Fort Apache

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Alec B Much more complex than you might assume at first glance (the ending is a less obvious riff on the "print the legend vs. tell the truth" theme Ford would return to years later) and it has a constant and oppressive feeling of melancholy that robs any of the "heroics" on display here of the usual triumph you get from most other cavalry westerns. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/20/24 Full Review Steve D The normal Wayne nonsense with cut by a good supporting cast. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 01/04/24 Full Review Red T A Western Classic. The highlights are the epic cinematography with amazing sweeping shots with massive scope to them. The fight scenes are just as epic and incredibly well done. I do wish this was shot in color though to take advantage of the sweeping landscape but the black and white works good. The only issue is the wagon chase is ripped right out of Stagecoach almost to a T but incredible nonetheless. The music is also amazing and really fits the sweeping shots and is very memorable. Everything else is really well done also. The only real issues is that while it keeps interest the whole way but doesn't ramp things up with the Apache's looming and kind of goes along as if nothing is wrong. There isn't a sense of dread or urgency until the actual battles which do make up for it. Also, as the younger Lt. and Thursday's daughter are and well acted, they really could've been cut and helped trim the runtime down quite a bit. They have a good arch but this should've focused more on the rivalry and different schools of thought with Wayne vs Fonda's by the book leadership. I wish Fonda would've been a little less wooden at times also. I know he's being firm and stoic but it can come across wooden a lot of times. He's still good though. It still does a good job making all the characters likeable and staying focused enough but it just needed to move faster at times and build more tension both with the Apache threat and with Wayne/Fonda. Anyone who is a big fan of Ford, Westerns, or any actors in this will still like this a lot. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 06/28/23 Full Review Christopher B A very well done film, if a little over sentimental with regards to the army, by John Ford with solid performances from Wayne and Fonda. Fort Apache tells the tale of man't fate with regard to the time period and war. It also has lots of social commentary and was controversial in many ways concerning the questioning of heroes and legends as well as man's fate in the world, their legacy. Interesting to note is that the film was one of the first with superimposed credits during the opening, instead of the usual cards depicting the credits before the opening scene. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/20/22 Full Review ernst k A fine and tautly written saga that's effective on so many levels, depicting hubris, frailty, sacrifice, bravery, and human complexity. Henry Fonda is a particular standout and it's surprising that he didn't receive Academy recognition for his staunchly egocentric and totally believable performance. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member This classic Western was pretty good. John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Shirley Temple, and the rest of the cast did a pretty good job in this movie. The plot of the movie was dramatic and kind of entertaining. It's about trying to seek glory even if it could kill you and about seeking peace during a war. If you haven't seen this movie yet, you may enjoy it. I kind of liked it, but not as much as I'd hoped. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/18/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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