Open Range (2003), Director: Kevin Costner, rated R for Western violence

No place to run. No reason to hide.

Film ClipStarring: Robert Duvall, Kevin Costner, Annette Benning, Michael Gambon, Michael Jeter, Diego Luna

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Men are gonna get killed here today, Sue, and I'm gonna kill 'em." - Charley Waite

Why watch this? ... the respect-filled relationship between cowhands Costner and Duvall.

Plot Summary: Boss Spearman and his cattle crew, as free-grazers, are driving their herd across the vast prairies of the Old West. When they encounter a town ruled by a corrupt rancher and sheriff, their peaceful existence is threatened. Forced to defend their values and way of life, Boss and his second-in-command, Charley Waite, find themselves drawn into an inevitable confrontation.

Dad's Preview: Costner (as actor and director) and Duvall deliver one of the best Westerns ever made. And I mean EVER! This film has breath-taking scenery, great action sequences (one of the best, and most realistic gun battles ever filmed), and many of the classic Western elements. That said, the film's true strength is its character-building. There are numerous, small interactions that acquaint us with Charley, Boss, Sue, and the rest. Costner should have taken home at least one Oscar for his efforts here.


Touchstone Pictures, Cobalt Media Group, Beacon Comm., Tig Productions;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

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