The Searchers (1956)

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

I'd read so many reviews describing John Ford's iconic Western The Searchers starring John Wayne as the best Western of all time, that when My husband recorded it, I thought I'd better watch it. Let me tell you, it is impossible to watch a movie as if the modern world isn't there. The Searchers was released in 1956 and it has all the prejudices and cultural mores of its era. The only good Indian is a dead Indian. Every female character is either annoying, stupid or craving marriage. The acting is wooden at best with many of the scenes set up like tableaux in an old melodrama. The dialogue is painfully predictable although maybe it would not seem so in 1956 and many of the plot points don't even make sense. John Wayne said this was his favorite performance and the critics all gush about the complexity of his character. Well, if you have ever watched a John Wayne movie you know his performances are about as subtle as a shovel, and this is no exception. Sometimes he yells and sometimes he sulks. That's it. And if Wayne is bad, the others are embarrassingly bad. I cringed at the so-called romantic banter of the young leads and the tough talk of the Texas Rangers was pathetic. The only aspect of the movie that stood up to scrutiny was the natural beauty of Monument Valley. Even Hollywood couldn't spoil that.

A classic from possibly the greatest actor-director combination in the history of westerns: John Wayne and John Ford.An epic western. Epic in its timespan, its vistas, in its sheer grandeur.Entertaining story, with a plot that feels just right - complete, circular and doesn't overstay its welcome.Pacing is just right. Movie doesn't get bogged down at any stage. However, there are some silly detours that threaten to derail the progress.Incredible cinematography and scenery. Fantastic soundtrack too.Moreover, you get a feeling that this is how the west really was: untamed, where everyone had to be resourceful and also rely on their fellow settlers for survival.Solid performance by John Wayne in the lead role. His sheer presence carries the film. Good support from Jeffrey Hunter and Vera Miles. Natalie Wood (aged 17 at the time) does well as (the older) Debbie. Henry Brandon is suitably menacing as Scar.However, it is some of the other performances, or characters, that let the movie down and prevent it from being an absolute masterpiece. I found the Reverend, played by Ward Bond, incredibly irritating. So too Lars Jorgenson (played by John Qualen), Charlie McCorry (played by Ken Curtis) and Mose Harper (played by Hank Worden). All these characters just don't seem real: they're either overly stereotypical or extreme. It feels like every single one of those actors is over-acting.

The Searchers (1956), is perhaps the darkest of western films that John Ford has ever made. His intention was to not only make a film that is dynamic in scale, but to create an example about a character who is deeply and personally conflicted with his views on culture. John Wayne named his Son after the character Ethan. The film was a bit of a challenge for the filmmakers, especially when it came to shooting the movie in the land of Utah. Ford was careful with his subject matter, but was still the master when it came down to the films art.I've seen some of John Ford's Films, one of them would have to be, "The Quiet Man". Akira Kurosawa, Orson Welles, John Milius and Steven Spielberg have considered Ford as one of the Greatest Directors of all time. Some (if most) critics were disappointed when the film did no win any awards back in 1957. The film has stood the test as being an achievement, capturing the beauty of Utah and becoming an inspiration among many filmmakers from around the globe. John Wayne was nothing without Ford's advice or direction in the film industry.I was never fond of many westerns, but this film was a huge exception. It should be considered as a study of great Cinematography and Direction. Its' subject is deep, so you've been warned.

What a tedious title. Honestly. This couldn't feel any more stale if you attached mould to it.The story is straight forward at first, but soon becomes a wild goose hunt over many years, in which time we go through all the clichés of tradition that stifles this film to death. We have the "You're not going" argument, the "You're too young to drink", the kid who can't read very well lark, even the "Careful it's loaded" gun throw. Just terrible. It's little wonder why kids of today are getting their own back on their seniors after years of ridicule & obsessive discipline. This film reveals that back in these times, adults were taking their frustrations out on their youth. And being spiteful about it. It fills them with hatred.There are several loose ends that never end up being addressed. Like the marriage, whether scar was killed, why Wayne wanted to kill the girl in a fit of pique, why he bothered scalping 1 person whom we presume was scar (No dialogue or close up for identity) or who survived & who was killed etc. His royal highness carries the dame all the way to the porch in typical 'traditional' fashion. So many eye rolls. And no one ever reloads their guns either. Not cool enough for Wayne's image I guess! The film is so dragged out & tends to just meander most of the time. It should have been cut down by half, & they shouldn't have let John Wayne act like a gansta wannabe throughout. He is truly difficult to tolerate in this film because he clearly finds acting in this pugnacious way easier, & more satiating for his ego.Seriously, Avoid. If you want a classic Western, watch The Professionals (1966).