🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Kristian Levring
- Genre: Western, Action, Drama, Thriller
- Release year: 2014
- Runtime (length): 1h 32min
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10 (45K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 65%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A Danish immigrant messes with the wrong cowboy and has to shoot a whole lot of other cowboys because everyone in town is too scared to help him.
🍿 The Salvation: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Reunion and Tragedy
In 1870s America, Jon, a Danish immigrant, awaits the arrival of his wife and son after seven years of separation. Their reunion is tragically short-lived when stagecoach bandits kidnap and murder them shortly after their arrival. This sets the stage for Jon’s quest for revenge.

Avenging the Family
Driven by grief and rage, Jon exacts swift revenge on the murderers. However, he soon discovers that one of the men he killed was the brother of Henry Delarue, a ruthless and powerful gang leader who controls the local town through fear and intimidation. This act of vengeance turns Jon into a target of Delarue’s wrath.

Facing Delarue’s Fury
Delarue demands retribution for his brother’s death, and the townspeople, paralyzed by fear, betray Jon to protect themselves. Now, Jon must confront Delarue and his gang alone, battling not only the outlaws but also the corruption and cowardice that permeate the town. His fight becomes a desperate struggle for survival and justice in a lawless land.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jon Jensen (Mads Mikkelsen): A Danish settler seeking revenge after his family is murdered in the American West.
- Henry Delarue (Jeffrey Dean Morgan): A ruthless gang leader who terrorizes a town and seeks vengeance for his brother’s death.
- Madelaine (Eva Green): A mute woman scarred by the past, trapped within Delarue’s brutal world, silently plotting her own revenge.
- Peter Jensen (Mikael Persbrandt): Jon’s brother, a fellow soldier, who supports him in his quest for revenge.
- Mayor Nathan Keane (Jonathan Pryce): The cowardly and corrupt mayor of the town, attempting to appease Delarue to protect himself.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Peter: “Yeah, I was a soldier once, and it taught me a lesson. Don’t get into a fight you know you’re gonna lose.” – Peter advises his brother Jon against confronting Delarue, highlighting the pragmatic and often brutal realities of survival in the West.
💰Box Office
- Budget: €10.5M
- Domestic Gross: $44,903
- Worldwide Gross: $1,363,964
💥 The Salvation Reviews
Personal Review
I really enjoyed ‘The Salvation.’ Mads Mikkelsen is fantastic as the quiet, determined immigrant seeking justice. The story is simple, but the tension is palpable, and the cinematography captures the harshness of the Old West perfectly. The early stagecoach scene was heart wrenching, and that is what gripped me to the screen. I rooted for him as he faced overwhelming odds. It’s a classic Western revenge tale, and it does it well.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Westerns”
- “Viewers who appreciate dark and gritty films”
- “Those interested in revenge stories”
- “Mads Mikkelsen fans”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence”
- “Sexual assault”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- ScreenRant: “The Salvation is an underrated Western from the 2010s, offering a classic revenge plot with splendid direction and a rock-solid performance by Mads Mikkelsen. It’s a gritty, well-made movie that stands out in a decade of softer American Westerns.
- Film Fugitives: “Focusing on violence, revenge and rape, The Salvation is a stark contrast to contemporary cinema. It is a classic tale of good versus evil, making Mads Mikkelsen’s portrayal of John a character who you will be rooting for, despite the violent acts which he commits.
- IMDB User Review: “This movie is one of the best westerns in years. It’s a dark and harrowing film, a la “the proposition” or “unforgiven”. This movie is not for the squeamish: innocent people are killed without a thought, and the film does a good job portraying the lawlessness and “anything goes” ethos of the times. Mads Mikkelsen is excellent.
Audience Reactions
Mads Mikkelsen’s intense performance and the film’s gritty realism were highlights for many viewers.: Viewers praise the movie for its classic Western feel, strong performances, and the portrayal of lawlessness.
Overall Consensus: A solid Western with strong performances, particularly by Mads Mikkelsen, and a gritty, realistic feel. While the plot is familiar, the execution is well-done, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The sets were built from the ground up in South African locations to resemble the American West.”
- “A town set burnt down shortly before filming was completed, adding to the challenges of production.”
- “The film incorporates multiple languages, including English, Danish, and Spanish, reflecting the diverse immigrant population of the American West.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Salvation?
The Salvation is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming options. Some cable providers may also offer on-demand viewing.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Salvation, you might like these similar films:
- Unforgiven (1992): Both films offer a dark and morally complex take on the Western genre, exploring themes of revenge and the consequences of violence.
- 3:10 to Yuma (2007): Features a classic Western plot with strong performances and a focus on morality and justice in a lawless environment.
- The Proposition (2005): A brutal and unforgiving Western set in Australia, sharing similar themes of violence, revenge, and moral ambiguity.
- Hell or High Water (2016): A modern Western with themes of desperation, family, and the changing landscape of the American West, appealing to viewers who appreciate character-driven stories.
🛒 The Salvation Related Products
- The Salvation [Blu-ray]: Own the gritty Western on Blu-ray, featuring stunning visuals and enhanced audio. Experience the film’s intensity in high definition, showcasing the bleak landscapes and the stellar performances. A must-have for any Western enthusiast.
- Old West Gun Holster Replica: A high-quality replica of a classic Old West gun holster. This holster evokes the spirit of the Wild West, perfect for collectors, cosplayers, or fans of historical firearms, made with premium leather.
- Leather Bound Journal: Capture the tales, and write your own destiny in the Wild West. Write your own survival story in the harsh lands of the Western territory.
- Western Cowboy Hat: Channel your inner gunslinger with this rugged Western Cowboy Hat. Wear the grit of the frontier with a timeless piece.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Salvation features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Theme from The Salvation” – performed by Kasper Winding
- “Black Creek” – performed by Kasper Winding
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Salvation was filmed on location in Johannesburg, South Africa. The production team created a convincing Wild West setting despite not filming in North America.
While The Salvation draws inspiration from spaghetti westerns, it is a Danish production with a distinct European sensibility. It blends elements of classic Westerns with a darker, more brutal aesthetic.
The mute woman is Madelaine, played by Eva Green. She was married to Delarue’s brother and is a victim of violence, having had her tongue cut out by Native Americans. Her character represents the voiceless victims of the Wild West’s brutality.
🔥 Bonus Content
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What Terminator Salvation gets RIGHT and WRONG
Want a balanced take on Terminator Salvation? This video dives into what the movie nailed and where it fell short. Honestly, it made me appreciate the film more while still acknowledging its flaws!
Was Terminator Salvation Really That Bad?
Is Terminator Salvation really as bad as everyone says? This video digs deep to uncover the reasons behind its negative reputation and offers a fresh perspective. You might be surprised by the arguments made!
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