True Grit
A; Action, Drama
Dir: Ethan and Joel Coen
Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon
Rating:u00a0''' 1/2



What's it about: Mattie Ross's (Steinfeld) father has been shot dead by a man named Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). She's just 14, but vehemently seeking to avenge her dad's death by putting the man responsible behind bars. But she can't do it alone so she goes to Marshal Cogburn (Bridges) to help her do the needful. Set in 1880, True Grit is a hard boiled Western Drama that uses all elements of the genre to bring out the best in the script. While the story is quite linear, there are several subplots, characters and exchange of words that keeps you thoroughly engaged.

What's hot: Watching True Grit is like embarking on a journey. There's so much happening as the pace picks up that you have to be alert. Even though the dialect and sentences belong to another era, there's a strange novelty to have those lines fall on your ears. Steinfeld is a terrific find. Her role as the vulnerable yet ruthless Mattie has already got her nominations in every Best Actress category this year. Matt Damon who joins in the later part of the story in the role of a Texas Ranger named LaBeouf is exemplary. But the film belongs to Jeff Bridges who puts on a superb act. Everything from his one eyed grimacing look to his shoot at sight attitude is perfectly brought out by an actor who's so underrated. Roger Deakins does a stunning job of giving the film the canvass it needs. Every shot is sheer poetry, even the close-ups and interior frames are lit up beautifully. What stands out is the crazy sense of humour the characters bring even in the darkest of situations. Be prepared for a chuckle even when someone's about to get his face blown.

What's not: You have to work with the film's pace. It's not rushed, neither is it in a hurry to reach it's climax. The Coen Brothers take a slow and steady approach, letting the actors sink into their roles. Also it takes a while to get used to Bridge's drawl and Western accent. He plays a lot on mumbling and making strange sounds before getting the words out of his mouth. This is no Fargo or No Country for Old Men, so don't go expecting something similar to their earlier work.

What to do: Extremely engaging and brilliantly directed, True Grit is a must watch for those who enjoy something out of the ordinary.