True Grit :: A 63 Review

Original View Date: February 26th, 2011

First of all, a big 'screw you' to the Oscars for pulling a 'Gangs of New York' shit on 'True Grit' because it was an excellent film. Not as nearly as good as 'No Country for Old Men' but some of those nominations should have been wins.

This was my most anticipated movie of 2010. Unfortunately they didn't show this at the theaters in Korea until February of 2011. The worst part is that my local theaters didn't even show 'True Grit' so I had to subway my ass all the way to Seoul.

My love for 'No Country for Old Men' had unknowingly made me expect the exact same movie. But 'True Grit' is nothing like 'No Country for Old Men'...but it has good moments in its own sense.

The opening is quite similar with the black title screen and the voice over monologue. However the rest is quite different. The most notable feature is the soundtrack. They actually have one and it works.

The dialogue is fantastic. I love the southern accents from every actor in this movie. Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon make this film an enjoyable, exciting adventure. This is a straight-out comedy film; people (including myself) laughed in the theaters when it was intended.

The disappointment was the fact that the film lacked the artistic perspectives. Unlike 'No Country for Old Men', 'True Grit' is more of an entertainment flick. The best I could say about its theme is that it's about revenge and how people catch up with time. Just wanted a little more.

The climax is also a little sudden to end. But this is actually a pro for me. It's a Coen Brothers' trademark. It's realistic. There's no rule in filmmaking that makes an antagonist invincible. People just die in these films because that's what happens in real life.

The trailer is just a hype creator. Many things you see in the trailer you will not see in the real movie. But that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Entertaining flick and a good addition to the Coen Brothers' filmography. Not their best work though.

Rating: ★★★★☆