True Grit

This probably won’t be a surprise to those who know me well, but I tend to live my life governed by a set of strange, self-imposed rules. One of those rules states that I can’t watch a re-make of a movie without seeing the original first. Even though the Coen brothers don’t define True Grit as a remake of the John Wayne classic, but rather a re-telling of the novel by Charles Portis, I felt I needed to watch the 1969 film first. I’m glad I saw both versions because there were each lovely in their own ways.

In the 2010 version of True Grit, we meet Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), a young girl with a mature mind and well-honed sense of family loyalty. Learning her father was killed by a hired hand, Mattie travels to tend to her father’s body and his business dealings. Naturally, men of the old west gave her no respect and tried to swindle her in their dealings, but Mattie stood strong and proved herself in business.

With the her father’s affairs in order, Mattie turned her attention to seeking justice for his murder. Her goal was to see the scoundrel hanged and she began looking for a man to track him down. She chose to hire a man named Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), who got results through questionable methods. But Rooster had his doubts about working for Mattie and she had to employ her iron will to convince him to take the job.

While preparing to track the scoundrel, Mattie also meets a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) who is looking for the same man, but for a different crime. He decides to join Cogburn on the hunt, and much to their surprise, Mattie plans to come along. Even though the men fight it, Mattie gets her way and the trio sets off in search of the murderer.

Those of you who saw the original will have a pretty good idea of what happens next. If you haven’t seen it, I don’t want to spoil all the thrills built into the movie. Let’s just say that Mattie is a force of nature, as is Rooster. When the two of them combine, sparks fly and tempers flare.

I give True Grit five stars. The writing is sharp and moves the plot along at a nice pace. You almost feel as if you are trotted along beside the main characters as they ride the trail in search of evil personified. The cinematography is spectacular and the acting is first rate. Both Jeff Bridges and Hailee Steinfeld were nominated for Academy Awards, though neither won. I highly recommend True Grit. If you loved the original, you won’t be disappointed in this adaptation. If you are new to the story, hang on tight because you are in for one heck of a ride.

Michelle D. Kieffaber