The Searchers

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R B An absolute masterpiece. Quite possibly the best western ever made. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/26/25 Full Review Commin C Probably a great movie 69 years ago. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 01/26/25 Full Review Diego M John Ford’s The Searchers is a landmark western that explores themes of loss, hatred, and redemption. Released in 1956 and based on Alan Le May’s novel, The Searchers remains one of the most influential films of its genre. The story follows Ethan, a Confederate veteran who reunites with his family after the war. His peaceful return is shattered when Comanches kill his brother’s family and kidnap his niece, Debbie. Over five years, Ethan and his part-Cherokee nephew, Martin, search for her. Ethan’s growing hatred for Native Americans contrasts with Martin’s hope of rescuing Debbie, who has assimilated into the Comanche way of life. Ultimately, Ethan chooses forgiveness, sparing Debbie and bringing her home. Ford’s cinematography uses Monument Valley’s sweeping landscapes to great effect, with static shots and dynamic blocking to convey the vastness of the frontier. Depth and composition are central, with silhouetted imagery marking pivotal moments—such as Ethan’s departure at the film’s end. Close-ups are reserved for emotional highlights, like Lucy’s terrified scream or Ethan’s conflicted expression as he decides Debbie’s fate. Ethan’s character arc is central to the film. Initially defined by hatred, he mirrors the film’s antagonist, Scar, whose family was also destroyed, leading him to violence. Martin represents hope and resilience, refusing to succumb to hatred despite similar losses. Ethan’s ultimate choice to spare Debbie signals a rare moment of grace, suggesting the possibility of redemption even for the embittered. As a western, The Searchers incorporates many genre staples: Monument Valley’s iconic landscapes, a perilous journey as its narrative backbone, and a rugged hero grappling with moral dilemmas. The film examines frontier life as a mix of domesticity and danger, with characters like Laurie and Martha embodying traditional female roles. Its use of weather changes, firearms, and other symbols of the West grounds the story in its historical and cultural setting. The Searchers is more than a traditional western; it’s a nuanced commentary on hatred, loss, and the possibility of moving beyond suffering. Its layered characters, breathtaking visuals, and emotional depth make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/03/25 Full Review Fer S Great story, but very bad acting and dialogue. I also found the comedic moments totally unnecessary as they take seriousness out of the movie. Music choice was also not very good. You have to understand how old the movie is though. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 11/23/24 Full Review Omar G The Searchers (1956), rating 9/10 Stars. When Hollywood portrayed the originals natives as villains of the invading settlers, in this era they would be called terrorists. As Alfred Hitchcock described the landscape artist John Ford directing with the stars John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Ward Bond, Vera Miles, Natalie Wood. Sometimes the story was too comical with the caricatured characters. I like the theory of some fans of the film that Ethan Edwards searches for Debbie because she is his daughter, Martha, his brother Aaron's wife, had relations with him before the civil war. Also that Ethan was a mercenary of Maximilian of Habsburg in Mexico, he did not want to go home. Also the reason Edwards hates the Comanches or natives was because they killed his mother. Martin should have left the hateful Laurie and it seems to me that he was in love with Debbie, they should have gone to live together. I have sympathy for both versions of Debbie, a little more the cheerful versión played by Natalie Wood's younger sister Lana. I remember what she said about Kirk Douglas. The big Chief Scar or Cicatriz is played by a German Aryan actor with tanning paint. If Jorgensen's son Brad had married Lucy Edwards before the events, both would still be alive. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/27/24 Full Review Audience Member There is a reason why this is Martin Scorsese's favorite movie: it is simply a rare masterpiece, created by one of the greatest masters of cinema. Yes, it has weaknesses due to the time of its creation, but it is a film full of Old Testament force. A must-see for every film lover. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/06/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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