The Searchers
The Searchers
NR | 26 May 1956 (USA)
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As a Civil War veteran spends years searching for a young niece captured by Indians, his motivation becomes increasingly questionable.

Reviews
Hellen

I like the storyline of this show,it attract me so much

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ManiakJiggy

This is How Movies Should Be Made

StyleSk8r

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

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filippaberry84

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

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allie701

I'd read so many reviews describing John Ford's iconic Western The Searchers starring John Wayne as the best Western of all time, that when My husband recorded it, I thought I'd better watch it. Let me tell you, it is impossible to watch a movie as if the modern world isn't there. The Searchers was released in 1956 and it has all the prejudices and cultural mores of its era. The only good Indian is a dead Indian. Every female character is either annoying, stupid or craving marriage. The acting is wooden at best with many of the scenes set up like tableaux in an old melodrama. The dialogue is painfully predictable although maybe it would not seem so in 1956 and many of the plot points don't even make sense. John Wayne said this was his favorite performance and the critics all gush about the complexity of his character. Well, if you have ever watched a John Wayne movie you know his performances are about as subtle as a shovel, and this is no exception. Sometimes he yells and sometimes he sulks. That's it. And if Wayne is bad, the others are embarrassingly bad. I cringed at the so-called romantic banter of the young leads and the tough talk of the Texas Rangers was pathetic. The only aspect of the movie that stood up to scrutiny was the natural beauty of Monument Valley. Even Hollywood couldn't spoil that.

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bbluebirds

I enjoyed this movie, being a John Wayne fan for years, and felt it was one of his best. In short, a big distraction for me was seeing Natalie Wood playing an indian squaw wearing lipstick and mascara. Not a good call. Plus, her acting was below par.

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David Grothier

John Wayne (JW)being one of my favourites actors so please be warned I am biased. This film shows the depth of JW's abilities under his Papi the great John Ford.If they ever give out long belated Oscars I would nominate JW willingly and honestly.Those who claim this film is racist really need to understand the history of the times. These days I always find sympathy with the American Indian and their previous way of life, admittedly the White invaders did go them and their lands as expantionalism was the name of the game then, but this review is not about that. There were many grave atrocities committed by both White settlers and Indians but the Indian was fighting for survival and we simply cannot apply modern day values against those of nearly 200 years ago.The film is brilliant, it's on the TV as I write, I must have seem it at least 25 times and it's still magic for me, the creme de la creme of all westerns as it has much of all that is required of the genre. Action, excitement, romance, pathos , wonderful scenery, good horsemanship and above all what makes good films great, unquestionably Superb acting by all involved so I will not single out any individual performance other than that already mentioned.A great movie with no modern day equivalent, I would highly recommend viewing it for pure entertainment value and for any up and coming actors, producers, directors and anyone else seeking a career in film making.

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Leofwine_draca

John Ford's well-regarded western is a classic for a reason: it's very well made indeed. Finely shot, finely acted, and with a plot that keeps on giving, THE SEARCHERS is perhaps the pinnacle of the director's career and certainly one of John Wayne's best films as well as acting performances. Here, he tones down the swagger a little, delivering a finely-turned turn as the former Confederate soldier who gets embroiled in a hunt for a missing girl.THE SEARCHERS is difficult to fault as a film. The running time is lengthy but you end up savouring every moment. The bright photography brings Monument Valley to life in a special way. The supporting cast is exemplary, from old-timers like Ward Bond to newcomers like Natalie Wood. There isn't a great deal of stock action here, but nonetheless the film has a sense of drive and urgency to it, a momentum that keeps it carrying on and on. I dare anyone to find fault with it.

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