Fantasy movie for those with western hearts
580379
Really like this movie. Can't pin down why I'm hesitant to give it 5 stars. Maybe the unnecessary romance feeling thrown in? Ay any rate, this is a comfort movie for me, meaning it feels safe and comfortable like being home. I don't have to watch it, just having it on in the background brings a sense of peace.
2794734
To clarify, I do not own this particular DVD.  This review concerns the movie itself.  Plot elements are vaguely revealed in this review, so don't read it if you haven't seen the movie yet.  There is a warning in the review before any potential spoilers are revealed.

People have called this film many things, dull, plodding, what have you, but they do not understand the point of it.  This film was never meant to be an action packed romp through a fictional western ideal.

This film deals with real men, imagined, perhaps, but real in their plight and manner.  Death is heavy subject matter, and this is perhaps one of the few movies that gets the point across.  There are no heroes in Unforgiven.  It is not a director's self indulgent pat on the back, either.  This film is as good as anyone ever said it was, and is by far, the most relevant story of violence told on the silver screen.  It is at times vulgar, distasteful, and flat out cold, but such was the life of this kind of man.  This was the reality of the myth, and no punches are held in laying that fact out for the viewer to observe.

After this point, I discuss plot.

There is an evolution throughout the film, where the viewer tags alongside the main character.  At first, he is innocuous, and one is lead to believe that perhaps the days are truly over, or maybe this man isn't so bad, after all.  Throughout the film, the journey follows him, and his fellow riders, as he is laid low by the plot, forcing the viewer to identify with him slowly.  You get to know his character as a man, as varied myths of the west are smashed to pieces in action and conversation around him.  Throughout it all, there is talk by many characters of just what a real killer truly is.

This man begins to grow on you, as others talk of killing, and even accomplish it, to their own ability.  Mention is made of his devotion to his wife, and the viewer is left to identify further with him, and begin to really like him, before the bottom falls out, and the man reveals the true colors of such a legend, and the monster is revealed.

The gunfight is sudden, and the killings are meant to shock.  Things are presented things actually are in such a situation.  The viewer watches as violence fuels this character to a bitter end for others, you can feel the adrenaline flowing in his veins as he steels himself after the fight, murdering the survivors and promising death to everyone who would oppose him, right on down the family line, starting with women and children.

He knows the use of fear and blood, and you can see him slump away on his horse as the moment leaves him, riding not into a sunset, but into a dark, wet, cloudy night, rain dripping off of his hat, hoping to leave town before his spell wears off of them.

This is a film about death, and the reality of death.  It does not color over the harsh reality of the men we like to idolize.  5 men killed at the end of this film feels like 500, it weighs on you, if you let yourself be absorbed by it.  This film does not idolize a gunfighter, it obsesses, it twists and writhes with the reality of the coldness and hate that is required of a killer, and the detached irrelevance of life after the act.

If you only see one western film in your life, make it this one.
3043338
Kurt Russell is outstanding!  This is a western with a twist.  The word "savages" takes on a whole new meaning.  The film has a few light moments (provided by the apprentice deputy)  otherwise this is a difficult picture to watch and should NOT be viewed by kids ( or a squeamish SO) due to the graphic nature of some of the scenes.  I will say the writers outdid themselves on story while the sound effects were waaaaay too convincing.

Tombstone meets 2000 years BC.  Enjoy the fine acting ,hope you can get some of the pictures out of your mind eventually
2266767
good clean family movie; borders on fantasy. interesting and entertaining. may watch again in the future. kept the dvd.
330171
In the old west, a stranger arrives in town as some mysterious beings attack and abduct the locals. Rivals come together to fight a common enemy and attempt to save their loved ones. This film successfully melds the western and science fiction genres, bringing to the screen a fun and exciting action film with a little mystery thrown in. It starts out working well as a typical western, and the addition of the aliens does nothing to hurt the film's quality. Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig are both top-notch as always and this one definitely works.
1560692
The story although very old fits well into a fantasy world movie. It also had a number of themes which are almost always found in good plots. A good guy, the hero, shows up to solve the problems which plague a group of people. He has weapons and abilities which give him the ability to overcome. The cause of the difficulties is in part or wholly due to failings of someone(s) in the group. But these problems are overcome through the actions of the hero, which demonstrate his superiority over the failings of the group. And then, of course, he rides off into the sunset as he was never a part of the group to begin with.
1926448
A movie of exceptional quality!

I'm a great fantasy fan and after seeing the trailers I decided to go see  this movie, not really expecting anything special; to say I was stunned by the unique story, the acting and the cinematography would be a gross understatement.

The story take place in a rural, mountainous area of Spain during the Spanish Civil war in the 1930's or 40's. Part of the tale is about the civil war but there is another more 'magical' conflict going on at the same time, hidden deep beneath the earth's surface; as you might imagine the two tales become intertwined as the story progresses.

Be forewarned, this is not a movie for children or the faint of heart. There are some scenes containing unspeakable cruelty and this will, without doubt, be a major turnoff to some. However, I found the violence within the context of the story and the era involved. (unlike some other movies where the violence seems to be gratuitous and is often there only for shock effect.

Pan's Labyrinth is a foreign film with subtitles; I remember people complaining about this before and after the show. To me the subtitles enhanced the special effects of this movie; it added to the realism of the geographic area where the story took place. After 5 minutes, the subtitles went virtually unnoticed because the story was so enthralling and the acting so good.

Conclusion;
One of my favorite movies; a true gem.
However, not all movie buffs will like this movie because of the fantasy component and the graphic scenes. But in my opinion it easily rates 5 Stars...more if I could.

R.Nicholson
3224811
I really enjoy the fantasy genre, both in literature, games and movies.  This movie, however, hardly justifies what theaters would charge to see it.  I'm not going to beat a dead horse, but wait for this one to show up on TV.  There won't be anything to cut out, and you'll have some much-needed commercial time to get away for a couple minutes.

In fact, this movie should probably have gone straight-to-SciFi, so Joel McHale could use it for material on The Soup.

I gave it three stars because though it was no LoTR epic, it wasn't the complete trash others have described it as.  You just have to set your expectations before watching it.  Then manage your expectations and resist the temptation to fast forward just to get through it faster.

If you subscribe to a movie rental service and are looking for something to watch before another good movie is released, and you're even mildly into this genre, go for it.  I'll pass the afternoon just fine.
4196358
Fun movie that is similar to Conan the Barbarian.  Not a master piece, dated, & low budget but if you are a fan of adventure action fantasy shows or movies like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Batman, & Conan then if you can over look it's flaws you may think it's okay.

Good for ages maybe 10, to teens, & adults. B- & thumbs slightly up.
1811335
The Lone Ranger is a very enjoyable western film.  I've seen it at the theater twice, and I bought the DVD.  The film has some great action scenes and stunts, gorgeous location scenery, outstanding cinematography, a riveting soundtrack, and a bit of subtle humor.  It has everything you would want in an exciting western film.  As far as the actors go, Armie Hammer was adequate as the Lone Ranger.  Another actor might have been better.  But he was OK.  Johnny Depp was enjoyable as a rather bizarre Tonto.  The rest of the cast was enjoyable as well.  The film was a bit graphic and violent, but it was not over-the-top violent.  I like how the story was narrated by Tonto as a figure in the museum.  That was a clever idea in the film.  This is the most entertaining western I've seen since 2010's True Grit.  I would recommend this film to all western and action fans.
4659805
Fine special effects, talented actors and beautiful cinematography are all that propel this sword and sorcery epic forward.
What is lacking is a better plot structure and perhaps a few twists in the all too predictable script. I suppose this has become typical for the genre.
It is, however, a beautifully mounted film and I do not recall anything that would not be suitable for family viewing.
3707591
This movie is one of my favorites. It is a great example of how different cultures can respect each other and have different beliefs but work together against evil for the good of all. Exciting medieval action, a bit gory for the average viewer, but very entertaining and inspirational.
2500213
For those who love action movie set against the backdrop of medieval folklore this is an enjoyable weekend flick.
2874056
I enjoyed this movie. I am a long time fan of Paul Gross and am not completely estranged from the western genre, so I was pleased but not surprised to find that this is a good movie. It would be suitable for most ages I believe. There is some, but very little, cursing in the dialogue. So, if anyone reading this is interested in a family friendly, Canadian western, I have no problem fully recommending "Gunless."
584773
Sadly, this movie never made it to the big screen. It could have been an Oscar contender. Kurt Russell and Richard Jenkins both deserve nods for their outstanding portrayals of a sheriff and his back up deputy on the hunt for a mans kidnapped wife in the early west.

It gets mighty dark at the end, but the build up is a slow and meaningful burn between four travelers on the hunt for some pretty tribal and quite disturbing natives. This isn't your fathers western. But it isn't so far off from the reality of what kind of vicious events may have taken place during the early days of the American West.

Highly recommended for anyone that loves a good story where the characters really drive the story.
4215573
If you like fantasy, action and drama this is the movie for you. I wouldn't recommend it for young kids but super for adults.
3560980
This is not your typical fantasy movie (Who would compare this to Narnia?). And this not not recommended for family viewing (did you not notice the R-rating?). Actually this fits the description of a "gothic movie". A true gothic movie features a heroine who suffers at the hands of a male villian. The atmosphere or mood of the film is bleak (usually involving a dark house). The resolution of the story can sometimes end tragically (but the heroine usually comes to a moment of catharsis). The supernatural elements in the movie is provided through the power of Ofelia's imagination (or is it?). Anyway I would think fans of Gothic literature would be more fascinated by this movie then fans of fantasy novels. Not to say that the fantasy elements are not up to par because to me if I categorized this movie as "Fantasy" I could easily say this is the best fantasy movie since "The Return of the King". But this movie has so many different elements (fantasy, war, drama, gothic terror) I really don't know where to place this in terms of recommending it. It's a great unique intelligent movie so approach with caution.