On the other hand, while I did feel the drag in the middle, there is a nice realistic build. The characters are not driven by the plot, rather everything happens to them. It is definitely a nice change of pace. I loved both Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen, both of them "got it." The relationship their characters have and the chemistry the actors have is fantastic. Watching them do their thing is like watching an acting clinic. These two are the reason to see this movie.
Bottom line. For as middling as my reaction was, I find it hard not to give this a recommendation. This is a western from the old school. There is no modernistic take, no current cynicism to make it palatable for a modern audience. This is a western in the classic sense that has fantastic performances in the lead, and direction (from Ed Harris) that knows to hang back and let the actors do their thing. The screenplay may not be what I would like it to be , but this is still worth your time.
Recommended.
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