Requested Review: My Top 10 Western Films

Western films these days are a dying breed and rarely talked about by the younger generation. It was at its peak around the 1950's and 60's where you could virtually see a new one each week. It is a genre that revolves around stories mainly set in the late 19th century in the Old West. Most Westerns are set between the American Civil War (1865) and the early 1900's. The most common theme within Westerns usually include: the conquest of the wild west, the cultural separation of the East and the West, the West's resistance to change into modern ways, the conflict between Cowboys and Indians, outlaws, and hunting for treasure. Western's usually revolve around a hero and emphasizes the importance of honor and sacrifice.

Other styles of Westerns:

Contemporary Western - This is a sub-genre that reflects the themes of classic Westerns, yet is set in contemporary America. These films are usually still set in the west. Contemporary Westerns often explore the "classic cowboy" look, struggling in the modern world. These films not only examine an individual in these settings, but also the way the West has changed since the 1800's.

Revisionist Western - Beginning in the 1960's as a response to the more classic Westerns. These films took a different look at the West, often incorporating the Indians as more than just savages. Revisionist Westerns called the audience to examine whether the use of violence is moral.

Science-Fiction Western - A bit of an odd genre in my opinion that incorporates elements of Sci-Fi into the Western genre. It is often not seen, but future technology is used to transport the characters into the Wild West. These films tend to have a lighter tone and less violence than the traditional Westerns.

Spaghetti Western - My favorite of the Western sub-genres. They were developed in the 1960's and 70's, tended to be low budget and were often shot on location in a desert. Spaghetti Westerns introduced a lot more violence into the larger Western genre.

My top 10 Westerns:

10) High Noon - Another ground-breaking presentation of showing the Old West. The cinematography was like no-one had ever seen.

The story of how a Marshall faces an old enemy without the help of his town, had people talking about this film for years.

9) Stagecoach - A pretty simple plot, and that therefore gives you time to appreciate the ground-breaking cinematography and visuals.

Set in 1939, the year that most people see as the most successful year in film, this iconic western is also the birth of the most famous actor in westerns, John Wayne.

It's full of great action and is a timeless classic.

8) Destry Rides Again - Released in 1939, the supposedly greatest year in film history.

With amazing performances by James Stewart and Marlene Dietrich, this western encompasses everything you want.

It's feel-good nature will make any movie fan smile throughout its running time.

7) Django Unchained - Known as the master of the modern Spaghetti Western, Quentin Tarantino finally sets one of his features in the Old West.

There are several terrific performances and it is vintage Tarantino.




6) For A Few Dollars More - Leone's second feature of the Spaghetti Westerns that shows the continuing adventures of 'The Man With No Name' as he forms an unlikely friendship with a fellow bounty hunter to track-down a dangerous outlaw.

5) A Fistful Of Dollars - Sergio Leone's ground-breaking first chapter on the Western genre. It revolutionised the style of presenting the Old West and reached a new audience that made this genre a cool one to watch. This film also witness the birth of Clint Eastwood in what I think is his most iconic role as 'The Man With No Name'.

4) Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid - The story of the West's two most famous train/bank robbers and their tales of escaping from the law. Lead by the terrific duo of Paul Newman and Robert Redford, this classic adventure will never leave your memories.






3) Once Upon A Time In The West - Only recently seen this and instantly fell in love with it. Leone's final Spaghetti Western and ground-breaking in so many ways. Everything from the performances, to the music and the cinematography.
I cannot see this style of film-making being matched ever again.

2) The Good, The Bad And The Ugly - The third and final chapter of Sergio Leone's Dollars Trilogy and the best of the three in my opinion. It is a classic tale of three guys each pursuing buried gold.

The tension is turned up another level to the previous two. There is constant back-stabbing. It is on a grander scale as these three get caught up in the Civil War. The music is thrilling and the landscape is breath-taking.

1) Dances With Wolves - Such an emotional and brilliant tale of how a Civil War soldier creates a friendship with an Indian tribe.

It was well deserving of its 7 Oscars including Best Picture, and there is a certain scene towards the end that has me shedding a tear every-time.