I have to admit, I wasn't going to buy into Emily Blunt as a lead in a western. But it turned out to be thoroughly enjoyable show you didn't know you had to watch. The cinematography is beautiful, as is the theme music. It feels like it's been a while since a western was made of this quality (I'm thinking, maybe Unforgiven?). Like great westerns in the past, the story need not be overly complicated. And it's got sweeping panoramas of the West, capturing the freedom, cruelty and brutality that was the Wild West.
Blunt and Spencer dazzles. What may have sounded like a contrived story to place some Brits in late 19th century American West, ends up weaving a deep, moving tale of a woman who risks it all to seek vengeance upon a man who wronged her, whom she blames for the death of her son. In the beginning scenes, you may think it makes little sense, but there is much more to her journey and objective. Blunt does a superb job as the story develops and reveals its secrets.
Spencer, whom I've never seen on screen before, really impresses. Although he portrays a Pawnee who was raised by a white man and served in the Union army, his seemingly indifferent attitude to the plight of the people of other tribes is but a façade that eventually gives way to the long suppressed pain, anger and pride of native Americans. Spencer does an amazing job of giving his character good depth, when more often than not, native American actors tend to play to one-dimensional stereotypes.
Perhaps a small nit is that the climax feels a little rushed; some may find it a tiny bit anti-climatic. An extra episode or two might have tidied up a few things here and there.
Very sad it's a mini-series and ends after a short but satisfying six episodes, but it's better to think of it as a very long movie!
