Open Range

I am uncertain what exactly it is about this movie that gets to me. The love story? The simple complexities of a man? Friendship? Honour? Family? Courage? I guess it is all of those things. Yes, I am aware there are cliches riddled throughout it. Yes, I know some of the dialogue is hokey. You bet I am aware it is simple in its telling. But there is something about it that still grabs me. The way Boss (Duvall) and Charley (Costner) connect with Percy (Jeter), Percy's subtle defiance, Sue (Benning) and Charley's romance, all of these things conspire to draw me in.

Here are just a few things that make this movie for me ...
1. "How's this going to work if you won't do what I say?"
2. Percy reading Charley's will.
3. Annette Benning without obvious makeup.
4. "Can I kiss you?" said in such a longing-filled voice.
5. The relationship between Boss and Charley.
6. The tea set.
7. Charley picking mud up off the carpet.
8. Men who can openly mourn the loss of a pet.
9. Charley standing every time Sue comes into a room.
10. Charley realizing that there are worse things than fear. There is the possibility of losing someone you love.

Like I said, I like this movie.

~Munk