“It’s a helluva thing, killing a man. You take away all he’s got, and all he’s ever gonna have.” - William Munny
Unforgiven is a 1992 western drama starring Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Gene Hackman, Jaimz Woolvett, and Richard Harris. The film is also directed by Clint Eastwood. After a prostitute is cut up by a drunken cowboy, the girls she works with offer a reward to anyone who kills the cowboy and his partner. When retired gunfighter and outlaw William Munny (Eastwood) hears of the bounty, he and his friend Ned Logan(Freeman) go out to use their guns one final time, and carry out the deed.
Unforgiven is in my opinion, a very fine western if ever there was one. The script is written very well, and the dialogue gives a look into the complex minds of the characters. I loved how the characters are not just one dimensional “good guys” or “bad guys”. They each have flaws, and redeeming qualities. That’s one thing that I’ve always thought defined a good character. They’re complex, and that makes them feel human. The development of the characters as the film progresses is fantastic as well. The acting in this film is excellent, and Clint Eastwood is amazing as usual. One thing I’ve always loved about Eastwood as an actor is that in every role he plays, he is excellent at using body language, and can say all he needs to say without even actually saying a word. His role in this film is no exception. Granted, he’s amazing with dialogue too, but most times, he doesn’t even have to say a word to get a point across.
The cinematography is absolutely beautiful. The natural scenery is captured perfectly, and I loved the dramatic close up shots and panning shots. The sound design is very good, and the sweet, sad score is amazing. The story is awesome, and the buildup to the climax of the film is ridiculously well crafted and suspenseful.
The only problem I have with this film is that some of the line delivery towards the first act of the film is a little bit flat, and just sounds strange, and forced. In the end, Unforgiven is a wonderful, tough western movie that really had me rooting for the characters and feeling for them on a personal level. I think that this is definitely some of Eastwood’s best work, and fans of his will not be disappointed.
Rating: R
Grade: A
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