First of all, it's not an easy task starting this review. The words are hard to find after watching a movie like this. I've seen it twice now and all I can really say is - wow.
Let me start with the cold facts and I'll gradually make my way to the artistic and some breath-taking aspects of the movie. This film represents a second adaptation of a Charles Portis' novel by the name of True Grit, naturally. Lets throw in some comparison between the two, while we're at it. I guess that a lot of old-timers viewed this film in a 1969 vs. 2010 manner. I believe it's the wrong thing to do, but hey - let's go with it.
What I, personally, noticed between the two is that the first version of the movie is more landscape and US eighteen hundreds western scenery oriented, whereas the newer version is more intense, contains much more suspense and is most of the time concentrated on the characters and their relationships. There is quite a number of differences, mainly in regards to the script. But, nothing that would interfere badly with the story, besides the ending.
As far as the actors go, both John Wayne and Jeff Bridges did an amazing job. Now, they both have that true grit in question, but I prefer The Dude. His portrayal of Rooster Cogburn is superb, playing the role of a bummed out drunken US Marshall perfectly. Matt Damon was also a surprise, I've never thought to see him in a western movie, yet there he was - also, doing a stupendous job. The rest of the cast is excellent as well, a special thumbs-up go to Josh Brolin and Barry Pepper.
The film itself and the main feel of it is quite dark, in general. It has a few laughs and interesting anecdotes in the first half, but takes on a darker and more sinister note later on. The Coen brothers really managed to capture that filthy, cold, unforgiving and death-filled side of that period, and by doing so, they gave us a wonderful piece of art.
The Coens, the cast, the shooting locations, the feel of the film, the intentional uncompetitive nature with the first adaptation, the ending... It takes 9 out of 10 with incredible ease.
