Soldier Blue

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DanTheMan 2 Shattering one of America's most enduring movie myths forever, Soldier Blue challenges the language of the traditional Western at the same time as its ideological bases. Its portrayal of the usually heroic boys in blue as blood-crazed maniacs, who blow out the brains of women and children, was undoubtedly going to rattle many. The difference in tone between the opening and closing acts of violence and the rest of the film is like night and day. Much of the film is a two-hander as the lead pair try to find safety and get along, bickering, falling out and getting to know each other. It's almost like an odd couple romantic comedy with the human drama, sandwiched between the two scenes the film is best known for. There's a playfulness and lightness to much of that central thrust of the film, echoed by the sometimes jovial score by Roy Budd, who seems to be scoring for a much more traditional western at heart, it's that playfulness that lulls you into a false sense of security, with minimal violence in a tale of the couple’s journey across the wilderness, before revealing the appalling unstoppable climax that makes its final 30 minutes all the more impactful. It's incredible that such unforgivable genocide can be shot so beautifully, because that's the best way I can sum up Ralph Nelson's direction, haunting yet stunning. Backed by strong performances from its central cast, Soldier Blue is not a film for the squeamish or faint-hearted; rather, it is a necessary viewing for any fan of the American frontier. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/04/25 Full Review Zinjx W The Sand Creek Massacre One of the seminal films about the treatment of the Indians by the Americans. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 06/06/23 Full Review Audience Member A review and rating of Soldier Blue has to be mixed. The film has certain qualities cinematographically, the costumes are more or less realistic, except from some rather silly black wigs on a number of a diversity of Cheyenne actors and extras. The battle and massacre scenes are well arranged and a few of the special effects and scenes are disturbing, with a repulsive final. However, as a basic drama the film is very diverse. The cast seems right and there are really good moments, but then there is too much overacting, particularly between leading role holders Candice Bergen and Peter Strauss, and this lasts throughout much of the plot. Along their journey there is more than one ridiculous logical flaw, and a few technical too. Occasional exaggerated use of very cliché music also adds to the downpart. Nevertheless, this most defenitely was a controvercial western when it was released, with an important political historical statement that paved way for a number of later westerns. Still, that's what is most memorable about it. It could have been a top classic, but is nothing more than a very valid child of its time. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member i saw this in the cinema in around 1972,nobody spoke when the credits were rolling,was at the time hard hitting stuff,ok over time is probably not so bad,but the story is just as sickening now as it was back then. have seen some of the critics on here giving it a bit of a bashing,to which i dont fully agree. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member The movie was made in 1969 and released in 1970. It is historical in nature about the Sand Creek Massacre but built around a storyline. The ending was tough to watch and I can see why it warranted a strong R rating. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/23/23 Full Review delysid d i was so irritated by the girl candice bergen that i couldnt even finish the film Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 11/23/18 Full Review Read all reviews

Soldier Blue

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