Hostiles

Scott Cooper has gone beyond me so far, but this was exactly what one imagines quality filmmaking to be. Already the uncompromisingly raw and brutal opening, into which they throw us without warning, managed to set the whole direction of the film and indicated quite clearly that nobody was going to pull any punches. Violence is expressed explicitly and with no regard for children or women, but at the same time casually and skillfully enough not to make weaker viewers uncomfortable, as well as the excellent camera work and exposures of landscapes, the western touch that is felt from the first minutes, and the excellent musical score. The chemistry between Christian Bale and Wes Studi as the Indian chief is excellent, and the gradual development of their characters is straight out of a written drama. The action scenes are realistic, the Indians are brutal to the point of blood and whenever they appear on the scene, you know it's bad. Few films can be so engrossing every second and for someone who doesn’t like westerns, this one sucked me in brilliantly. Hostiles is simply a well-delivered drama portraying the strained relationship between two parties where you never know who will live to see tomorrow, and a quality western that is very confident in its action and combines both of the aforementioned aspects together in the finale – the final carnage and the palpable catharsis of the main characters. I have absolutely no reservations, this is a gem and I would watch it again in a heartbeat. (11/10/2021)

A purebred, rough western with an engaging and well-written plot, fantastic directing and brilliant actors - rumors about Christian Bale's best performance of his life did not lie, although it is debatable whether it is in fact his best performance (but it is definitely in the top 3 and it is amazing to see how great Bale acts using his eyes, eyebrows, the wrinkles on his forehead and mustache). However, there is no doubt about this being the best performance of Rosamund Pike’s career. Her tragic character combines female fragility with strength and determination, while Bale's protagonist is no less of a tragic warrior, who gradually runs out of comrades-in-arms in the ruthless environment. This is a film brimming with strong and serious themes, from controversy about violence, human nature, and morality and the burden of conscience, to the differences between murder ordered by someone, and murder in general. A majestic atmosphere, emotions, brilliantly written characters and perfect work with motifs. The last four minutes may be too sweet, but they are actually logical. The Indians may not be what they seem. Amazing film. (02/07/2018)

The first cinema experience of the year. Scott Cooper serves up a gritty adventure western with the Apache! Starring a solid Christian Bale, Rosamund Pike and Ben Foster. The film has a slower pace, but a very tense atmosphere, beautiful scenery, lots of disgusting maniacal Apaches who have no problem murdering an entire family and their children (the opening scene is very intense) and a great soundtrack. There are only four action scenes, but they are authentically filmed, with excellent sound design and very tense to the point of being breathless. This dead genre has been slowly reviving and gaining momentum for the last two years and that's only a good thing. 75% (16/01/2018)

Hostiles is a harsh Western that relates the quest for mutual respect between two fighters on a politically oriented path (akin to Saving Private Ryan). Surprisingly, there are many parallels with another modern Western, 3:10 to Yuma, be it for the story structure, the similar atmosphere, or the starring of Christian Bale and Ben Foster. Otherwise, Hostiles follows its own slow-paced route and skilfully draws the audience in. Scott Cooper’s direction is flawless. The scene where Metz (Rory Cochrane) kneels in front of the chief’s tent would be incredibly clichéd if presented differently, but, thanks to the brilliant acting performance and the way Cooper directed, is, to my eyes, the highlight of the film. [KVIFF 2018] (08/07/2018)

Nontraditional western with almost philosophical contemplations about death. Mainly about the death of loved ones. In his role of a mumbling captain, Bale caught the right wave again, his torn soul shining in his eyes. In her supporting role, Rosamund Pike skillfully steals the strongest scenes for herself e.g. with the sleeping children and shooting the corpse. A story wrapped inside an almost ironical pilgrimage towards death also boasts amazing visuals. There could be more of Foster, he makes just a fleeting appearance. I was just doing my job. (20/07/2018)