The Searchers (1956)

Monument Valley never looked better in VistaVision's filming process. Roger Ebert stated, "John Ford's ''The Searchers'' contains scenes of magnificence, and one of John Wayne's best performances. There are shots that are astonishingly beautiful." The only Western in history to be placed in the top 10 Sight & Sound Poll as among the greatest films of all time. AFI ranked The Searchers #12 in their all-time list and in 1989 the United States National Film Registry's first year of selecting films for preservation, chose The Searchers as one of the first 25 films to be deemed "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant." The Searchers has influenced films as diverse as Star Wars, Taxi Driver, Hardcore, Dances with Wolves, Saving Private Ryan, The Wind and the Lion and Apocalypse Now. David Lean studied The Searchers in preparation for Lawrence of Arabia and as a result movie history was made with that famous shot of the across-the-desert entrance of Sheriff Ali. Sergio Leone listed The Searchers as one of his favorite films. Much has been made of the film's racist overtones, but both sides were equally represented and based on historical fact. The basis of Ethan Edward's obsession is clearly stated when Debbie hides next to a tombstone that states the massacre of Ethan's mother at the beginning of the film. Not so obvious is John Ford's hidden subtext about Ethan's affair with his brother's wife and that Lucy or Debbie could possibly be Ethan's children. The thirst for vengeance makes total sense especially with the prospect that Debbie's been "living with a Buck." So many great scenes (the wedding scene, the letter reading scene) and lots of comic relief ("That'll be the day!"), keep the viewer's interest throughout. As far as I'm concerned, this is John Wayne's greatest acting triumph. When Ethan has to explain to Brad that Lucy was dead and he says, "What do you want me to do? Draw you a picture? Spell it out? Don't ever ask me! Long as you live, don't ever ask me more," is delivered with such harrowing conviction by Wayne, it gives me goose bumps. Then there is the scene when Ethan sees two white women who were raped by Indians and regressed to their childhood, Ethan says, "They aren't white. Not anymore." As Ethan exits we are given one of the greatest close-ups in movie history (seen over and over again in motion picture retrospectives). John Ford was sparse with camera movements and so when he employs camera movements, there is a heightened sense of drama. Ford's camera rapidly tracks in on Wayne's face to that close-up and reveals Ethan's total contempt—a chilling moment. Every shot is framed. I've never seen a movie that did this so effectively and with such beauty. It's like Frederic Remington painted each shot. Keep in mind, this is all before CGI. The cinematography is stunning. Then there is that incredible final shot, perfectly framed again with awesome cinematography and John Wayne's personal tribute to Harry Carey. I am in awe every time I watch this movie.

John Wayne (JW)being one of my favourites actors so please be warned I am biased. This film shows the depth of JW's abilities under his Papi the great John Ford.If they ever give out long belated Oscars I would nominate JW willingly and honestly.Those who claim this film is racist really need to understand the history of the times. These days I always find sympathy with the American Indian and their previous way of life, admittedly the White invaders did go them and their lands as expantionalism was the name of the game then, but this review is not about that. There were many grave atrocities committed by both White settlers and Indians but the Indian was fighting for survival and we simply cannot apply modern day values against those of nearly 200 years ago.The film is brilliant, it's on the TV as I write, I must have seem it at least 25 times and it's still magic for me, the creme de la creme of all westerns as it has much of all that is required of the genre. Action, excitement, romance, pathos , wonderful scenery, good horsemanship and above all what makes good films great, unquestionably Superb acting by all involved so I will not single out any individual performance other than that already mentioned.A great movie with no modern day equivalent, I would highly recommend viewing it for pure entertainment value and for any up and coming actors, producers, directors and anyone else seeking a career in film making.

John Ford's well-regarded western is a classic for a reason: it's very well made indeed. Finely shot, finely acted, and with a plot that keeps on giving, THE SEARCHERS is perhaps the pinnacle of the director's career and certainly one of John Wayne's best films as well as acting performances. Here, he tones down the swagger a little, delivering a finely-turned turn as the former Confederate soldier who gets embroiled in a hunt for a missing girl.THE SEARCHERS is difficult to fault as a film. The running time is lengthy but you end up savouring every moment. The bright photography brings Monument Valley to life in a special way. The supporting cast is exemplary, from old-timers like Ward Bond to newcomers like Natalie Wood. There isn't a great deal of stock action here, but nonetheless the film has a sense of drive and urgency to it, a momentum that keeps it carrying on and on. I dare anyone to find fault with it.

THE SEARCHERS is a complex and atypical western, which can be described as a realistic and raw adventure in the Wild West. One war veteran from the Civil War returns to the ranch of his brother in his native Texas. He plans to lead a calm and quiet life with people he loves. However, one evening, while he was investigating a case of stolen cattle, the Comanche attack the ranch of his brother, set fire to the house, kidnap his two nieces and And kill the rest of the family mercilessly. The main protagonist is organizing the search for the kidnapped girls, but his motives are quite complicated ....Mr. Ford has again made sure that we all enjoy the beauty of open scenes of the Wild West. The setting is, with some still obvious studio segments, almost flawless. Plots are perfect in the first part of the film, while in the second part of the film is a little exaggerated, because the final climax of the story is repeatedly postponed. Some plots in the latter part of the film are unnecessary. These complications do not contribute to the overall tension in the film. I have, at one point, thought that the movie will never end.This movie has a very dark tone compared to westerns before it. This is a western adventure that is filled with hatred, desire for revenge, racial animus and wrapped with a romantic frame. The main character is a bitter and lonely man who has a problem with all people, he hates Indians and wants his revenge at any cost. Ethan Edwards is perhaps the most complicated character in one Western. Despite this, he is extremely compelling character.The focus of the story is on the psychological development of the main protagonists. Each of them, regardless of their motives, bring something cruel and tragic.John Wayne as Ethan Edwards in a stunning performance. This is probably the best role in his career. In addition to what I have already stated, his character expresses strong passion and dominance. He is not looking for love or respect, he just wants his revenge. A hero, who brought himself to the limit of madness. Henry Brandon as Chief Cicatriz (Scar) expresses almost the same hatred and need for revenge to the "white man". White people have killed his two sons. He takes scalps in order to avenge the murder of his sons.The difference between the hero and the villain is practically nonexistent. At the beginning and the end of the film Ethan is looking through the open door of the house. There is no place for him in the house. He belongs to his own world. The Scar belongs to the same world.Jeffrey Hunter as Martin Pawley is one immature boy, who suddenly has to grow up. He is one-eighth Indian and feels all the hatred of his "uncle". Strong characterization comes to the fore when he starts questioning Ethan's motives. Vera Miles as Laurie Jorgensen is a desperate and romantic housewife at the same time. Ward Bond as Rev. Capt. Samuel Johnson Clayton tries to be a priest and a captain at the same time. One charismatic character through which runs an unnecessary dose of humor.The Comanche are represented as extremely cruel people. However, their motives are skilfully explained.This is, without a doubt, one of the best westerns of all time.