Shenandoah

Who would have guessed that such a classically conceived western would simultaneously contain such a strong anti-war message and so much humor? The excellent James Stewart (this time supported by Brzobohatý's dubbing), unforgettable scenes with the train and the cow, and a monologue over the graves that takes your breath away and brings tears to your eyes. No, this isn't some cheap pro-American flick that has grown stale over the years. No way. (09/08/2014)

Given that Shenandoah was made in 1965, I understand the need to brace for a bit of old-school naivety. However, this film had a bit too much of it for my taste. That said, James Stewart nails it as the just and fair-minded head of the farm, and his anti-war sentiments are the movie's strongest moments. Those scenes really pack a punch, especially considering the era and the typical western setting. But when those powerful moments are interrupted by some saccharine love storylines, it dampens the impact a bit. Still, the anti-war messages shine through and make the film stand out, not just for its time but within the western genre overall. (04/12/2021)