Matcollis
This Movie Can Only Be Described With One Word.
Pacionsbo
Absolutely Fantastic
Grimossfer
Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%
Edwin
The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.
kcterrell-25046
John Ford and John Wayne: a guaranteed good watch. Throw in Maureen O'Hara (Mary Kate Danaher), and this time you end up with my favorite John Wayne film. That may partially be because this film is not the John Wayne of Westerns or wars. His role in The Quiet Man is like no other role he ever played, and he shines. He did make other comedies (such as the 1963 quasi remake of this film, McLintock), but here he is legend. The story sets up with Sean Thornton coming home to his family's native land holding in Ireland after accidentally killing a man in a boxing match in America. His psyche is clearly bruised as a result, and he has a beautiful homestead to help him recover. Enter O'Hara, and the film morphs into a loose remake of The Taming of the Shrew. Touching and sentimental throughout, the film captures the viewer's attention and never lets go. That's even though we are sure of the eventual outcome. Witty at times, hilarious at others, Sean and Mary Kate capture our hearts along with some of the local characters played to perfection by a superlative cast, including Ward Bond as Father Lonergan, Victor McLaglan as Mary Kate's brother "Red" Danaher, and Barry Fitzgerald as Michaleen Flynn. There is some stunning on location filming, but the studio sets are not at all off-putting, because Wayne and O'Hara are the focus no matter where they might be courting or rebelling. I have seen this film more than a dozen times, and when I do decide to watch it, I clear out two hours for uninterrupted pleasure. The writing and dialogue are precise and imaginative, and Ford's direction is at his peak. He was the master of cinema story-telling and oh what a story this one is. The whole experience has never once seemed trite or stale. Just good old fashion entertainment. No one should go through life without seeing this film at least twice.
Mark Turner
One of my all-time favorite movies is THE QUIET MAN. If I happen to see it on TV my fingers release the remote and I'm captured by the story all over again. It is perhaps one of John Wayne's best films as well as perhaps the best film by director John Ford. And it's not even a western! If you've never seen the film it's the story of Sean Thornton (Wayne) who returns to the small village in Ireland where he grew up as a child to purchase the home he grew up in. Met by Michaleen Oge Flynn (Barry Fitzgerald) he isn't recognized but they soon become friends. Michaleen is basically the cab driver in town with his horse and carriage as well as a matchmaker of sorts.That comes into play when Sean catches a glimpse of Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O'Hara). Call it love at first sight the two are attracted by social customs of the time being what they are aren't allowed to meet. A bigger problem arises after Sean purchases his home to the dismay of Squire "Red" Will Danaher (Victor McLaglen), Mary Kate's brother who wanted the property for himself.When the town conspires to unite the young couple by tricking Will his anger takes over and he attempts to block their getting together. They do and eventually marry but Will refuses to pay Sean Mary Kate's dowry. While Sean could care less Mary Kate refuses to sleep with him until he takes care of the matter.What the townsfolk don't know, with one exception, is that Sean has refused to fight for a reason. When that final straw breaks the camel's back and he's had enough he changes his tune. All of this leads to a final showdown between the two men and one of the longest fight sequences ever put on film.The movie is a delight to watch over and over again. The performances are amazing to watch with all involved, from the smallest to largest roles, creating believable characters that you get mad at, laugh at and love by the end of the film. There are no truly small roles here.Ford creates not just a story but a setting that was familiar to him and the way he forms the combination of location and tale being told make it a location you'd love to visit. He brings his old Irish home to life for all to see and enjoy. The film is glorious to look at with some breathtaking scenery shot on location.With the numerous versions of this film released over the years why talk about it now and why discuss buying this latest edition? That's because Olive Films has come up with one of the best presentations of the film to date. As a part of their Signature Series the film has been mastered from a 4k scan of the original negative, offering the cleanest look the film has ever had.It also includes some interesting extras as well. Those include an audio commentary with John Ford biographer Joseph McBride, a tribute to Maureen O'Hara with Ally Sheedy, Hayley Mills, and Juliet Mills, DON'T YOU REMEMBER IT SEAN?: JOHN FORD AND THE QUIET MAN a visual essay by historian and John Ford expert Tag Gallagher, FREE REPUBLIC: THE STORY OF HERBERT J. YATES AND REPUBLIC PICTURES, THE OLD MAN: REMEMBERING JOHN FORD an appreciation of the director with Peter Bogdanovich and THE MAKING OF THE QUIET MAN written and hosted by Leonard Maltin.This is not just a movie to pick up and watch casually but one to enjoy over and over again. You'll find yourself cheering at the screen by the final sequence. You'll witness a beautiful love story filled with romance and a touch of humor. And you'll get to see one of the best movies ever made.
stackja
For John Ford a triumph.As the Academy Awards, USA 1953 bears witness.John Wayne, a wonderful performance, as in all his films.Maureen O'Hara, as ever great.John Ford favorites, Victor McLaglen and Ward Bond give good support.Barry Fitzgerald just the right character for the role.And as does Arthur Shields And Ken Curtis in a small role.I note various negative opinions.Seems not everyone likes this film.This movie is one of my favorites since the 1950s.If one accepts it as intended, it is perfect.
Python Hyena
The Quiet Man (1952): Dir: John Ford / Cast: John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Victor McLaglen, Barry Fitzgerald, Ward Bond: John Wayne is presented as someone with a past where a boxing match concluded with a death. As a result he pulls away from violence and this poises an issue when he returns to Ireland to reclaim his family's farm. Maureen O'Hara plays a local woman whom Wayne falls for but her brother is an overbearing bully who is angry at him after being out bid in the land auction. He becomes a divider in the relationship to come. John Ford and John Wayne have collaborated through numerous films, including Stagecoach, but here Wayne has a seemingly different role as someone who regrets a violent past yet is unfairly taking hits from O'Hara and her brother. She marries Wayne but becomes obsessed with the money that is owed her by her brother. She constantly berates him until he finally takes charge in what becomes a very long haul. Great supporting roles particularly by Victor McLaglen as the brother who ends up being dealt with through a fist fight that derails the film from greatness. This fight turns the drama into a corny showcase that doesn't fit the mode of the first two acts. Ward Bond plays a Catholic Priest who also gets involved in the scheme at hand. In any event Ford delivers a message loud and clear of pride and standing up for oneself. Score: 8 / 10