The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez

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The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez

PG

1983

1h 44m

History

Drama

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100%

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8 Reviews

72%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

After Gregorio Cortez (Edward James Olmos), who speaks no English, is falsely accused of stealing a horse by Texas Rangers, a scuffle breaks out in which Gregorio kills a sheriff and his own brother is shot. Now forced to go on the run, Gregorio has to leave his family and set out alone. Meanwhile, a reporter starts to piece together the story and realizes the incident stemmed from a tragic misunderstanding. Eventually, Gregorio is caught and put on trial for murder.

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Eleanor Ringel Cater

Saporta Report (Atlanta)

10/09/2023

Part “Rashomon,” part Roy Rogers, this wonderful film about miscommunication and miscarriage of justice, set in turn-of-the-century Texas, is based on a true incident.

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Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

04/17/2022

FIVE STARS

Although criminally unseen, due largely to the misdeeds of film distributor Larry Sugar, "The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez" is essential viewing for its innovative storytelling form.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

06/07/2021

3/4

Director and co-scripter Robert M. Young packs his picture with seasoned character actors who add grit rather than glamour.

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Nathanael Hood

The Retro Set

12/29/2018

8/10

...an indie godfather of Chicano cinema...

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PJ Nabarro

Patrick Nabarro

10/31/2018

4/5

An underappreciated classic of the western genre; one that functions as a proto-revisionist piece repositioning one of the stories of the Old West to a Mexican perspective

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Nicholas Bell

IONCINEMA.com

09/07/2018

4/5

Olmos is devastating as the titular Gregorio Cortez.

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09/24/2024

Great movie. This film really reminded me of Rashomon, and I’m sure other have made that connection too but just wanted to point that out. Definitely a good western, watch it if you got the time. 4.5/5 stars.

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S R

@ScottR 10/10/2023

Given the tv quality of the movie, this one exceeds expectations, but it still doesn't quite make it a classic or exceptional beyond its content. It's an important story to tell, but it could've been better. Saw on TCM.

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Jake S

05/25/2023

This a great movie for fans of westerns. It is historical accurate I'll and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Great to see a Hispanic folk hero brought to life.

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j f

@LiberteBurrows 05/15/2023

Great story. Expect Hollywood to remake and ruin this one soon.

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09/09/2016

One of the only movies that truly portrays the Latino struggle in the early west. You will never feel the same about Manifest Destiny...

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03/16/2014

Adapted from the classic book With His Pistol in his Hand, this interesting film relates the life and legendary events that occurred in early 20th century on the Texas border. The film is very well shot, well paced and acted brilliantly by a cast of bigger than life actors characters. I had to read the book and see the film for a study we were supposed to do in class, but I must say , for once it was pretty fun and interesting to compared the two.

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Robert M. Young

Director

Edward James Olmos

Gregorio Cortez

James Gammon

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Synopsis

After Gregorio Cortez (Edward James Olmos), who speaks no English, is falsely accused of stealing a horse by Texas Rangers, a scuffle breaks out in which Gregorio kills a sheriff and his own brother is shot. Now forced to go on the run, Gregorio has to leave his family and set out alone. Meanwhile, a reporter starts to piece together the story and realizes the incident stemmed from a tragic misunderstanding. Eventually, Gregorio is caught and put on trial for murder.

Director: Robert M. Young
Producer: Moctesuma Esparza, Michael Hausman
Production Co: American Playhouse, Filmhaus, Corporation of Public Broadcasting
Rating: PG
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 44m

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