An American Western adventure; A story about U. S. Marshal Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn who is persuaded to come to the aid of a young girl to track down her father's killer in Indian's territory. This film odyssey is a faithful rendering of Charles Portis' novel; a fun Western with a moral message, though it has a cruel edge sometimes with its scenes of gore and violence. Moments of tension come through brinksmanship and palpable vulnerability of the characters and the exploits make it a thrilling cinematic movie - delightful and joyous. Glen Campbell is a touch light in presence for a tough Texas Ranger but Kim Darby's young Arkansas girl is a delight, far from a stock character playing cute and vulnerable. John Wayne's performance as the anti-hero is brilliant. The counterpoint, the art of contrasting his expressions as a cantankerous drunk, fat, one-eyed, old rascal with a heart of gold with the man who needs to be capable of vengeance-against-the-odds is captivating. The film has good location work and a terrific final sequence.
Review of True Grit
