It was a very good movie. I liked the message about old enemies coming around to understand, respect, and even die for each other. I also found it interesting that there were more than one type of hostile (American Indian, rogue Calvary trooper, hunters/trappers, and ranchers protecting the sovereignty of their property). It really made you understand how dangerous the west was at that time and how tough you had to be in order to survive. Great collection of actors, although the characters were not revealed in too much detail, save for Mrs. Quaid and Capt. Blocker.
Although much of the movie was great, I particularly appreciated the final scene, at the train station when Mrs. Quaid and Little Bear were leaving for Chicago. The drama was palpable. Neither Mrs. Quaid nor Capt. Blocker wanted to break down and beg the other to go with them or stay. It was not clear whether or not this was discussed and not agreed upon, or if it was just not discussed at all. I honestly couldn't tell whether I was just kicked in the gut by a mule, or if my heart was breaking. If I was a man more prone to crying, I'm sure I would have shed a tear or two. Then, Capt. Blocker turns around and casually walks towards the train as it departs the station. It would have been so much easier for Mrs. Quaid and Capt. Blocker (and Little Bear) to walk up to the train station arm in arm in that last scene... I'm glad that they made me suffer a little, because it made for a bigger payback in the end.
Last edited:
