The Long Riders Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of actual brothers ride around robbing banks until someone finally gets tired of it and shoots them.

🍿 The Long Riders: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Formation of the Gang

Following the American Civil War, Jesse James and his brother Frank assemble a gang, including the Younger brothers and the Miller brothers. Motivated by revenge and a desire to reclaim what they believe was unjustly taken from them, they begin a series of robberies targeting banks and trains. These early acts set the stage for their legendary status and attract the attention of powerful enemies.

Escalation and the Pinkerton Pursuit

As the gang’s ambitions grow, their heists become bolder, resulting in increased conflict with law enforcement. Railroad tycoons enlist the Pinkerton Detective Agency to hunt down the James-Younger gang. The Pinkertons’ aggressive tactics lead to violence and further cement the gang’s image as rebels fighting against a corrupt system. Innocent civilians often find themselves caught in the crossfire.

The Northfield Raid

Desperate for a big score, the gang plans a raid on a bank in Northfield, Minnesota. Unbeknownst to them, the Pinkerton Agency has set a trap. The raid goes awry, resulting in a bloody shootout that leaves several gang members wounded or dead. The disastrous outcome marks a turning point for the gang and signals their impending downfall.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jesse James (James Keach): The charismatic yet ruthless leader of the James-Younger gang, driven by revenge and a desire to maintain his outlaw status.
• Frank James (Stacy Keach): Jesse’s older brother, a more cautious and thoughtful member of the gang who provides a level-headed counterbalance to Jesse’s impulsiveness.
• Cole Younger (David Carradine): A prominent member and co-leader of the gang, known for his quick wit, knife-fighting skills, and complex relationship with Belle Starr.
• Jim Younger (Keith Carradine): One of Cole’s brothers and a member of the gang, who is portrayed as loyal but less distinct in personality than Cole.
• Bob Younger (Robert Carradine): Another of Cole’s brothers and a member of the gang, often seen alongside Jim but with limited individual focus.
• Clell Miller (Randy Quaid): A volatile and somewhat reckless member of the gang who exemplifies the violent nature of their outlaw life.
• Belle Starr (Pamela Reed): A strong-willed and independent woman who is romantically involved with Cole Younger, representing a blend of allure and danger.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Belle Starr: “Coleman Younger! Seems like you folks are havin’ a real nice party in there.” – Belle confronts Cole, highlighting her exclusion from their outlaw camaraderie.
• Cole Younger: “‘Cause you’re a whore, Belle.” – Cole delivers a cutting remark, revealing the harsh social hierarchy even among outlaws.
• Belle Starr: “I might be; but at least I ain’t a cheap one.” – Belle retorts defiantly, underscoring her resilience and self-respect in a difficult world.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $15,795,189
• Worldwide Gross: $15,795,189

💥 The Long Riders Reviews

Personal Review

I was really drawn in by the casting of real-life brothers as the gang members; it added a layer of authenticity that’s often missing in Westerns. The raid scene was intense, and I felt like I was right there with them, bullets flying. I was fascinated to see the bond between brothers, and thought the performances were great, and the soundtrack by Ry Cooder really tied the film together. It has been one of my favorites for many years.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Westerns”
  • “Those interested in American outlaw history”
  • “Viewers who appreciate unique casting choices”
  • “Those seeking a grittier, less romanticized Western”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Gun violence”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Walter Hill’s ‘The Long Riders’ almost elevates cinema violence into an art form. Visually stunning, especially the Northfield raid. Hill shows viewers an inventive montage of gory violence, but Hill tries to debunk the American myth that Western gunfighters were ‘heroes,’ and to show these embittered guys for the ‘rough men that they really were.’
• Movie Fan: “Though violence and slow-motion may be used, ‘The Long Riders’ is surprisingly effective. There are flashes of brilliance throughout and well-done action sequences that make this a good recommendation, especially if you’re a fan of brotherly camaraderie and western lore.
• Film Source: “A stylish if somewhat uneven Western, ‘The Long Riders’ boasts an impressive cast of real-life brothers playing on-screen siblings. Though the film occasionally succumbs to clichés, Ry Cooder’s soundtrack and Walter Hill’s direction elevate it beyond the typical genre fare. The Northfield raid is a standout sequence.

Audience Reactions

The authentic casting of real-life brothers really made the family dynamic believable.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s realistic portrayal of the James-Younger gang and the brotherly bond, enhanced by the casting choices.

Ry Cooder’s score transports you right into the heart of the Wild West.: Many fans appreciate the film’s music and how the score is well placed with this classic story of the old west.

Overall Consensus: A stylish Western with a unique casting gimmick that mostly works, offering a gritty, realistic portrayal of the James-Younger gang, though it occasionally falls into genre clichés.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film uniquely cast real-life brothers as the infamous outlaw siblings, adding a layer of authenticity to the portrayal of family bonds within the gang.”
• “Director Walter Hill, known for his stylized action, aimed for a more grounded and realistic depiction of the James-Younger gang compared to previous romanticized versions.”
• “Ry Cooder’s soundtrack was meticulously researched to capture the authentic sounds of the era, emphasizing the folk and bluegrass music prevalent in the post-Civil War Midwest.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Long Riders?

As a classic film, ‘The Long Riders’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential streaming options or DVD/Blu-ray availability. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Long Riders, you might like these similar films:

• The Wild Bunch (1969): Like ‘The Long Riders’, it presents a gritty and violent portrayal of outlaws in the American West, emphasizing their complex moralities and brutal demise.
• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969): Shares the theme of legendary outlaws facing the end of their era, though with a more lighthearted and comedic tone.
• The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid (1972): Directly tackles the same historical event (the Northfield raid) and offers a contrasting perspective on the James-Younger gang.
• American Outlaws (2001): A more modern and stylized take on the Jesse James legend, appealing to audiences interested in a contemporary action-oriented Western.

🛒 The Long Riders Related Products

• Ry Cooder – The Long Riders (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Experience the authentic sounds of the West with Ry Cooder’s iconic soundtrack, featuring traditional folk tunes and original compositions. This album perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of the film.
• The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Blu-ray): Explore another chapter in the legend of Jesse James with this critically acclaimed film starring Brad Pitt. A darker, more introspective take on the outlaw’s life and death.
• Western Movie Poster – The Long Riders (Vintage Style): Add a touch of classic Western style to your home with this vintage-style poster of ‘The Long Riders.’ Perfect for movie buffs and fans of the genre.
• Legends of the West: Jesse James Action Figure: Bring a piece of the Wild West into your collection with this detailed action figure of Jesse James. A perfect addition for collectors and fans of Western history.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Jesse James” – performed by Ry Cooder
• “The Battle Cry of Freedom” – performed by Traditional
• “I’m a Good Ole Rebel” – performed by Traditional

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

🤨 FAQ

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