Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Coen brothers tackle classic Western with wit and brutality.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
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True Grit
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 37 parent reviews
Based on 90 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a compelling yet intense western that showcases the story of a determined young girl seeking vengeance, complemented by strong performances from the cast. However, viewers should be warned about its graphic violence, which includes brutal scenes that may not be suitable for younger audiences, despite some reviews noting it as less violent than expected.
- graphic violence
- strong performances
- intense themes
- suitable for mature tweens
- good story
- strong role models
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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
- In theaters : December 22, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : June 7, 2011
- Cast : Hailee Steinfeld , Jeff Bridges , Josh Brolin , Matt Damon
- Directors : Ethan Coen , Joel Coen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Multiracial Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Western
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense sequences of western violence including disturbing images
- Last updated : September 21, 2019
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