True Grit Review

In the vast world of spaghetti westerns and cheesy cop-and-robber plotlines, True Grit stands above all other movies in the genre of the essential western, supplementing the Cohen Brothers’ masterful remake of the original film with superb acting by both old-timers and newcomers alike.

If you’ve seen the original, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how closely True Grit stays true to the John Wayne classic, keeping the essential story and character dynamics intact and flourishing, while losing some of the more outdated elements of the 1969 film. This livelier, more realistic retelling of the classic story, keeps both die-hard film critics and movie novices engaged throughout the film’s duration.

The story revolves around a young girl, played by 14-year old Hailee Steinfeld, trying to track down the man who killed her father. Along the way, she enlists aid from down-and-out U.S. Marshal “Rooster” Cogburn, originally John Wayne’s character but now played by Jeff Bridges, and a Texas Ranger named LeBoeuf, played by Matt Damon.

A major difference from the original is the very real character flaws that are inherent in each of the characters. In the original, Cogburn is portrayed as more of an archetypal heroic figure, while in the modern retelling, Bridges brings out the complexities within the character, adding extra levels of depth to the twisting plotline.

However dramatic it may be, the movie still has the ability to satisfy fans of the fast-paced, action-packed gunfights that Westerns are notorious for. However, unlike many more unsuccessful movies of the genre, this particular film ties these gunfights seamlessly into the film’s plotline itself, making the realism factor of the film skyrocket. Each shot fired is in fact a calculated move coming as the result of several actions taken previously by the characters, and not just a gimmick to attract audiences.

All in all, it’s no surprise to see that True Grit has grossed over $138 million. The plot and characters stay true to the original version, while adding a modern, realistic touch with a whole new level of depth. It’s definitely worth your time and money to see this film.