True Grit

The Cohen Brothers bring us another great film with True Grit, based upon the novel and a remake of a 1969 film with John Wayne. It is a true western film and follows the story of a 14 year old girl Mattie (Hailee Stienfeld) on a quest to bring justice to her father's killer. The courageous and quick witted young girl hires the help of a 'true grit' man, the abrupt Marshall Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to hunt down the murderer. Texan ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) joins the pair who so happens to be hunting the same man for a different crime.

Tension builds leading to a satisfying climax. It is a true western; dirty, gritty, bloody whilst all travelling on horse back.

The characters are memorable; Cogburn as the drunk, egotistical Marshall who shows some of his heart brings the film many laughs, but it is Mattie, the young girl filled with determination and strong will that gives emotional heart to the film. Stienfeld gives an amazing performance stealing the scenes from the more experienced actors.

The film gives hope that the western genre lives on, especially in the hands of the such gifted storytellers as the Cohen Brothers.
4.5/5