Today’s quick review: Unforgiven. William Munny (Clint Eastwood), a widowed farmer trying to live down his past as a violent outlaw, accepts an offer from the Schofield Kid (Jaimz Woolvett) to collect the bounty on two cowboys who mutilated a prostitute. Gathering up Ned Logan (Morgan Freeman), William’s old partner, they head to the town of Big Whiskey, Wyoming, where they receive a cold welcome from Sheriff Little Bill Daggett (Gene Hackman).
Unforgiven is a gritty Western drama directed by Clint Eastwood. The film chronicles the cycle of violence that unfolds when two men attack a woman with a knife. Unable to get justice from Little Bill, the victim’s friends offer a $1,000 reward for anyone who kills the two assailants, drawing a slew of violent killers to Big Whiskey. Unforgiven features a talented cast, a dark story, and rich themes about truth and violence.
The film gets much of its depth from its characters and what they represent. Will Munny is a cold-blooded killer who managed to leave his past behind, until the prospect of a better life for his children lures him out of retirement. Now Will walks a narrow line between finishing the job and reverting to who he was. Meanwhile, the Schofield Kid is his opposite: an inexperienced young outlaw eager for a real taste of blood.
Unforgiven also explores the nature of truth, rumor, and reputation. At the heart of the story is the reputation men like Will Munny and Little Bill hold, whether they are trying to inflate it or live it down. This theme works through the movie in subtle ways, ranging from the Kid’s empty boasts to the brutal way Little Bill keeps control of his town. As such, Unforgiven has an extra layer of meaning to it that many other Westerns lack.
The chief drawback of Unforgiven is its mature content. The film depicts the grimier side of the Old West, complete with brutal murders, swearing, and sex. The mature side of the movie does serve its purpose in framing the conflict, but it is enough to put off sensitive viewers. The film is also morally bleak. William has an unabashedly wicked past behind him, and nearly every character in the story is responsible for some amount of violence.
Unforgiven is a strong pick for anyone who can stomach is subject matter. The film charts a different course than other Westerns, emphasizing the base nature of humanity and the slim possibility of redemption. The result is a tense and unpredictable story that also has plenty of cerebral appeal. Skip it if you are looking for clear-cut heroes and villains, or more straightforward action.
For a cleaner Western about an aging gunslinger who comes out of retirement, try Big Jake or The Shootist. For a more comedic Western about the relationship between an old gunslinger and an eager young fan, try My Name Is Nobody. For a modern action thriller about a father who puts his violent past to work, try Taken. For a more subdued drama from Clint Eastwood, try Gran Torino.
[8.2 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105695/). I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for potent drama and layered themes.