Reviews

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  ★★★½ review by Jeremy Thomas on Letterboxd

  While it doesn't break new ground by any means, Forsaken is a refreshingly traditional take on the western genre that succeeds on the strength of its talented cast. Kiefer Sutherland, Donald Sutherland and Michael Wincott shine amongst a bevy of solid supporting work in this tale of a gunfighter torn between his inclination toward violence and his need for redemption and reconciliation. While it may be a bit too slow for fans of more action-oriented Old West films, Jon Cassar's film offers a nice change of pace and a chance for its cast to deliver. It may have modest aims, but it accomplishes its task well and should satisfy western fans nicely.

  [[Full review at 411mania]]

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  ★★★★ review by Ivica_Pusticki on Letterboxd

  I love westerns and I love Kiefer Sutherland (mostly because of 24, but still), plus, I've heard some good stuff about this movie, so FORSAKEN was a must see for me.

  Well...let me first say that this movie doesn't offer's anything new or original. There's nothing that we didn't already see in SHANE, PALE RIDER, or even UNFORGIVEN, and many other similar westerns. Story is simple and predictable...I would say a classic western story. Really can't get simpler then this.
  
  Also, this ain't your typical shoot'em up western with lots of gunfights, duels and dead body's. All the action starts (and ends) in the last 5-10 minutes of the movie, and that's it!
  
  If anything, FORSAKEN is a characters study...character driven drama about estranged father and son who are trying to make things right between them, and the main focus of the story is on them. Of course,  there's also a story about ruthless wealthy man who wants to buy all the land around the town and has his own army of gunslingers to intimidate the farmers and ranchers who don't wanna sell.

  Nevertheless,  I liked this movie a lot! I dunno...maybe if these two characters weren't played by a real father and son, I wouldn't liking this movie that much...I really don't know...but the thing is, Kiefer and Donald are both fantastic here, chemistry between them is awesome and their relationship feels genuine and real, and there was couple of really emotional moments.
  
  Also, suporting cast is great, especially Brian Cox and Michael Wincott! It's a shame that there wasn't more Wincott in the movie. And Demi Moore wasn't bad either.

  All in all, this is really great old school western...acting is great, movie looks good, and if you are a fan of classic old fashioned westerns, then this is something you shouldn't miss.

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  ★★★½ review by ReelMan on Letterboxd

  There's absolutely nothing original in this story of a reformed gunslinger who returns home for reconciliation and redemption. But, goddamn, if the talent involved with Forsaken hasn't pulled off making it fresh, involving, and heartfelt.

  Much of the credit goes to Kiefer Sutherland and dad Donald. What begins between them on-screen is shamelessly melodramatic, but it gradually becomes subtle, sincere and ultimately touching. Two culminating scenes left a lump in my throat as I felt the genuine love, respect and admiration between the characters... and between the actors.

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  ★★★★½ review by Austin Bitikofer on Letterboxd

  I honestly don't get the negative reviews.

  This film isn't your typical Western, it is a DRAMA. I'm not usual big on Dramas.. But this film was fantastic. Beautifully shot, with fantastic acting from the Sutherland's who in 1 scene actually made me get teary(DA FEELS THO DAMNIT).

  While it's more of a drama than your typical western(I love typical westerns) it pulled out some classic Western film tricks at the end such as a great gunfight scene and even a staredown(Though a short one).

  
  
  It was a good film, and I honestly cant figure out why a lot of people didn't enjoy it... Well actually I'm surprised I did enjoy it considering it was a more feels filled drama than a good ol western, but alas I did, and I'm pretty sure I'll get the bluray of this one when I get the chance.

  
  
  Also, although I am a western fan and would love way more westerns on the big and small screens these days, I'm glad the ending had a nice little naration that prevents a sequel from happening. I mean, I guess you could still do one, but it'd be very pointless lol. Heck, until I got to that naration at the end I myself was already plotting a sequel.
  
  But I'm glad it can't really have a sequel as it had a nice little close, I wish it was a more happy close but still, a pretty good ending(Again, beautifully shot).

  
  
  Keifer should do more westerns!

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  ★★★½ review by Acandelora on Letterboxd

  Nothing origonal or ground breaking, but the acting is very good, there are some good action scenes, and some drama that is done well.
  
  A western we have seen many times, but they pull it off well.

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