Interesteg What makes it different from others?

SincereFinest disgusting, overrated, pointless

Ceticultsot Beautiful, moving film.

Phillipa Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

billyfish First of all, let me say I don't generally like Woody Harrelson, but I thought he did a superb job in this picture.Billy Crudup plays Pete, a likable cowboy who returns from WWII to work his own land with some cattle he buys using his GI salary. Harrelson plays "Big Boy," his best friend; they both are averse to working for "Jim Ed" (Sam Elliot in a rare bad guy role), who owns most of the town and environs. It's a typical plot, with the little guys pitted against the fat cat, but one which is developed in a very realistic way. There were no gun fights or barroom brawls -- incredible for a Hollywood western! And the little guys just get by -- they don't somehow crush the fat cat. Quite refreshing.I'll stop my praise-fest to say that no real Pete could be as stupid as this one. His would-be sweetheart Mona (Patricia Arquette), who couldn't wait for any of the GIs to return and married the first guy who asked her (her hubby works for Jim Ed, of course), flirts unabashedly with both Pete and his best friend Big Boy. Unbeknownst to Pete, who still holds a candle for her, she closes the deal with Big Boy, yet continues to lead him on. Meanwhile, Penelepe Cruz plays "Josepha" (she is obviously Mexican-American, and therefore should be "Josefa"), who loves Pete and waited for him throughout the war. Needless to say, she is HOT. Pete is obviously blind and does not see this.This is where I have to stop and protest. Since when does Arquette come anywhere near the beauty of Cruz? Let's not even discuss appearances; in the movie Josefa exudes innocent and virtuous yet sexually attractive energy, whilst Mona is obviously nothing more than a cheap slut. Nevertheless, Pete is obsessed with Mona. Almost totally unbelievable. You feel for Pete, yet at the same time you condemn him for his blindness and stupidity.Eventually, after he gets slapped in the face about a million times, Pete comes to his senses. Even in this reversal, the movie represents reality, because there are smart people who become stupid through the miracle of LOVE, and yet at some point see the light.I was not prepared to enjoy this movie to the extent I did, having read a lot of reviews, but I have to agree with those who endorse it. It's well done and leaves you feeling good. A most enjoyable film.

illini_CHL How does an entertaining film like this get overlooked and undervalued? Woody Harrelson was born to play "Big Boy" and Billy Crudup does a fine job playing his sidekick. Patricia Arquette gets a little annoying about halfway through the film, but we've learned to expect that from her so that shouldn't come as a surprise.The friction created throughout this film keeps the interest level up and makes for a lot of fun, especially when things really start heating up; Harrelson becomes more and more volatile while Crudup becomes more and more worried about Big Boy's safety, all the while dealing with the animosity and jealousy he feels towards his best friend.It all adds up to a story that keeps you guessing as to how it will finalize. The ending won't surprise anyone, but it still feels right, even if it isn't exactly what we may have wanted. Good movies do that — instead of giving us what we want, they give us a better and more fitting ending.Sure, 'The Hi-Lo Country' isn't the best western ever made, but it certainly isn't the worst. It's definitely one of the more entertaining.

StevieGB Maybe it's the age we live in, but no one seems to be able to make westerns anymore. The last consistently good period was the late 60's and early 70's, with the works of Peckinpah, Pakula (Comes a Horseman), Blake Edwards (Wild Rovers). There have been a couple of good one-off's since - "Unforgiven" and "Silverado" perhaps. But there's only so many times that you can "subvert the genre" before you start repeating yourself. Maybe it's all Mel Brooks' fault."The Hi-Lo Country" tries to be a non-pc, macho Western, but it isn't comfortable with it and this comes across to the viewer.The script is all over the place, and the film never settles on what its major conflicts are supposed to be.The highlights are Sam Elliot's performance and a poker game with tragic consequences.The film makers also haven't grasped the fact that its difficult to empathize with lead characters who are assholes and don't know it. It's that old thing of behaviour which is acceptable in a 20 year old looks bad on a 30 year old.A waste of landscape and film stock. And an irritating title.

gilos I have to admit it, The Hi-Lo Country is not the best movie ever made. However I did have a very good time watching it and it left me with that strange feeling that you sometimes get when a movie strikes you right in the heart.By the way, there is something else: the music, I mean I've read a lot of comments about this movie and I can't remember of any mentioning the music! I may be the only one but I really loved that deep powerful instrumental song.