True Grit

Movie review by S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media
True Grit Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 15+

Coen brothers tackle classic Western with wit and brutality.

PG-13 2010 110 minutes
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 37 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 97 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that the Coen brothers' adaptation of Charles Portis' novel -- which also inspired the 1969 John Wayne classic -- is impressive and forceful, but it's also full of brutal (and sometimes bloody) gunfight sequences and other violent moments that aren't appropriate for younger viewers, as well as some language and drinking (one character is perpetually soused). That said, mature teens are likely to feel a kinship with the lead character, 14-year-old Mattie Ross, who faces challenges that would break many adults. They might even learn from her adventure -- and not small-potatoes lessons, either, but ones dealing with loyalty, courage, and determination.

Community Reviews

doctora
doctora Adult
June 14, 2022
age 15+

A strong film because of very strong performances.

I watched the original film a few years ago and was not a fan so I took my time before I decided to watch the Coen brothers version and have I been missing out! This is a wonderful Western that Bridges and Steinfeld dominate. The film offers many characters throughout to display their true grit as the story unfolds. They are both strong and vulnerable, but their integrity as they try to survive a world that attacks them, holds firm. The film does not let up in that it feels like every scene has something you want to see as the story continues to unfold and unravel as Mattie Ross infers that the protagonists are all changed people because of their association and maybe so are we.
langston W.
langston W. Adult
May 1, 2020
age 13+

A Violent, Incredible Movie

The movie is amazing. Parents should know, though, that there is a scene midway through the movie in which a man chops off another man's fingers, and is subsequently shot in the head at close range. This shows blood splatter a wall behind him, and a large, jagged, and nasty-looking hole can be seen on his face. The main character Maddi Ross demonstrates great character traits, and the movie has some profanity, including SOB and GD. Overall, not too bad, and I can recommend this movie for teens and up.

This title has:

Great messages
Too much violence
Too much swearing
See all 37 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Based on Charles Portis' novel -- which also inspired the John Wayne movie of the same name -- TRUE GRIT is narrated by Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), whom viewers meet when she's 14. Her father has died at the hands of the "coward" Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), and she needs someone to bring Chaney back, dead or alive. Her first choice is one-eyed U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), who's as good at downing liquor as he is at marshaling. Joining them is Texas Ranger LeBeouf (Matt Damon), who's heavy on patter and earnestness -- making for an unusual (and potent) trio.

Is It Any Good?

In this Western filled with gorgeous landscapes and action-packed shootouts, the Coen brothers display a vision of a Wild West that is indeed wild -- but also honorable. They went back to Portis' original text and have transformed it into a work of art that stands on its own, apart and different from the 1969 adaptation. Laconic stretches explode with violence and relax with wit and humor on a stage peopled with extraordinary actors, with Bridges as the master. It's a true Western, made for both the genre's connoisseurs and newcomers.

The biggest revelation, besides how hokey-yet-winning Damon can be, is Steinfeld. Her role requires the ability to stand up against two award-winning actors and portray a teen who tackles adult responsibilities fully while both grieving and avenging the loss of a parent -- true grit, in other words -- and she executes perfectly. From start to finish, True Grit plays as it should, and well.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the movie's characters. Are they role models? Are they intended to be? Who's the most admirable character here? The least?

  • Do you think Mattie is a realistic teen character? For the time period, was she acting her age?

  • How does this film adhere to (or not) the Western genre's basic characteristics? How does it compare to other Coen brothers movies?

Movie Details

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