Rent The Searchers (1956)

Wow - The Searchers review by CP Customer

The film has been criticised for its racist portrayal however it must be put into context, being released in the 1950’s when things were not as they are today. The Searchers does not glamorise violence, instead it graphically shows the consequences for everyone involved. John Ford’s trademark appreciation of the landscape is evident throughout the film, along with his desire to show the harsh realities of life on the frontier. Whilst shunned by the Academy and critics alike, the passing of time has confirmed The Searchers as a landmark Western and one of the great American movies, assisted by Wayne in his greatest role. Ford’s scene compositions are masterful, filling the whole frame with activity and using every inch of screen. The film has a great symmetry when you consider the opening and closing shots. The picture quality is fantastic; there is no better word for it. Warners has restored The Searchers to a truly blemish free print that harnesses the strengths of the VistaVision process. The colours on display are rich, varied and with clarity that belies the age of the movie.

A great surprise... - The Searchers review by CP Customer

Let's get this straight from the outset. I'm not a great fan of John Wayne nor am I a particularly enthusiastic watcher of westerns. 

I watched this film because I felt it my duty to as Scorsese has mentioned it so favourably in many interviews. What a treat it was. The characters were engaging the story was gripping and the feeling of being transported to another time and world was powerful and entertaining. The film was not without its shocking moments too which I found brave and admirable considering the time in which it was made - Mr Waynes character and some of his actions certainly did not fit my preconceptions - which goes to show that preconceptions can be a good thing, as long as you are receptive to having them shattered and actually enjoy the process of mental re-alignment.

The portrayal of the native American characters has been criticised and not without justification but to dwell on this aspect of the film is, in my opinion, an error.

If you've not seen this film watch it. You won't be disappointed. You may even be surprised. I was.

That'll be the day. - The Searchers review by griggs

As I embark on the journey through the AFI 100, The Searchers stands out as the first film I've genuinely struggled to enjoy. Despite its heralded status in cinematic history, several factors marred the experience, making it uncomfortable viewing.

Firstly, it's impossible to ignore the blatant racism depicted throughout the film. While some may argue it's a product of its time, the portrayal of Native Americans is jarringly insensitive by today’s standards. This aspect alone might alienate modern audiences, and it certainly put a damper on my viewing experience.

John Wayne, as the lead, casts a long shadow over the narrative. His portrayal is undeniably commanding, yet it imbues the film with an uncomfortable aggressiveness that is hard to shake. Wayne's domineering presence, intended to be a cornerstone of the film's appeal, instead adds to the unease, making the character's motivations and actions difficult to empathise with. From what we know of the man, often it’s difficult to separate John Wayne, the actor, from the character he portrays.

Native Americans continue to be shown as violent savages, as they often are in traditional Westerns. However, a key difference in this narrative is that the white characters are portrayed with equal brutality.

The cinematography of John Ford and Winton C. Hooch is undeniably stunning. The sweeping landscapes and meticulous framing create breathtaking visuals that capture the wild beauty of the American West. These scenes are the high points of the film, showcasing director Ford’s eye for composition and colour.

However, beautiful scenery alone does not make a movie enjoyable. The narrative and character interactions felt lacking. Beyond the aesthetics, I found few redeeming features in its two-hour runtime, leaving me disconnected for the majority of the film and eager for the credits.

Should this be on this be on the AFI list? Well, John Ford has better films on the AFI list, such as The Grapes of Wrath, and there are other superior Ford vehicles starring Wayne that didn’t make the 100. So, I have to say a resounding no.