Hostiles is an old fashioned drama/western that takes place in the late 19th century. It stars Christian Bale and Rosamund Pike, who do excellent jobs in their respective roles. Christian Bale plays as a Captain who's lifelong job has been in capturing and slaying indians, who suddenly on the cusp of retirement must escort an indian chief to his home, as he is being released. Rosamund Pike plays a grief-stricken lady, who must deal with her loss, and find strength to push through every day. Though there are a some well-shot action scenes, the movie is a drama through and through. It is in the complex nature of the main characters, and the heartfelt portrayal by the actors, that lifts this movie above oblivion. Beautiful cinematography, and a spare but haunting score accentuates the simplicity and beauty of the underlying emotions that pulse throughout the movie. Without spoiling it, the ending scene is one of my favorite endings in recent memory, as it is both subtle and powerful. Though the pace of the movie is slow (deliberately so) and the thrills few and far between, those who love character development and an older style of film-making should definitely give this movie a chance. I rate it 7 stars out of 10.
Review of Hostiles
