops up a lot at this establishment. Short of an honorary post of its own, it needs at least some recognition on this list. XD

The music clips are shorts created from the 1976 Buffalo Rider film starring stunt man Rick Guinn. RiffTrax also had fun with it at some point. And yes, don't miss parts 3 and 4. Also to be found on Youtube. xD

2) Open Range (2003)

This one has everything I love in a western. Good comaraderie, loyalty, courage, principles, romance... not to mention gorgeous scenery. Definitely a comfy watch + a top favorite.

 

1) Stagecoach (1939)

Epic. Archetypal. Classic.

<3

~

I've reviewed a bunch of these so you can check my list here if you want to see those. Also, last chance today to enter my giveaway here. And if you want to play my guess-the-film game. Have a lovely Friday wherever you are!

Movie Review || The Tin Star (1957) with Henry Fonda, Anthony Perkins & Lee Van Cleef

"Henry Fonda and Anthony Perkins headline The Tin Star, a tough-minded, character-driven western nominated for an Oscar for its story and screenplay. Perkins plays Ben Owens, a greenhorn sheriff who hasn't worn his badge long... and won't live to wear it much longer unless he gets some savvy help. Fonda, bringing to his role the presence and plain speaking that made him an icon of the cinematic West, plays wily bounty hunter Morg Hickman. 'A decent man doesn't want to kill,' Morg counsels Ben. 'But if you're going to shoot, shoot to kill.' Morg backs up his words with action. And when the time comes, so will Ben."

Ok y'all, so I have a new favorite! And it was a completely unexpected, happy surprise. 

This film is packed with great classic elements: an idealistic young sheriff, townspeople that can flip flop, a loner coming into town... found family.

And the roles are wonderfully inverted.

There's a young idiocy that sounds great and is well intentioned but has no clue as to how things actually work out on the ground. And there's a maturity that is -- not necessarily jaded and world weary -- but just under no illusions as to what standing on principle actually looks like in the real world. 

You need to have smarts and a cool head.

Some of this might sound simplistic (and there's a real element where that's true), but it also depends on what kind of story you're telling. Some stories are the stuff of myth and legend, and some stories you feel like you could step right into and not stick out like a sore thumb -- what with all the rough edges and awkward bumps of real life. Real life can be deceptively simple and mundane, but every day we're playing for eternal stakes. And it's that simple littleness spinning into the bigness together that gets under my skin in a story like this.

There's maturity and immaturity (seen reflected too in the parallel love stories, but no spoilers on that ;)). And part of becoming mature -- growing up and standing on your own two feet -- means learning (wisely, carefully, of course) to make your own decisions. Reading men and deciding who to trust. (Brought out interestingly in the whole little thing between Doc McCord, Ben, and Morg.) In a father figure capacity, the doctor is wise to counsel caution of a stranger, but as it turns out in the end here, Ben makes the right decision. But yet he does it without rebelling or creating a big scene or injecting unnecessary drama. We should want our children to come to that maturity. 

I've discovered part of the reason I really love both westerns and murder mysteries is -- not from some sort of weird morbidity -- but because everything is distilled down. From a technical perspective, they drive right down into the heart of things, the heart of people. That's not to say they can't be messy, with all sorts of conflicting motivations -- heartbreakingly trivial or momentous -- but still, they cut right to the heart of the matter.

In this case, how a man is made. 

And men were made to take a stand. Real men don't provoke fights, but they need to always be ready for one; and this is about straight forward, straight shooting, true manhood. It's about standing up against prejudice and injustice (sidenote, I really like how they take the whole justice/Indians theme into the very particular). It's about following the rule of law. Standing for goodness. 

And it's not solely about catching the bad guys. It's about being able to stand up to everyone else when the world goes mad.

I will say some of the story / themes seems a bit on the nose at first, but then it develops into something all too real and come the ending... well, let's just say I haven't been this invested in a film in quite a while. (Talk about all the feels.) In the climax, *slight spoiler* I wasn't actually worried any of our main characters would get killed (though maybe I should have been xD) *end spoiler*, but honestly, I was just desperately wanting to see that cool headedness come out of the raw -- that backbone, that standing for justice, that rock against the storm. 

Deservedly a classic (and, content-wise, entirely family friendly) it makes sturdy courage, truth, goodness... attractive and compelling. 

And that's no mean feat. In fact, it's quite something. ♡

I highly recommend it!