Sometimes, all it takes is just a few hardcore scenes and some heavy Southern accent to take you back in time, and this movie does exactly that. It is the second adaptation of the novel by Charles Portis after the 1969 feature adaptation and it can take you back to the Wild West to the life of Mattie Ross and her journey for vengeance.
The movie starts with the tragic death of Mattie’s father by a man named Tom Chaney when she was 14 years old. When she finds out where Chaney might be, she decides to hire a Deputy U. S. Marshal to help her find Chaney. After a lot of negotiation about payment, the hurt yet determined Mattie Ross sets off on her path to avenge his father’s death accompanied by “meanest” one-eyed gunslinger, Rooster Cogburn. As they ride towards the Indian Territory where Tom Chaney is said to be with his gang, they come across Texas Ranger, LaBoeuf. He too is trying to hunt down the same man but for different intentions. Once they decide to join forces, the story begins to mount high and their conquest becomes harder than they expected as they get into some nasty confrontations with many different enemies.
Jeff Bridges
, who plays the role of Rooster Cogburn, delivers an incredible performance as the ruthless and unsavory law man. However, it is
Hailee Steinfeld
, who justifiably wins all the attention as tough Hailee Steinfeld. She portrayed the character of the novel very maturely and realistically. She has really won hearts especially in the scene where she had to extract money from a horse trader by bargaining with him using his own logic.
The Coen brothers have yet again managed to make a very successful adaptation of the novel, also while displaying their unique direction. It really gives the viewers the true feel of the old and dusty side of the West as well as the brawn and the grit of it.
For this apt representation of the novel with some amazing performances and gripping feel, I give True Grit, 3 out of 5 popcorn tubs.