Netflix's new movie "The Highwaymen" is a heck of a ride.
It tells the story of how former Texas Rangers Frank Hamer (played by Kevin Costner) and Maney Gault (Woody Harrelson) pursued, caught and killed Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, better known as "Bonnie and Clyde". It's a raw, unvarnished look at life, crime and law enforcement as it was in those days. The law enforcement veteran with whom I watched the movie, and others with whom I've spoken about it, agree that it was an excellent, very factual portrayal. Obviously, certain historical details were modified for the benefit of the camera; but in general there were very few complaints.
I was particularly struck by one scene, about halfway through the movie, where a convict whose release on parole has been arranged in an attempt to capture Bonnie and Clyde, is killed by them - or their colleagues - to silence him. The dialog between Hamer and Gault after they find the body is remarkably apt for two men whose backgrounds were steeped in blood and violence. It struck me very powerfully. It was a stark moment for me, a mirror held up for self-examination, much as the Navy SEAL movie "Act Of Valor" was for me several years ago.
All I can say is, this is the best movie I've seen in the past seven years. It's head and shoulders above 1968's counter-cultural movie "Bonnie and Clyde". I highly recommend this year's version of the story.
Peter
I heard it was good, so I will check it out. It surprises me when noted leftists make movies not beating the drum for social justice these days.
ReplyDeleteYep, very well done, and had the backing of Hamer and Gault's families, which says a lot!
ReplyDeleteI did watch it, and, Yes! It is a good watch.
ReplyDeleteIt was a powerful movie, a look into the people of that time. All the people from the Governor to the crowds to the technology of the FBI.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to watch it again...
Former Texas Sheriff, gun writer and guitar picker Jim Wilson has written a fare bit on old estern Law-dogs. If you can handle the no-nonsense West Texas mind set, check his stuff. It's worthwhile....
ReplyDeleteThis sounds pretty good. I've always considered that Bonnie and Clyde were 'way overrated. They mostly apparently didn't hit banks; most of their hits were helpless little country gas stations and small-town stores, and they thought fifty dollars was a nice haul. That said, with their trigger-happy ways, they needed to be brought down and brought down hard. I've never blamed the lawmen for ambushing them; they'd shot their way out of traps set by "the laws" before.
ReplyDeleteSomeone with a movie camera, I understand it was a posse member, and shot some footage right after the shooting was done. You can see a body in the car.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSEmsS2M_9I
It is a good movie. Maybe even great. I would recommend to any leftist. Or any one that thinks the romanticizing of animals might not be the best thing for civilization as we know it.
ReplyDeleteAgree 100%-watched it last night and Kostner & Harrelson were perfect. Best flick I've seen in a while. I really have to give it to Netflix, commies that they are, for $9/month or whatever it is now, they come up with 2 or 3 or more original & entertaining features every month.
ReplyDeleteLast month there was an Adam Sandler show with several venues of a performance cut into 1 feature. Never really cared for him but I gotta say, this was excellent-I've watched it several times.
And the month before, they had a Coen Brothers original movie with 5 or 6 short stories with a old west POV, again, excellent.
Last time I was at a theater it was $8 and I didn't even like the movie so for the price, Netflix is well worth it
I watched it, and I agree that the flic was mostly historically accurate -- I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteA scene generated some real discussion at our place. It was the scene at which multiple weapons and much ammunition was purchased at a gun store. I explained that it was factual, and anyone could purchase anything and as many of anythings one wanted, including all of the ammunition one wanted, only money was required. I was met with strong disbelief. I explained further that I could order weapons from the Sears catalogue and the purchases would arrive by mail. More disbelief. I went further and explained that at the age of 10, I went to the local hardware store and purchased ammunition for my rifle. More disbelief. I then explained, that thanks to Lee Oswald, this nation has gone from almost no controls to near prohibition. Someone asked "Why Oswald?" I replied, "Because he bought his damn rifles from Sears."
Watched it earlier today. Excellent flick.
ReplyDeleteJohn Ray - you're right. I thought the most interesting scene in the movie was when Kostner/Hamer goes into the gun store and buys a Thompson SMG, a Colt BAR clone and multiple other handguns and long guns and thousands of rounds of ammo with no question other that "Can you pay for all this ?"
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