Why I Absolutely LOVE True Grit

I am not a critic, I just LOVE movies. Let me share that love with you!
True Grit (2011) is written and directed by the Coen Brothers, starring Hailee Steinfeld, Jeff Bridges, and Matt Damon. All the rights belong to the studio and anyone else who might have them. I strongly encourage you to watch the movie in its fullness!

[@cvdevol]

I am baffled that this film didn't sweep the Oscars. A complete masterpiece in every way.

[@tjanderson5892]

It did tho. No it didn’t win, but no production can control who and what wins. They can control the amount of awards they’re nominated for. That yr True Grit was legitimately nominated for all but a few meaningful movie awards. From cinematography, score, picture, lead actor, supporting actor, and more. When ya measure simply being nominated as the bar for success then True Grit really did come and sweep that yrs Oscars

[@captainhowlerwilson508]

Because movies like Inception, The Social Network and Toy Story 3 came out the same year.

[@davidbradley3735]

Seen the Grammy Awards lately?

[@michaelgriffin6709]

If those people thought like you and me, it would have won at least several. They don't.

[@maxfalcon3054]

I’m not - a great movie but being non-woke inclusive- - not meeting today’s woke demands 😳😳😳

[@themannest1990]

Can’t wait for more videos from your channel

[@tibbar1000]

I love this movie for a very different reason. My Dad watched every western that ever came on television. I would fall asleep trying to watch them with him. His life was cut short by someone’s mistake when I was 16. That little girl plays the role of someone of tender years …wounded , angry , vengeful and determined incredibly well. The movie, and especially her performance connect all the dots for me. God bless her and who ever wrote that great story.

[@kirkedwards2988]

That's some moving words right there. I as well love this movie, but for a very different parameter than you. My reason only I understand. I think that those that really feel this movie, may feel it in different ways. And, you know what.... that's ok.

[@jaredfernandez5849]

Our parents grew up watching The Duke in the 1969 version. We grew up watching The Dude in this version. That has always amazed me.

[@GunFreaksInc]

The Great American Movie about the Great American Novel. Most haven't read the book, but if they had, they'd realize much of the dialog in the film was taken directly from the book. Word by word. Amazing actors, cast perfectly in every scene, even the extras, the cinematography of the landscape was breathtaking. This might be the greatest American Western ever made.

[@thairob]

Thank you for saying this. I’m watching this wanting to scream out, “Charles Portis!” One of the greatest novels ever written, yet the author still gets little to no recognition.

[@johnprentice1527]

A second thank you. This is my favorite western, hands down. But it is so in no small part because of the dialogue that Portis employs. I have not read the book, but I have seen much of this dialogue before: in the original True Grit movie. I liked the John Wayne and Kim Darby version, but I love this Coen Brothers remake much more. I probably should read the book.

[@jameslyons6655]

I watched the original film as a kid and daydreamed about being a Deputy U.S. Marshal. I watched the remake as a retired Deputy U.S. Marshal. No regrets.

[@markknivila8383]

Two great movies! Thank you, for your service!

[@HiroForever]

I love the line when rooster, Cogburn is insulting LaBeef, and he says “this is like women talking… “

[@tannerfarnsworth3618]

True grit is a modern classic

[@tannerfarnsworth3618]

I guess it’s not too modern anymore..

[@tomservo5347]

LaBeof redeems his braggadocio with that long range shot to kill Ned Pepper and save Rooster. It was a sad ending where Mattie wanted to see Rooster traveling with Frank James but found out Rooster had died shortly before-but she pays for a nice coffin and has him buried in her family plot because he really is family to her and knew deep down he wanted to belong somewhere. It was a nice touch LaBeof and Rooster arguing over William Quantrill as we get a little backstory on Rooster. (And I live in Quantrill/James Gang NW Missouri-their stomping grounds.)

[@_pawter]

I whole-heartedly agree about that final, long, shot. Also your other points. Her narrowly missing a later re-union with Rooster and the incidental rudeness of Frank James ... to me this rings true with so much of real life.

[@stellanrude3813]

This one of my favorite movies of all time and is one of my time favorite western films, I have not seen it in a long while. But it's just increblie and I agree the movie is very brutal and definitely is a hard PG-13 film. Acting peferct, score is wonderful the final song Leaning On An Everylasting Arm is a great song. Jeff, Matt and Hailee were all amazing in the film I'm sad that in 2023 this isn't talked about enough which is sad because it dersvers all the love and praise it got back when it came out in 2010.

[@tjanderson5892]

Damon as Labeef is so great. The way Mattie BBQ’d him at their first meeting has me rolling still today. Some ppl for w/e reason weren’t the biggest fans, but I loved every moment of it. A great compliment to the film.

[@SpecialEDy]

He is really flat most of the time. All of the trio give a lot of monologue instead of dialogue

[@tjanderson5892]

@@SpecialEDy I feel that’s a perfect way to describe the original. Add in that it feels like John Wayne is reading off a script for Rooster Cogburn whereas Bridges is Rooster playing Rooster imo. Hailey Steinfields monologues were what got her those 1-2 Oscar nominations

[@chrismaw5117]

it reminds me of Silverado I grew up on this movie old school

[@keithearley1734]

I recently bought a collector condition first edition, first printing of True Grit, the novel. I plan to give it to my now 6 mo old granddaughter on her 14th birthday, accompanied by a personal letter explaining why it is one of the great novels in American literature. Your stellar review captures all the reasons why this is so.

[@truthseeker5216]

Mattie was absolutely awesome, well beyond her years - those 6 years of acting classes deff helped, she was incredible for a 13 yo. The whole movie is amazing, they played their parts incredibly well and so is the music. Never get tired of watching it, I watch it often.

[@whohewanna]

Jeff bridges best movie IMO

[@thepositivepictureshow]

Crazy to think that he has been acting for so long that he has reinvented his image like every other decade

[@bigkillerwhale1801]

Alright well that’s just youre opinion man - the Dude Big Lebowski

[@CharlesRBiggs]

Agree!! Fascinating to see how he can be The Dude and Cogburn so perfectly.

[@hjarten]

You can see all the actors in their films bring their best game.

[@singularity7968]

I could not have said it better myself. This is one of my favorite movies and is an extremely rare example of a remake that is surpasses the original.

[@paulsilberman3787]

One time a remade movie is this excellent. All the characters are believable. Love this film. And the review.

[@M0rmagil]

It’s my favorite western, and it’s got some serious competition for that title. I think it’s also my favorite Cohen Brothers movie, and there is some serious competition in that category, too. 😜

[@thepositivepictureshow]

I'm in the same place. I love a lot of westerns and I love every Coen film I've seen, but this one might be my very favorite

[@davidbradley3735]

My grandmother's family has been in the Cookson Hills since the 1820's!!I love this movie, and the book it's based on! I had ancestors who lived inside of these times and history!!

[@tonyaughney8945]

I really enjoyed this movie. Maddies character was the best part. Her sassy confidence was polar opposite to the man hating girl boss crap we're subjected to these days. The piano piece was beautiful and fit the movie perfectly. The final scene where maddie has grown up and lives with her injuries is beautiful with the music playing.

[@MegaJackpinesavage]

The story's from the novel of the same name by American author, Charles Portis, a US best seller --- again, folks (like John O'Brien's "Leaving Las Vegas) --- the BOOK is even better than the movie. However, the Coen Bros were wildly good with their TG...

[@jazzgent]

One of my favorite movies of all time as well! And I love this little bit in your narration about how you loved it too. I could not agree more nor could I say it better!

[@steveman6789]

The original was awesome, but this one was darker and I think more realistic. In the original Lebeauf dies, but Cogburn is alive. The new version has Labeauf being never seen again, but it tells the rest of the story. I love them both for what each brings.

[@jimbob1800]

One hell of a movie

[@mikealangaloe1774]

Damon was really good in this. I usually just see Matt Damon in his movies. Like I just see the actor tryin to be a character. It takes you out if the story. I saw the character he was playing in this entire movie. Not the actor.

[@DibbzTV]

Texans loved this movie

[@shogunjobu]

Love your take on this movie... not sure if youve done ~no country for old men~ i love dialog from some Coen brothers movies.

[@rynard63]

Agreed, just outstanding. Not to take away from the John Wayne movie, but honestly I think Glen Campbell damn near sunk that movie. That being said Glen Campbell is one of my very favorite musicians.

[@ardshielcomplex8917]

Yep, brilliant musician but no Actor.

[@Richard-m8s3s]

This 2010 version is VERY!!! good .... BUT !!! the 1969 version with the one and only ... MR. John Wayne will ALWAYS !!! be MUCH!!! BETTER!!!! . So Long!! from Canada - Aug./11/2024 🤠🐴.

[@ricardosidneivieira1726]

I believe this movie can take you back in time

[@eldandonsmith5372]

"True Grit (2011) is written and directed by the Coen Brothers." Maybe their interpretation and direction........... True Grit is a 1968 novel by Charles Portis

[@seanathaalexand]

I think what makes this story stand out to me is its local. I was born in central Arkansas and raised in Northwest Arkansas. I’ve lived all over the American Southeast. From Arkansas, to Tennessee and Mississippi. But have somehow now ended up in Oklahoma, just outside of Tulsa. I’ve done the drive from where I live here to Arkansas many times, driving right through Fort Smith. I’ve also camped out in the Ouachitas before. So this movies setting for me is home. I’ve only recently within the past few years gotten into westerns. And having a western set in my homelands has it really stand out to me above a lot of other movies. Also, I 100% agree. The gruff and tough old man getting stuck with a kid is my favorite. I’m not old, but half the time feel tired physically, mentally, and emotionally. And I’m also a childcare teacher. Teach 3-4 year olds in the morning and watch 5-11 year olds in the afternoon. So in another way I relate to this movie, and many others that use this trope. As a kinda “father-like” figure to some kids, while occasionally being somewhat grumpy and often quite tired I love stories like these.

[@Yorosero]

I remember watching it in the cinema back when I was at university, and I really knew nothing about the original book or movie. I came out feeling such a swell of joy inside me that no other cinema experience has ever replicated.

[@philipdee1415]

Brilliant commentary on a truly brilliant film....thank you

[@arailway8809]

I watched them both this last week. The original Mattie was better; better linguistics, better grit, no complaining, just the vane hope of making Rooster's world fit her world view. The second Mattie lacked something. If Tom Chaney had killer her, it would have been a better show. Walking around calling old men "trash" is far to jarring for a character that they want us to like.

[@dsean405]

Well said, I think similar of this movie. Maybe for me Lonesome Dove is it's equal.

[@thecowboy9698]

Jeff Bridges does a good cowboy, but sadly, he cannot compete with John Wayne. I mean I get that Bridges' Cogburn is rougher and grittier, but what I liked about Wayne gave the sense that he came genuinely cared for Maddy For example, when LaBeouf starts whipping Maddy, yes Bridges stops him from doing so, but Wayne watches for a moment with almost a certain amount of pleasure at seeing an unruly younster getting perhaps a well deserved spanking, but then responds with righteous anger when he feels LaBeouf is taking it too far, whereas Bridges' Cogburn shows almost zero emotion when doing so. Also, Bridges' Cogburn may have saved Maddy, but he then essentially abandons her until 25 years later, whereas Wayne's Cogburn not only goes to see her, but also goes to the trouble of travelling all the way to Texas, just so LaBeouf can get a proper burial, showing that while he still enjoyed the promise of a reward, as he talks about helping those Texas boys about remembering how much they were offering for a reward, his actions still show he had decency in him. Also, while the 2010 version may have gotten more of the wardrobe and perhaps grungy looks of characters who lived life on the trail, I have to give Wayne's film props for the livelieness of the characters. Everyone in the film talked as if they were bored out of their minds, yet Wayne's film gave the idea that while these people lived hard, they stil lwanted to live and had reason to live, in that they had hopes and dreams the same as everyone else.

[@paxwallace8324]

I can't watch the horse little blackie being ridden to death again. So basically I can't watch the film anymore.

[@TehAmelie]

So many little things to love in this movie. I'd give a special mention to Jeff Bridges' evil eye, which only really we see for one short moment early on. When Mattie tries to enlist Cogburn but becomes disappointed by his many faults and tells him as much, he gives her one silent look and in that one little moment we can see she knows the fear of God.

[@ianhale4466]

Can someone explain how the "if you want to kiss him, itll be alright" is humorous, it's tradition in some places

[@marcomartinez8649]

One of those movies that earns it's PG-13 rating, honestly surprised it was not R

[@stevecaranci2463]

That is one remake that is just as good as the original. It's is a little darker but very well done.

[@Juan-fi6hc]

Love this movie felt like was there when he saved that girl I almost cried good movie 😎🖤

[@ericgeddes3353]

The first time I saw her was in this and she blew me away. Still a fan of hers today.

[@bassfishingwiththeantichri2921]

Outlaw Josie Wales was my favorite western due to the ugliness of the old west. But I must recant. True Grit (2) shows the beauty of the old west and the ugliness of the people at the time. This is the best western. When Rooster has to run Maddy’s horse to death to save her life it really showed the hardship of the times. And the cost of justice. A true masterpiece of cinema.

[@truthseeker5216]

It was a great pity she didn't see him before he died. As an adult just as cocky as little Maddie - "Keep your seat trash." 😂

[@sartainja]

Too bad that more great western movies are not made now days. 😢

[@rickandosca8262]

GREAT film--period.

[@aretnap3653]

*"TheJakes is Occupied!"*

[@RobertWilcox-y5l]

Hailee is fabulous.

[@Jim-iw1yd]

Lovely, very astute.

[@bdchilds2799]

The three were of true grit !

[@smsean2000]

Great movie.

[@timmy-the-ute2725]

I you think this version was good it is because it built on the legacy of the 1969 John Wayne version.

[@thepositivepictureshow]

I enjoy the John Wayne version for what it is, but I think this film brought a whole new level of sorrow and tragedy to the story

[@MrAWL94]

Love this version of the movie but it was originally John Wayne to play Rooster Cogburn. It seems like nobody remembered or even new this was a remake by the Cohen Brothers

[@thepositivepictureshow]

Wayne's portrayal is great and got him an Oscar for it, but I definitely prefer this version. Particularly when it comes to Mattie Ross. Steinfeld is just SO much better

[@Odinson42]

The original is cheesy and unwatchable. All the actors sound like they're from the Original Star Trek, which is to say they all sound like they're from 1960s America. John Wayne as usual plays John Wayne in an eye patch.

[@redfive5856]

Wayne's 1970 Oscar was like a lifetime achievement award. He should've received it for Sands of Iwo Jima not True Grit.@@thepositivepictureshow

[@Rob-eo5ql]

Greatest movie ever made. Every character are gold. IMO

[@thepositivepictureshow]

Definitely one of the absolute best!

[@kichigan1]

Certainly one of my favorite movies, too. Thanks for the commentary.

[@anthonyscully2998]

The Cohen's usually portray their characters as idiots. In true grit they are treated with respect, including the villians

[@sonofacheron]

What’s “harship”?

[@thepositivepictureshow]

😂An embarrassing typo that I haven't seen until right now

[@MrJabez89]

What the heck is “harship”

[@thepositivepictureshow]

@@MrJabez89 😂

[@jonhammer7109]

Must have seen this one 5 times.like tombstone. Each scene great to the point. Cant wait for the next scene.

[@astolatpere11]

Loved both filmed versions of this story.

[@BRinMilwaukee]

very well written piece, loved it. you honored the movie.

[@dickbagpatrol]

Good video but you left out my favorite Rooster line… “Well that didn’t pan out.”

[@atbp828]

I love western movies. And this one is the best.

[@mikeg0802]

Great review and movie!

[@Olimpico230]

I love this movie too

[@ShowCat1]

Agreed

[@haroldconner2645]

The best western.

[@thepositivepictureshow]

4 outta 5 times, when people ask me what my favorite movie is, I'll say this film. I absolutely adore it. Practically perfect in every way

[@haroldconner2645]

@@thepositivepictureshow agreed

[@XYXYOUTUBE]

i always found unforgiven to be the better western in themes/story but good choice @@thepositivepictureshow

[@ropeburnsrussell]

Great review.

[@thepositivepictureshow]

Thank you so much!

[@patrickmullane30]

Please- it was a good movie- but has nothing on the original.

[@pennygeno5629]

what are you talking about, this movie was boring as hell, unrealistic as hell, simple as hell, pointless as hell

[@thepositivepictureshow]

To one person, a sunset is just light and color. To another, it's breathtaking. I can't teach you how to appreciate sunsets, just what they look like to me.

[@truthseeker5216]

​@@thepositivepictureshowWell said - he's clueless.