Saturday, January 1, 2011

True Grit

I finally got a chance to see the remake of "True Grit" starring Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon (and various equine stars). I loved it. I think the script was brilliant and all the actors shined. It was fantastic....except

****SPOILER ALERT******

"Why did "Blackie" have to die?"
Blackie is Mattie's ten dollar trusty black pony. Blackie's first time under saddle, he happy canters around in a circle a few times and then they canter off in the pursuit of justice and "Rooster Cogburn" played by Jeff Bridges. Blackie fearlessly jumps into the river to get Mattie across. The river rages, the girl hangs onto the bridle, yet Blackie prevails. The little pony glimmers as he comes out of the water, gives a tired exhale and basks in his achievement.

Blackie is the perfect partner; willing and noble. Then Mattie has to go get bit by a rattlesnake. The little horse carries Rooster and Mattie at break neck speed across the frozen landscape in search of a doctor. A flurry of hooves and passing miles, as Blackie becomes glossy with sweat. Then we see Blackie stumble, he goes down exhausted. Rooster draws his gun....Blackie is put out of his misery. Blackie dies so that Mattie may live. The last selfless act of this heroic mustang pony was to save his partner. For me, the title of this movie is aptly named for "Blackie," an equine with true grit.

Blackie is played by a 6 year old quarter horse named "Cimarron". Oscar performace Cimarron!! Nicely done. Read more about the equine stars of True Grit here.

8 comments:

Esther Garvi said...

I just saw the trailer for True Grit yesterday and wondered if it was worth seeing... Now I know!
Happy New Year, Photogchic - I hope that Maddy's injury will heal quickly and that you will be back in the trails as soon as the weather allows!

Warm greetings from Africa,
Esther

Jean said...

Ok, another movie where I need my box of tissues. I've heard it's a good flick too. Thanks for the review and...well, kind of Kleenex rating. *S*

jane augenstein said...

I LOVED the movie but I too cried and cried that Little Blackie died. Excellent historic costumes and horse tack, also love the way they talked, much different than we do today.

Rising Rainbow said...

I wasn't planning on seeing this but now it sounds like maybe I should. Hmmm......

Thanks for the review and Happy New Year, friend!

Kathleen @ ForgingAhead said...

I'm going to come back and read this after I've seen the movie - happy new year!

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JJ said...

I saw True Grit over the weekend too. It was great, but I still can't decide which version I like best - good ole' John Wayne is hard to beat!

I hate that Little Black died, I remembered hating that scene in the first one too :(

Kathleen @ ForgingAhead said...

Ok, I finally saw True Grit last night. Enjoyed the film, hated the ending. Totally useless. Even my husband said why did he have to shoot the horse. Wasn't he just tired? Seriously, Hollywood got that story line ALL wrong.