Reel Views: The Coens have truly outdone themselves

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True Grit (2010)

The 2010 version of True Grit is nothing like your grandfather's John Wayne films. From its opening moments, you are inescapably drawn into the brutally difficult world of Mattie Ross and her search for vengeance.

True Grit tells the story of 14- year-old Mattie who, in 1877 Arkansas, hires a U.S. marshal to track down and kill her father's murderer. Mattie confidently hires Rooster Cogburn because of his reputation and grit. The two unlikely colleagues are equally aided by the Texas ranger LaBoeuf as they are hindered by his parallel desires to capture the man, known as Tom Chaney among other aliases, they desire. Through the Choctaw Nation territory and unsettled lands, danger and the brutality of life hinders every stage of their journey.

Relative newcomer Hailee Steinfeld takes the reigns as Mattie Ross, and embodies the non-nonsense, prudish and stubborn complexities of Mattie with talent and wisdom that is far beyond her years. Mattie is so single-minded and utterly determined to get her revenge that it is easy to forget that both the character and the actress are only 14. Rooster Cogburn is brought to life this time by Hollywood titan Jeff Bridges, "The Dude" who won an Oscar last year for his role in Crazy Heart. He gives a much darker and messier portrayal of Cogburn than Wayne in the 1969 film. Heavy whiskey drinking and a crass attitude contrasted with a genuine care for Mattie's well being will tug a little at your heart strings while watching, and it will remind you just how talented Bridges really is. Matt Damon brings to life the meddling LaBoeuf, and proves his greatness once more through his powerful and moving on-screen moments. Josh Brolin gives life to Tom Chaney, although his complete immersion into the character paired with his astounding versatility may have you unsure of his identity at first or even second glance.

True Grit is done in true Coen form; ultra-stylized, fast-paced and saturated with brutal violence. This time, however, things are taken a step further. The scene doesn't cut where the brothers' previous films have, and instead of imagining Steve Buscemi's head struck with an axe in Fargo, this time you are witness to all the brutality the flick has to offer, including a finger amputation and bullet holes scattered through characters. The violence only heightens the experience, though, as it becomes equally impossible for the audience to escape the violence of Mattie's life as it is for the young girl herself.

Breathtaking and heart-racing, True Grit is undoubtedly a western movie for the ages, keeping true to many of the traits of the classical Wayne style while updating the feel of the story to keep a modern audience captivated from start to finish. The flick is definitely a must-watch for both western lovers and Coen fans alike, although the violence and modernizations are surely not for every film viewer's palate.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars