:: True Grit

True Grit is a Coen brothers film based on the novel written by Charles Portis and a remake of the 1969 Henry Hathaway screenplay. The film is a must see for anyone who enjoys the immense drama of a mythic western adventure story combined with elements of action, suspense and touch of black humour.

Set in Arkansas in the 1870's, unfolds a tale of a morally driven pursuit of justice when Mattie Ross (played by Hailee Steinfeld) seeks the help of the most ruthless and trigger happy Marshall in town, the drunken and somewhat disgraced “Rooster” Cogburn (played by Jeff Bridges) to hunt down the killer of her father who was shot dead in cold blood. Initially, Rooster doesn't take the requests of the 14 year old Mattie Ross very seriously, but eventually agrees to the bounty. Coincidentally, around the same time that Rooster agrees to accept the job, Mattie comes across a Texas Ranger named Ranger Le Boeuf (played by Matt Damon) staying in the town who is also hunting down the very same killer for other various murderous crimes committed in Texas. She dismisses Le Boeuf at first, as she is very certain that her man is the one with “true grit” and that no other help is needed. From here on is where the real adventure begins…

Each main character, inherently driven by their own moral codes and agendas, is as stubborn and wilful as each other. Jeff Bridges is suited perfectly to his role, while Matt Damon displays his abilities to completely become the character. Haillee Steinfeld is likely to be someone we see much more from in the future as she has proven herself to be indeed a very talented character actress.

There are no happy endings to this film, yet there are no sad ones either. At times funny, but mostly intense and suspenseful, I highly recommend it.