What a freaking movie. So many twists and turns. Absolutely intense from start to finish.

It's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.

I gave this film a 9 out of 10, because it was exactly what I expected it to be.

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

This is an important western. Although it is classic, it avoids at all costs the cliches of the genre, both with its characters and its narrative. The script is fresh, which makes the film develop without shrillness. The cinematography is excellent, portraying the landscape as well as the action scenes. It is also an entertaining movie, a lot of things happen. It is very remarkable the realistic way in which violence is treated, probably the most believable I remember in a western. The staging includes casual, unseen actions that make the movie dynamic and credible. The main characters are charming; two tough guys but with a message, with a past and a couple of convictions, rich in contrasts and witty dialogues. Explicit but not rude; the old-fashioned way. Two guys with whom it is easy to sympathize, for their values and their sense of humor. Open Range is, in short, a very good film that deserves an opportunity because it technically and narratively brings new things. And if it is not a masterpiece it is for two reasons: it is too indebted to 'Unforgiven' and that kills originality and has a deliberately self-indulgent, unnecessarily sweetened end.

It's extremely hard to identify with text that doesn't add something new to the incredible reviews already composed; but I'd say I think I found my favorite Western movie on Jan1st, 2018! While my father always watched Westerns with the ever fascinating John Wayne, you ponder what else could a classic be about? Clint Eastwood made a fine film, and not like this is new territory, about good guys trying to correct some bad guys doing bad things on the old frontier... What is new, (being that it is actually made in 2003) is that Costner's rendition charms in literally EVERY single way of storytelling. Seriously... I absolutely love watching Robert Duvall in a western and here, he's nothing short of realistic, amazing and the perfect partner to accompany Costner in this journey both in text and on screen. I'll save the plot for 50 others that have capitulated it so darn well, but for me, I simply can't pick out a particular part that either wasn't needed, or, was either under-done or overdone..? The scenery is a dream, the story; punctual and hearty - and the story.... the story is simply spellbinding in a way where it offers a few turns to keep the next chapter fresh. Annette Benning was simply charming and eloquent. Can't say anything bad here. But for Costner, he doesn't play the absolutely 'roughest-gunner' out there, but he inserts just at correct moments, humanity and yet, he's got a past he slowly reveals. This film is stunning from all angles, ideals, cinematography and editing. A simple yet charismatic film with incredibly well developed and devout characters. Loved it.

First of all this is piece of film history.Costner was just coming to the end of an extraordinary run where he was so popular with audiences that he was even playing parts which, with hindsight, were way beyond his range. (Like for example Robin Hood.) Here he was both in front of the camera and behind it. And doing great work in each position.Duvall had been working in films since the 1950s and was still carving out his legacy with extraordinary roles like this one.And Bening also was reaching the stage in her career where she would no longer solely provide the "love interest" for an entire film.But all that was yet to come. In 2003 these actors were the peak of their craft and they picked up this film and carried it to the finish line.The script is to die for. The sub-texts of loyalty, secrecy among men, and respect for your employer are rare, and to be treasured. The revenge theme is wonderful and deeply nuanced. The chocolate bar scene is unforgettable.An amazing movie and highly recommended.

Some people say the western is dead, but I disagree; once in a while a good one comes along and shakes up people's opinions and generally impresses everybody. The last time was UNFORGIVEN, now it's Costner's OPEN RANGE, which is not up to the level of Eastwood's movie but is still generally pretty good. The biggest problem is the pacing, which is quite slow, but then for somebody who sat through THE POSTMAN, it seemed to go by pretty quick. Not much to say about this really, other than the scenery, the camera-work, and the music are all excellent, and the subdued acting from the cast is fine – with the exception of villain Michael Gambon, who is anything but subdued when he chews the scenery. I still ended up feeling sorry for him though. Costner is definitely on the back-burner here, giving all the major dramatics to buddy Robert Duvall, who is doing very well for a guy who must be about 110 by now. Then again he always looked old.I usually hate Annette Bening but she was excellent here as the love interest, whilst Abraham Benrubi has a small but pivotal role as a fellow cow poke and makes it really sympathetic. The script is intelligent and, although adding nothing new to the genre – at the heart this is a simple revenge story – keeps you interested throughout. Things (eventually) pick up for the hair-raising shoot-out at the end, which makes very good use indeed of loud gunshots and surprising stunts, so is definitely worth waiting for. All in all a good, solid addition to the genre.