Blackthorn (2011)

Wow, what a good film. And one I'd never heard of - lucky somebody mentioned it and I was intrigued...Basically, very classy western but tinged with an odd quirky loneliness throughout. The casting of brilliant Sam Shepard and Eduardo Noriega is perfect. Stephen Rea is wonderful in this too.For me, it's a kind of similar feel to the Coen version of True Grit but not quite as strong a film. In it's own right though this is great too.Highly recommended

This Spanish/South American western is not only one of the most underrated films in the genre, but one of the most overlooked films of the last several years. It boasts a compelling story, a fine script, an excellent cast, stunning photography of some magnificent Bolivian locations and a terrific performance from Sam Shepard as Butch Cassidy (alias James Blackthorn). This may well be Shepard's finest screen work in a stellar career. Stephen Rea as Blackthorn's (Shepard's) ancient nemesis and pursuer (their relationship recalls Victor Hugo's Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert) and Eduardo Noriega as the devilishly charming Spanish thief provide wonderful support. The action is well-handled and the flashback scenes of a young Butch, Sundance and Etta Place perfectly underscore the story rather than sidetrack it as flashback sequences so often do. The picture is different in tone - more serious and downbeat - than the classic "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969), but it is still a worthy companion piece to that film - largely due to Shepard's expert characterization and Mateo Gil's sure-handed direction. In a genre that has often been depicted as all but dead (but still lives on splendidly thank you), this is a more than worthy entry.

Blackthorn is a very good movie. The cinematography is well above average and takes full advantage of the beautiful locations. There is some breathtaking scenery in this movie. The characters' divergent costuming (Bolivian native attire, gauchos, cowboys, etc.) and props are excellent. The screenplay provides an interesting story and dialogue the actors deliver in a natural and believable way.The acting by talented people under the director's (Mateo Gil) guidance feels real. Sam Shepard is wonderful, creating a relaxed and confident protagonist. Dominique McElligott brings life to her character, Etta. Her smile is infectious, and we cannot help but care for her even when she finishes off two wounded and dying (or already dead) adversaries.The violence in the movie is not excessive, but the shooting scenes are very realistic, supported by excellent sound effects. The bullet strikes (hits and misses) accurately portray what happens when a round strikes something (the ground, a body--human or horse, etc.).I had my reservations before considering this movie. I'm glad I decided to watch it, and I am sure you will enjoy Blackthorn.

In 1908 Bolivia, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were supposedly killed in a final gunfight. In 1927 Bolivia, Butch is living under the assumed name James Blackthorn (Sam Shepard). He decides to return to America after the death of old mate Etta Place. He withdraws all of his money. He gets into a gunfight with Eduardo Apodaca (Eduardo Noriega) who claims to be escaping from a powerful mine owner after stealing his money. Their horses run off. Eduardo had mistaken Blackthorn for one of his pursuer and offers a share of the loot for his help. There are flashbacks of Butch and Sundance with Etta as they are pursued by Pinkerton Detective Mackinley and the Bolivian Army.Spanish director Mateo Gil takes on the modern western. It is beautifully shot and it's got Sam Shepard. He's got the charisma and big screen presence for such an iconic character. The story does meander around and it's the most thrilling plot. The flashbacks disrupt the flow and could be left out. This is more compelling as a movie spotlighting Sam Shepard and make him the man with a fake name.