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Tuesday, March 5, 2013

The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)





Clint Eastwood (Non-Spaghetti) Western #4

Synopsis: Running away from your problems never looked more heroic.

Blurb From the VHS Jacket: “An outlaw in name. A hero in deed.”

What Did I Learn?: If a mangy dog stays by your side, even after you’ve spat chewed-up tobacco on his head numerous times, he’s a keeper. 2) Dyin’ ain’t much of a living.


Really?: I have to wonder: in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, didn’t the Union Army have better things to do than chase Wales around half the country? 2) I realize dude is supposed to be a hillbilly bounty hunter, but would anyone really say: “I got me the Josey Wales?” 3) It’s a cute scene, but I had a hard time believing Wales would swallow a mouthful of chewing tobacco.

Rating: While some people consider Unforgiven to be Clint Eastwood’s greatest non-spaghetti Western, The Outlaw Josey Wales is my personal favourite. The movie has everything: great performances (Chief Dan George especially stands out), action, adventure, humour, and even a life lesson or two. In spite of the action sequences, The Outlaw Josey Wales is also surprisingly character-driven: a Union raid on his family farm turns Wales into a cold-blooded guerilla fighter, and once the war ends, he learns to love and trust again when he becomes a father-figure to a motley collection of travellers who need his help. It’s a touching story, and highly recommended. 10/10 stars.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075029/?ref_=sr_1

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