Good new western.
- The Ballad of Lefty Brown review by TE
This is an enjoyable entry into the small catalogue of latter day westerns that carry the genre forward (as opposed to the ones that are just excuses for lots of nasty violence).
Bill Pullman grabs the chance of playing a leading role almost too enthusiastically. At times his portrayal of Lefty Brown risks becoming a Blazing Saddles-style parody, but in the end it is convincing and sympathetic.
All the usual elements of the classic western are present, with the main theme being the clash between the old and the new, but the film provides an original take on familiar material.
The landscapes and the naturalism of the photography are excellent.
6 out of 6 members found this review helpful.
Dawg gawn! Where them pesky subtitles at?
- The Ballad of Lefty Brown review by TR
Okay up to a point, but cliched, as most Westerns are, and for the life of me I have no clue as to why there are no subtitles. I know the plot ain't exactly hard to follow, but the Frontier drawls get a bit tiresome when you don't have a dawg gawn clue what anyone's saying. Er, isn't the purpose of a film to try to reach the widest possible audience?
4 out of 4 members found this review helpful.
Good Small Western
- The Ballad of Lefty Brown review by JP
Bill Pullman's performance is one of the main reasons to see this small Western. I admit to being a bit jaded when it comes to Westerns, having grown up many years ago in America. The beautiful scenery is a plus, and Kathy Baker is always a plus. The movie is a revenge story with many twists and turns along the way.
2 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
Over-praised B-feature
- The Ballad of Lefty Brown review by Alphaville
Beautiful Montana landscapes are the best thing about this low-key Western that plays like an old-fashioned B-feature. A grizzled Bill Pullman plays a dim-witted old ranch-hand who sets out to avenge his boss’s murder. Staidly directed, it’s a character piece that goes nowhere fast, making the actors do all the work in one slow talkie scene after another. Occasional gunfights lighten the longueurs but nowhere near enough.
2 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
Surprised at the low ratings
- The Ballad of Lefty Brown review by Old Devonian
Pullman plays the lead with great sympathy as we see an old has been revive his spirit in this revenge film that is more about the acting and the metamorphosis of the State of Montana of about 1890 from frontier to mainstream than gunfights and long chase sequences. Enjoyable film and I agree with everything reviewer TE says in his review of this film
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
You don't see many films of this quality
- The Ballad of Lefty Brown review by Moppis
An impressive movie acted out by true professionals. O.K it is slow moving, but so is real life. I cannot heap enough praise on all those concerned in the making of this movie. I fear it will be some time before I enjoy a film as much.
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.
Call for Clint.
- The Ballad of Lefty Brown review by NC
Never did rate Bill Pullman very highly, and as a down on the ranch type hurdy gurdy........it is not convincing. Fonda earns a few quid, could have been anyone really.
Made up cowboy claptrap, as usual. John Wayne films look good again in comparison.
0 out of 2 members found this review helpful.