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Sometimes, a film that reminds you of other films, makes it just another copy of those originals. But, then, sometimes, a film that reminds you of the greatness of other films, makes it an original great of its own. Texas Red is the latter and had me thinking of films like Braveheart, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Cowardly Robert Ford.
This is not to say that Texas Red is not unique. Texas Red, even in the beginnings of the opening scenes, with clips of African Americans dancing and singing freely, draws you in to the story laid before you. The music, the introducing of characters, setting ,history, the culture, instantly has you hooked.
I could write a paper on this film, but you only came for a review. The story, people, cinematography of Texas Red are all compelling and well communicated. Texas Red is a masterpiece of storytelling, using elements of the old outlaw from beloved westerns (a gunfight between law and the "outlaws" occurs, but the line between the two is almost reversed and very blurred) to elements of the legend and myth (Texas Red, himself, has moments of William Wallace, becoming a legend as word spreads and truths are stretched, both for good and bad).
The acting from such a diverse cast and collection of characters, never came off weak. What a feat for ALL who worked on this film. From Cedric Burnside, who played Texas Red, and had never acted before, his somewhat guardian angel wife (Anquanizia Hall), Oklahoma Kid (Herman J.R. Johnson) to the law (a range of actors here), the "bad guys", and the tracker who has some kind of morals, non were forgettable, all felt fleshed out and very real.
To make an already long review short, believe me, when I say, you have not seen a film or a story like this before and you will be sorely missing out if you do not give it a watch. You will leave it having been told a compelling, moving, even uncomfortable and convicting story, not because the filmmaker forces these emotions on you as many films try to do these days, but simply because they tell the story well and you can't help but feel in response to this glimpse into history, culture, and man.
score 10/10
jpmills-35666 28 February 2021
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw6647122/ |
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4-3-2021 04:54:03