This is a heartbreaking true story of a miscarriage of justice as well as an examination of racism and prejudice in early 1900's Texas. Edward James Olmos is outstanding in the title role and gives one of the finest performances in this underrated actor's career. The film also has a fine supporting cast of Western character actors headed by Bruce McGill as a reporter following the posse, James Gammon as a dedicated sheriff and Barry Corbin as the lawyer who takes up Cortez' case. The prison, courtroom and post-trial scenes are emotionally powerful. This is a low budget effort which probably explains the poor lighting and sometimes shaky camera work, but this largely unknown and underrated gem deserves to be discovered for its fine acting and compelling story.
13 Reviews
An utterly absorbing story.
Hey_Sweden3 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The real-life story of Mexican rancher Gregorio Cortez is recounted in this engaging film from the under-rated director Robert M. Young ("Short Eyes"). It's now generally regarded as a landmark film in the annals of Chicano cinema, although it may still not receive much attention and/or appreciation in the mainstream. It benefits highly from its incredible period recreation; you really do feel like you're back in 1901 Texas. Add to that great atmosphere, a reasonably intelligent script (by Victor Villasenor, based on the book by Americo Paredes), a sympathetic protagonist, and a first-rate cast chock full of talent (every major role is played by a recognizable and reliable character actor), and you have a solid little picture worthy of your attention.
Cortez is on the run from a determined posse after having killed a beloved local lawman (Timothy Scott, "Macon County Line"). Stepping into the late lawman's role is amiable Sheriff Fly (James Gammon, "Major League"), who leads the gang who are bent on exacting supposed "justice".
However, Villasenor and Young take an interesting narrative approach, giving out details from a couple of perspectives, and not really stating Cortez's side of things until late in the game; we don't learn that the whole incident derived from a simple misunderstanding until the final third or so.
Along the way, we get exquisite rural photography courtesy of D.P. Reynaldo Villalobos, stirring music (on which both W. Michael Lewis and Olmos himself worked, adapting the legendary corrido folk song about Cortez), and a tale with emotional resonance.
Olmos is quietly powerful in the lead, and is extremely well supported by Gammon, Tom Bower ("Die Hard 2"), Bruce McGill ("National Lampoon's Animal House"), Brion James ("Blade Runner"), Alan Vint ("Badlands"), Scott, Pepe Serna ("Vice Squad"), Michael McGuire ("Hard Times"), William Sanderson ('Newhart'), Barry Corbin ("No Country for Old Men"), Jack Kehoe ("Melvin and Howard"), and the lovely Rosanna DeSoto ("Stand and Deliver").
Haunting and memorable, "The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez" packs a pretty impressive punch.
Eight out of 10.
Cortez is on the run from a determined posse after having killed a beloved local lawman (Timothy Scott, "Macon County Line"). Stepping into the late lawman's role is amiable Sheriff Fly (James Gammon, "Major League"), who leads the gang who are bent on exacting supposed "justice".
However, Villasenor and Young take an interesting narrative approach, giving out details from a couple of perspectives, and not really stating Cortez's side of things until late in the game; we don't learn that the whole incident derived from a simple misunderstanding until the final third or so.
Along the way, we get exquisite rural photography courtesy of D.P. Reynaldo Villalobos, stirring music (on which both W. Michael Lewis and Olmos himself worked, adapting the legendary corrido folk song about Cortez), and a tale with emotional resonance.
Olmos is quietly powerful in the lead, and is extremely well supported by Gammon, Tom Bower ("Die Hard 2"), Bruce McGill ("National Lampoon's Animal House"), Brion James ("Blade Runner"), Alan Vint ("Badlands"), Scott, Pepe Serna ("Vice Squad"), Michael McGuire ("Hard Times"), William Sanderson ('Newhart'), Barry Corbin ("No Country for Old Men"), Jack Kehoe ("Melvin and Howard"), and the lovely Rosanna DeSoto ("Stand and Deliver").
Haunting and memorable, "The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez" packs a pretty impressive punch.
Eight out of 10.
The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez
osloj5 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1982) was a pretty popular film in schools during the 1980's because it played in many Spanish classes. Along with The Official Story (1985), and El Norte (1983), you'd see it often if you were taking a Spanish class back then.
It featured the then unknown, Edward James Olmos, as Gregorio Cortez. Gregorio Cortez is a poor peasant who one day is visited by the local white sheriff who is inquiring about a stolen horse. Gregorio Cortez doesn't speak English and the Spanish interpreter isn't that knowledgeable in the variance of the Spanish language. He asks Gregorio Cortez if he has purchased a horse, and Gregorio Cortez replies that he has not. Gregorio Cortez in fact had purchased a female horse, but it is differentiated in the Spanish language. In Spanish, a female horse is called a "Yegua". Thus Gregorio Cortez had answered truthfully, but pistols are drawn and Gregorio Cortez's brother is killed, and then the sheriff is shot by Gregorio Cortez in self defense.
Gregorio Cortez goes off with his horse and there is the action of the film. It has some lovely music and the scenes are done well. The local posse and sheriff are on his trail and finally capture him.
The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez was also a song (Mexican corrido) of the time.
Gregorio Cortez is based on a true incident.
It featured the then unknown, Edward James Olmos, as Gregorio Cortez. Gregorio Cortez is a poor peasant who one day is visited by the local white sheriff who is inquiring about a stolen horse. Gregorio Cortez doesn't speak English and the Spanish interpreter isn't that knowledgeable in the variance of the Spanish language. He asks Gregorio Cortez if he has purchased a horse, and Gregorio Cortez replies that he has not. Gregorio Cortez in fact had purchased a female horse, but it is differentiated in the Spanish language. In Spanish, a female horse is called a "Yegua". Thus Gregorio Cortez had answered truthfully, but pistols are drawn and Gregorio Cortez's brother is killed, and then the sheriff is shot by Gregorio Cortez in self defense.
Gregorio Cortez goes off with his horse and there is the action of the film. It has some lovely music and the scenes are done well. The local posse and sheriff are on his trail and finally capture him.
The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez was also a song (Mexican corrido) of the time.
Gregorio Cortez is based on a true incident.
The Question Without Answers
boblipton15 May 2023
Edward James Olmos stars as Gregorio Cortez as he flees from the Texas Rangers following his shooting and killing several law enforcement officers. There's a long chase, beginning with Olmos a dreamlike figure on horseback drifting over the landscape, while Texas Rangers pursue him, and reporter Bruce McGill is constantly disabused of the details of the stories he has sent out. When he surrenders, he is is transported in a cage on the railroad, crowds gathering to watch his progress. His lawyer speaks eloquently. Throughout the etntre movie, Olmos says not one word. He watches everything, passively, fearfully, uncomprehendingly.
Clearly we are meant to wonder what he thinks, and what actually happened. What is the truth behind the song that, according to the closing titles, is still sung along the border? Clearly, to director Robert M. Young, it doesn't matter what actually happened. What's important to him is the way the Anglos react, to the Rangers doing their jobs as the legislature debates closing them down, the thoughts behind the people watching Olmos' progress towards justice, and the mob that comes to take the convicted Olmos from jail and hang him.
Clearly we are meant to wonder what he thinks, and what actually happened. What is the truth behind the song that, according to the closing titles, is still sung along the border? Clearly, to director Robert M. Young, it doesn't matter what actually happened. What's important to him is the way the Anglos react, to the Rangers doing their jobs as the legislature debates closing them down, the thoughts behind the people watching Olmos' progress towards justice, and the mob that comes to take the convicted Olmos from jail and hang him.
g. cortez
mossgrymk30 May 2023
Surprised that there are not more reviews for this intelligent, sensitive film about racial prejudice and injustice, Texas style, that I'm sure was shown in many a Lone Star State, high school social studies class back in the eighties. Nowadays, of course, GregAbbott and his MAGA minions would deride it as "woke" and try mightily to suppress it. But I digress.
I am not as enthusiastic about this film as the majority of my fellow reviewers, though. It's kind of like eating kale. You know it's good for you but it lacks flavor. Maybe that is because, as written by Victor Villasenor and director Robert M Young, the title character is not really a character at all but, rather, a symbol of victimhood. And while you may like symbolism I find it to be a bore. Give me a flesh and blood person with plenty of ambiguities any day over the suffering saint portrayed by Eddie Olmos. Someone, say, like sheriff Frank Fly, by leaps and bounds the most interesting person in the movie, perfectly played in all his flawed goodness by the great western character actor, James Gammon. And when you find yourself extolling the virtues of Fly over Cortez as a believable human being in a film called "The Ballad Of Gregorio Cortez" it is time to give said film a C plus.
I am not as enthusiastic about this film as the majority of my fellow reviewers, though. It's kind of like eating kale. You know it's good for you but it lacks flavor. Maybe that is because, as written by Victor Villasenor and director Robert M Young, the title character is not really a character at all but, rather, a symbol of victimhood. And while you may like symbolism I find it to be a bore. Give me a flesh and blood person with plenty of ambiguities any day over the suffering saint portrayed by Eddie Olmos. Someone, say, like sheriff Frank Fly, by leaps and bounds the most interesting person in the movie, perfectly played in all his flawed goodness by the great western character actor, James Gammon. And when you find yourself extolling the virtues of Fly over Cortez as a believable human being in a film called "The Ballad Of Gregorio Cortez" it is time to give said film a C plus.
Solid Western (made in the early 80s)
pc9524 March 2024
With a cast and ensemble of satisfactory to great actors, director Robert M Young's "The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez" is a compelling chase story featuring notable performances from a younger lead Edward James Olmos and many journeymen (some now late) actors including James Gammon, Brion James, Bruce McGill, and Rosanna Desoto. I liked the realism of the movie to a certain degree, though the music seemed a bit out of place. Cinematography was competent, and you could relate to the injustice of what appeared to happen. From a time from which no-one now lives, director Young seems to want to give a fair shake to Cortez's sad story. Olmos is is up to the task to paint a human picture of a man in fear on the run unjustly, and the movie helps solidify Olmos career earlier. Deserving of a watch and entertaining. 7/10.
Important "border theory" film.
Kathryn-1713 July 2003
Based on a true story, this is an important film that teaches us about racism, assumptions, and what can happen when someone's words are not correctly translated from one language to another. The filmmaker deliberately chose not to use subtitles, so if you don't speak Spanish you may feel a little frustrated because the Americans of Mexican descent speak only Spanish in the film. (90% of the dialogue is in English.) However, stick with the film to the end and you will understand why this director did not use subtitles. The story takes place on the border between Mexico and Texas and exposes the racist and violent history of the Texas Rangers. The film also demonstrates how media manipulation can create hysteria. A newspaper reporter accompanies the Texas Rangers on their hunt for fugitive Gregorio Cortez. The reporter interviews witnesses who fabricate a "gang" and "gang leader" when in fact there were none in this case. Edward James Olmos is mesmerizing in his first film role as Cortez. There is an "Old West" authenticity in this production that reminds us that most Hollywood Westerns are based only in a "Manifest Destiny" fantasy, not fact.
Superior Western based on an actual incident
Woodyanders7 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Simple Mexican farmer Gregorio Cortez (superbly played with touching gentleness by Edward James Olmos) becomes a wanted fugitive and goes on the lam after killing a lawman in self-defense over a tragic misunderstanding of language in 1901 Texas.
Director Robert M. Young, who also co-wrote the thoughtful script with Victor Villasenor, not only presents a flavorsome evocation of the early turn of the century period setting that has a wonderfully lived-in authenticity, but also offers a trenchant and provocative commentary on prejudice, miscommunication, how the media can turn an ordinary man into a larger-than-life folk hero, and the harsh ugly reality of "frontier justice" that acquires considerable resonance and poignancy from the stark and unsentimental manner in which it tells the compelling fact-based story.
Olmos brings a winning humanity and vulnerability to his resourceful and reluctant outlaw character. Moreover, there are spot-on supporting contributions from James Gammon as tough, but fair Sheriff Frank Fly, Bruce McGill as earnest reporter Blakely, Brion James as the no-nonsense Captain Rogers, Pepe Serna as Cortez's brother Romaldo, Barry Corbin as compassionate lawyer B.R. Abernathy, Jack Kehoe as slimy prosecutor Pierson, and William Sanderson as a lonesome cowboy who's desperate for companionship. Kudos are also in order for the lovely cinematography by Reynaldo Villalobos and the harmonic score by Olmos and W. Michael Lewis. An excellent and affecting film.
Director Robert M. Young, who also co-wrote the thoughtful script with Victor Villasenor, not only presents a flavorsome evocation of the early turn of the century period setting that has a wonderfully lived-in authenticity, but also offers a trenchant and provocative commentary on prejudice, miscommunication, how the media can turn an ordinary man into a larger-than-life folk hero, and the harsh ugly reality of "frontier justice" that acquires considerable resonance and poignancy from the stark and unsentimental manner in which it tells the compelling fact-based story.
Olmos brings a winning humanity and vulnerability to his resourceful and reluctant outlaw character. Moreover, there are spot-on supporting contributions from James Gammon as tough, but fair Sheriff Frank Fly, Bruce McGill as earnest reporter Blakely, Brion James as the no-nonsense Captain Rogers, Pepe Serna as Cortez's brother Romaldo, Barry Corbin as compassionate lawyer B.R. Abernathy, Jack Kehoe as slimy prosecutor Pierson, and William Sanderson as a lonesome cowboy who's desperate for companionship. Kudos are also in order for the lovely cinematography by Reynaldo Villalobos and the harmonic score by Olmos and W. Michael Lewis. An excellent and affecting film.
A film deserving re-discovery-- a gritty allegory of bilingualism
jwarthen-310 September 2000
Robert Young is an American director whose fitful opportunities to direct nearly always has turned up singular results. This treatment of the legend of a master horseman who evaded capture during weeks of vigilante pursuit shows Young's usual care with milieu, historical detail, and shadings of character. Olmos is a splendid icon in the lead, but the revelation is James Gammon, who never had a better film role, and the supporting cast is studded with fine character actors (including two who come over w/Olmos from the BLADE RUNNER set to appear here). A climactic scene, involving a female translator working between law and prisoner in a tiny cell, has stayed in my mind for 18 years for its depiction of a heartbreaking communion between adversaries. But Young knows what Westerns do best-- trains and horses, the two most cinematic subjects in the world-- and they're both here in aces.
An admirable movie, but not actually all that entertaining
RMurray8478 January 2021
Because I'm a movie buff (and own about 3,000 titles), I am always eager to consume something unusual, or "important" or something key that just slipped by me. I VAGUELY remember when THE BALLAD OF GREGORIO CORTEZ was released (I live in Albuquerque, NM...near where much of it was filmed), and I knew it was important even then, but somehow I missed actually seeing it. But one of my goals has been to work through my collection of Criterion Blu Rays...a self-taught crash-course in movie history. This way, I get to see a wide variety of movies, from a variety of countries and eras. And most of the time, the films are VERY worthwhile, even if challenging. But not always.
THE BALLAD OF GREGORIO CORTEZ is such a film for me. Reading a bit about it (including the essay enclosed in the box) gave me a good idea of why this film is noteworthy. A film focused on a Hispanic leading character. A "gritty" Western before that was really a thing. A film that played with the notion of how miscommunication can cause deep pain, by not translating the spoken Spanish via subtitles...so that we just have to infer or guess what the topic is. I like Westerns, generally, so I was ready for an enjoyable experience.
The scenery is gorgeous, and the film is grainy (Criterion does such a good job of making these home viewing experiences like seeing FILM on a real screen). The color palette is muted. So there is a sense of perhaps seeing this story "back in time." Almost like a slightly sepia-tinted film. It gives a great sense of being in a place AND time.
But the effort to create a realistic story, free from gloss or sheen means we also have a lot of people all talking at the same time (like happens in real life), but makes it very difficult to understand. I finally had to turn on the sub-titles because I couldn't even figure out what person everyone was playing. The sound mix was often problematic...sometimes the musical soundtrack (or even the title song) was on way too loud. It didn't feel like part of a the movie, but like someone had put on a CD in an effort to drown out the movie.
It tells the story of Gregorio Cortez, a poor farmer who has a very unfortunate encounter with a local sheriff and his TERRIBLE translator, which leads to a misunderstanding that leads to tragedy and forces Cortez to go on the run. The town law is after him. The Texas Rangers are after him. How can he possibly escape? And if he's caught, will his story be heard? This is all fine, and sounds like the makings of a good film. But there were too many scenes of lots of men in the posse just talking and talking and talking. The story is told in flashback, which is fine, but the "flashing-back" isn't always well delineated, and you don't always know right away that is what's happening. And the biggest flaw of all is the character of Gregorio Cortez. In the first half of the movie, we mostly see him riding his horse very fast, swapping it out for another horse he is stealing, and then riding fast some more. Seeing a young Edward James Olmos, who is a fine actor, is amusing, but I didn't find myself caring much about his fate. He is mostly stoic in the movie and difficult to read. Perhaps that helps with the idea of the English-speaking viewer not really understanding this man or what moves/motivates him. But to me, it felt like a HUGE failing.
The rest of the cast is fairly solid, and included folks we still enjoy today like Barry Corbin, along with performers like James Gammon, who passed some time ago. It's a great collection of American character actors, working in a noisy, boisterous ensemble (hence, my difficulty in making out the dialogue).
I'm glad I saw the movie. If nothing else, I checked a box that represented a gap in my film knowledge. But as an avid viewer of movies, I was actually a bit bored and the film felt much longer than its 100 minute run time.
THE BALLAD OF GREGORIO CORTEZ is such a film for me. Reading a bit about it (including the essay enclosed in the box) gave me a good idea of why this film is noteworthy. A film focused on a Hispanic leading character. A "gritty" Western before that was really a thing. A film that played with the notion of how miscommunication can cause deep pain, by not translating the spoken Spanish via subtitles...so that we just have to infer or guess what the topic is. I like Westerns, generally, so I was ready for an enjoyable experience.
The scenery is gorgeous, and the film is grainy (Criterion does such a good job of making these home viewing experiences like seeing FILM on a real screen). The color palette is muted. So there is a sense of perhaps seeing this story "back in time." Almost like a slightly sepia-tinted film. It gives a great sense of being in a place AND time.
But the effort to create a realistic story, free from gloss or sheen means we also have a lot of people all talking at the same time (like happens in real life), but makes it very difficult to understand. I finally had to turn on the sub-titles because I couldn't even figure out what person everyone was playing. The sound mix was often problematic...sometimes the musical soundtrack (or even the title song) was on way too loud. It didn't feel like part of a the movie, but like someone had put on a CD in an effort to drown out the movie.
It tells the story of Gregorio Cortez, a poor farmer who has a very unfortunate encounter with a local sheriff and his TERRIBLE translator, which leads to a misunderstanding that leads to tragedy and forces Cortez to go on the run. The town law is after him. The Texas Rangers are after him. How can he possibly escape? And if he's caught, will his story be heard? This is all fine, and sounds like the makings of a good film. But there were too many scenes of lots of men in the posse just talking and talking and talking. The story is told in flashback, which is fine, but the "flashing-back" isn't always well delineated, and you don't always know right away that is what's happening. And the biggest flaw of all is the character of Gregorio Cortez. In the first half of the movie, we mostly see him riding his horse very fast, swapping it out for another horse he is stealing, and then riding fast some more. Seeing a young Edward James Olmos, who is a fine actor, is amusing, but I didn't find myself caring much about his fate. He is mostly stoic in the movie and difficult to read. Perhaps that helps with the idea of the English-speaking viewer not really understanding this man or what moves/motivates him. But to me, it felt like a HUGE failing.
The rest of the cast is fairly solid, and included folks we still enjoy today like Barry Corbin, along with performers like James Gammon, who passed some time ago. It's a great collection of American character actors, working in a noisy, boisterous ensemble (hence, my difficulty in making out the dialogue).
I'm glad I saw the movie. If nothing else, I checked a box that represented a gap in my film knowledge. But as an avid viewer of movies, I was actually a bit bored and the film felt much longer than its 100 minute run time.
ordinary good man becomes outlaw
cflpeace11 March 2007
This was by far my favorite Olmos movie; he made the entire movie without (except for his last line) saying a word in English and yet tapped into our emotions, making us feel deeply for his character and know his thoughts; this was pure acting genius. The scene where he's talking with his wife and watching their kids play captivated me: I didn't need to understand a word they were saying to see he was a loving family man. Later, as he's alone for so much of the story, he had me sharing his fear and anguish.
It is both an intensely dramatic and a monumentally important film. As with "Salt of the Earth," "Burn," "Fast Food Nation," and such, it is disappointing to see such great films fail to reach a wider audience. I only found this film because it was in a video rental place that I frequented.
Incidentally, when I had the honor of meeting this by-then academy-nominated actor, I told him how impressed I had been with him as Cortez; he gave all the credit to the director. I appreciated his modesty, but I had to insist, his acting was also great!
It is both an intensely dramatic and a monumentally important film. As with "Salt of the Earth," "Burn," "Fast Food Nation," and such, it is disappointing to see such great films fail to reach a wider audience. I only found this film because it was in a video rental place that I frequented.
Incidentally, when I had the honor of meeting this by-then academy-nominated actor, I told him how impressed I had been with him as Cortez; he gave all the credit to the director. I appreciated his modesty, but I had to insist, his acting was also great!
fascinating story
SnoopyStyle14 May 2023
It's Gonzales, Texas 1901. The Anglos and the Mexicans live side-by-side in tension. Supposedly, criminal Gregorio Cortez (Edward James Olmos) killed the sheriff. The posse sets off to track him down and kill any Mexicans who get in the way. Reporter Blakely (Bruce McGill) joins the group and interviews various members. The truth is slowly revealed.
I've never heard of this movie or this story. Edward James Olmos was gaining some notice at the time. This came out the same year as Blade Runner. I like the story. I would keep Boone Choate under wraps a little more. His obvious racism takes away from the audience slowly discovering the truth. We know the guy is a liar almost right away. Certainly, the movie has a point of view and some Texas Ranger fans are not going to like this movie.
I've never heard of this movie or this story. Edward James Olmos was gaining some notice at the time. This came out the same year as Blade Runner. I like the story. I would keep Boone Choate under wraps a little more. His obvious racism takes away from the audience slowly discovering the truth. We know the guy is a liar almost right away. Certainly, the movie has a point of view and some Texas Ranger fans are not going to like this movie.
Ode to a Ballad
NoDakTatum29 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Entertaining western with a contemporary, unbiased mind set. Taking place in 1901 Gonzalez, Texas, Gregorio Cortez is a Mexican on the run after being involved in not one but three murders of some Texas law enforcement personnel. While cut-and-dried from the Texans' point of view, Cortez's full story of what happened remains to be heard. Edward James Olmos does a great job as Cortez. He does not speak English, and the film makers wisely do not subtitle his Mexican conversations, adding to the confusion of Cortez's crimes. He is confronted by a racist deputy and a sheriff, who accuse him of stealing a horse. Cortez's brother is shot and the sheriff is killed in a bizarre, confused shootout that sends Cortez to a friendly ranch worker's home. There, a posse attacks the house Cortez is in, and two more men are shot and killed. Cortez's brother dies as well. Bruce McGill plays San Antonio reporter Blakely who rides with the posse, and begins to get Cortez's story, as seen by the Texas Rangers. While the flashbacks to the killings are not along the lines of "Rashomon," they serve to illustrate the Texans' side well. As Cortez is caught and put on trial, he is represented by Abernathy (Barry Corbin), who finds out what really happened and tries to get his client off.
The film makers here do something very unexpected for this type of film- they show us that Cortez is neither a martyr or a saint. Cortez's side of the initial murder is not much different from the deputy's. The shooting started over a misunderstood translation between the deputy and Cortez and escalated. Cortez's family is locked up in order to flush him out, and civil liberties are broken all over the place. The film opens with Cortez running, a bunch of guys chasing him, and bodies being returned to families, and I had no idea what was going on for the first ten minutes of the film. Eventually, things begin to click, and Young's sure direction keeps it going. The cast is full of character actors whose names you do not immediately recognize but whose faces you have watched for years. Even Ned Beatty has a rather unnecessary cameo near the end. If you are expecting another politically correct allegory about the plight of the Mexican in turn of the century Texas, you need to look elsewhere. This revisionist western shows us both sides of murder, and how both sides are at fault.
The film makers here do something very unexpected for this type of film- they show us that Cortez is neither a martyr or a saint. Cortez's side of the initial murder is not much different from the deputy's. The shooting started over a misunderstood translation between the deputy and Cortez and escalated. Cortez's family is locked up in order to flush him out, and civil liberties are broken all over the place. The film opens with Cortez running, a bunch of guys chasing him, and bodies being returned to families, and I had no idea what was going on for the first ten minutes of the film. Eventually, things begin to click, and Young's sure direction keeps it going. The cast is full of character actors whose names you do not immediately recognize but whose faces you have watched for years. Even Ned Beatty has a rather unnecessary cameo near the end. If you are expecting another politically correct allegory about the plight of the Mexican in turn of the century Texas, you need to look elsewhere. This revisionist western shows us both sides of murder, and how both sides are at fault.
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