Jeremiah Johnson Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Redford grows a beard, kills some Native Americans, and then… keeps growing the beard and killing more Native Americans, all while nature is super pretty.

🍿 Jeremiah Johnson: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Leaving Civilization

Jeremiah Johnson, a former soldier seeking solace, ventures into the Rocky Mountains to become a mountain man. He aims for a life of solitude and self-sufficiency, leaving behind the constraints of civilization and the memories of the Mexican-American War. Initially, Johnson is ill-prepared for the harsh realities of wilderness survival. He struggles with basic tasks like hunting and fire-starting, quickly realizing the need for guidance to navigate the unforgiving landscape and unforgiving climate.

Learning the Ropes

Johnson encounters Bear Claw, an experienced mountain man, who becomes his mentor. Bear Claw teaches him essential survival skills, including hunting, trapping, and understanding the ways of the wilderness. This mentorship is crucial for Johnson’s transformation from a novice to a capable mountain man. The relationship also introduces Johnson to the complex dynamic between settlers and Native American tribes, particularly the Crow. An early encounter with a Crow party ends peacefully thanks to Bear Claw’s knowledge and negotiation skills.

Family and Tragedy

After parting ways with Bear Claw, Johnson stumbles upon a devastated settlement, finding a lone surviving boy and his traumatized mother. He takes responsibility for the boy, naming him Caleb. Later, he rescues Del Gue, another mountain man, and through a series of events, gains favor with the Flathead tribe and is given the chief’s daughter, Swan, as his wife. Johnson finds unexpected fulfillment in his new family, building a cabin and adapting to a life of love and companionship amidst the wilderness. This period of happiness is tragically cut short when Johnson is compelled to guide a U.S. Cavalry unit through a Crow burial ground at the request of the army.

The Crow Vendetta

The passage through the sacred burial ground incites the wrath of the Crow tribe. Upon returning to his cabin, Johnson discovers that Swan and Caleb have been murdered in retaliation. Overwhelmed by grief and rage, Johnson embarks on a path of vengeance against the Crow. He becomes a relentless hunter, tracking down and killing those responsible for his family’s death. This act of retribution ignites a long-lasting vendetta, turning Johnson into a legendary figure known as ‘Crow Killer.’

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jeremiah Johnson (Robert Redford): A former soldier seeking solitude in the mountains, he becomes a legendary mountain man entangled in a deadly feud with the Crow tribe.
• Bear Claw (Will Geer): An experienced mountain man who mentors Jeremiah, teaching him the necessary skills for survival in the wilderness.
• Swan (Delle Bolton): The daughter of a Flathead chief given to Jeremiah as a wife, forming an unconventional family.
• Caleb (Josh Albee): A mute boy rescued by Jeremiah, becoming his adopted son and forming a unique bond within their family.
• Paints His Shirt Red (Joaquín Martínez): A Crow warrior who represents the ongoing conflict and eventual reconciliation with Jeremiah Johnson.
• Del Gue (Stefan Gierasch): A mountain man with a thirst for Indian scalps who briefly joins Jeremiah.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bear Claw: “You’ve come to the right place, pilgrim.” – Said to Jeremiah when they first meet, hinting that Bear Claw will teach him the ways of the mountains.
• Bear Claw: “You skin that bear, pilgrim, or he’s gonna skin you!” – Bear Claw is encouraging Jeremiah to skin the bear he just killed, teaching him self-reliance.
• Del Gue: “I am Del Gue, and I eat the livers of my enemies!” – Del Gue states while he and Jeremiah are tracking down the Blackfoot party who buried him in the sand.
• Bear Claw: “Mountain man!” – Bear Claw yells this out with joy as he sees the mountains, exemplifying his love and comfort in nature.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,100,000
• Domestic Gross: $44,693,668
• Worldwide Gross: $44,693,668

💥 Jeremiah Johnson Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Jeremiah Johnson! The scenery is breathtaking, and Redford’s portrayal of a man seeking solitude is captivating. The scene where he builds his cabin with his new family and the scene where he loses them are particularly moving. The movie has a haunting beauty that has stuck with me for years.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Westerns”
  • “Viewers interested in survival stories”
  • “Those who appreciate Robert Redford’s acting”
  • “People seeking films with stunning scenery”
  • “Individuals interested in Native American history and culture”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Death of family members”
  • “Depiction of conflict with Native Americans”
  • “Some disturbing images”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “A visually stunning and meditative Western that delves into themes of isolation and the clash between man and nature. Redford delivers a compelling performance as a man trying to escape society, but it’s the majestic scenery and thoughtful pacing that truly resonate.
• New York Times: “A rugged and beautifully shot film that captures the harsh realities of frontier life. The narrative is simple but effective, exploring the complexities of survival and the often-violent interactions between settlers and Native Americans.

Audience Reactions

The stunning landscapes and cinematography transport viewers to the untamed wilderness.: Viewers praise the movie’s visual beauty and Redford’s stoic, compelling performance.

The movie’s slow pace and focus on survival create a unique and immersive experience.: Many find the film’s deliberate pacing and emphasis on the challenges of frontier life to be both engaging and thought-provoking.

Overall Consensus: Jeremiah Johnson is a visually stunning and thought-provoking Western that offers a unique perspective on the themes of survival, isolation, and the clash between man and nature. While the slow pace may not appeal to all viewers, many appreciate the film’s beauty, Redford’s performance, and the immersive experience of frontier life.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is loosely based on the life of Liver-Eating Johnson, a mountain man of the 19th century, but it also draws inspiration from Vardis Fisher’s novel ‘Mountain Man’.”
• “Robert Redford considered this one of his favorite films and was heavily involved in its development.”
• “The stunning scenery was filmed on location in Utah, adding to the film’s authenticity and visual impact.”
• “Director Sydney Pollack aimed for a realistic portrayal of the mountain man’s life, emphasizing survival and the harshness of the wilderness.”

🖥️ How to Watch Jeremiah Johnson?

Jeremiah Johnson is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability. Some services may offer options to stream via subscription.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Jeremiah Johnson, you might like these similar films:

• The Revenant (2015): Shares a similar theme of survival and revenge in the harsh wilderness, with stunning visuals and a focus on the protagonist’s resilience.
• Man in the Wilderness (1971): Features a similar story of a man left for dead in the wilderness who must survive against the elements and seek revenge.
• Dances with Wolves (1990): Explores themes of cultural understanding and the clash between civilization and the wilderness, with a focus on a protagonist who integrates into Native American society.
• The Last of the Mohicans (1992): Captures the adventure and conflict of the early American frontier, with a focus on survival, wilderness, and relationships with Native American tribes.

🛒 Jeremiah Johnson Related Products

• Jeremiah Johnson [Blu-ray]: Experience the stunning visuals of Jeremiah Johnson in high definition. A must-have for any Western fan.
• Frontier Trapper Hat: Embrace the spirit of Jeremiah Johnson with a faux fur trapper hat. A stylish and practical accessory for outdoor adventures.
• Historical Tomahawk Replica: Own a piece of frontier history with a historically accurate tomahawk replica. A unique addition to any Western collection.
• Robert Redford: The Biography: Discover the life and career of Robert Redford, including his iconic role in Jeremiah Johnson. A fascinating read for any fan.

🎧 Soundtrack

Jeremiah Johnson features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Jeremiah Johnson” – performed by Tim McIntire
• “Shall We Gather at the River” – performed by Traditional Hymn

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How Did The Flathead Tribe Take Revenge for Jeremiah Johnson’s Wife?

Ever wonder about the real story behind Jeremiah Johnson’s wife and the Flathead tribe’s reaction? This video dives deep into the tribe’s revenge, giving a fascinating perspective you won’t see in the movie!

The True Story of JEREMIAH JOHNSON

Did you know Jeremiah Johnson was based on a real person? This video uncovers the true story behind the legend, and honestly, it’s even wilder than the movie!

Why everyone thought “JEREMIAH JOHNSON” was a FAILURE before masterful editing changed their minds!

Can you believe ‘Jeremiah Johnson’ was almost a flop? This video reveals how clever editing saved the film, plus it touches on the mystery surrounding Swan’s disappearance! It’s a great watch!

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