Forsaken

2015
R
1h 30m

IMDb RATING

6.4/10

14K

YOUR RATING

Donald Sutherland and Kiefer Sutherland in Forsaken (2015)

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Action Drama Western

In 1872, an embittered gunslinger named John Henry Clayton attempts to make amends with his estranged father Reverend Samuel Clayton while their community is besieged by ruthless land-grabbe... Read allIn 1872, an embittered gunslinger named John Henry Clayton attempts to make amends with his estranged father Reverend Samuel Clayton while their community is besieged by ruthless land-grabbers.In 1872, an embittered gunslinger named John Henry Clayton attempts to make amends with his estranged father Reverend Samuel Clayton while their community is besieged by ruthless land-grabbers.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.4/10

14K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 1 win & 9 nominations

Trivia
Kiefer Sutherland was motivated to craft a film that he could do with his father Donald, so he enlisted writer Brad Mirman to write a western story about a father and son, to be played on screen by a father and son. Kiefer claimed that they had waited years for the right script to come along, but with Donald approaching 80 it was the point that they felt it had to be done sooner rather than later.

Goofs
When John Henry goes to buy another gun he chooses the LeMat revolver. The shop keeper remarks that it is 9 shots and a 10 gauge shotgun and places a box of cartridges on the counter. The shotgun barrel on a LeMat is 20 gauge not 10 and it is a cap and ball revolver that does not use cartridges.

Quotes
Gentleman Dave Turner: John Henry. Whatever happens next, I want you to know that I did not sanction that cowardly act against your father. Personally I find that action damnable and deserving of the fate you brought upon them.
John Henry Clayton: Then you'll be leaving.
Gentleman Dave Turner: Can't do that. No one hires a gunman who runs from trouble.
John Henry Clayton: You don't have to run Dave. You can walk.
Gentleman Dave Turner: The terms of my employment won't allow me to do that.
John Henry Clayton: This here LeMat's mighty heavy. Puts me at a disadvantage.
Gentleman Dave Turner: What would you suggest?
John Henry Clayton: Would you be kind enough to let me go back inside and retrieve myself a Colt?
Gentleman Dave Turner: - nods
John Henry Clayton: Thank you.
Gentleman Dave Turner: - nods again

Connections
Featured in Late Night with Seth Meyers: Kiefer Sutherland/Carice van Houten (2016)

User reviews122

Review

Featured review

8/10

Most of the reviews here divorced from reality

In the IMDb Guidelines for Top Reviewers, Rule 19 says that, when in doubt, be honest.

So I will.

I have no idea how most members do their ratings these days. But I do know that often the ratings make no sense. This is one example. This is a stellar western, borrowing the "retired gunslinger" theme from the 40s and 50s, the type of western that Glen Ford used to do best.

The script is solid, the acting ditto. I mean, Brian Cox and Demi Moore in supporting roles. Wow. The elder Sutherland as always gets a little trapped in his one-dimensional character but the part was written for a character actor not a lead. The younger Sutherland effortlessly spans the full spectrum of emotions and holds the attention of the viewer like glue. And Wincott makes for one of the most articulate western villains in the history of the genre.

The cinematography is stunning.

Again, looking at the low IMDb rating, you would think there are so many quality westerns being made these days that viewers are overpowered by choice. Nope, that's not true. Is it? If I were grading on a Bell curve, this would be a 9. As it stands it gets a solid 8. Recommended.

((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))