True Grit Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sassy teen hires a one-eyed, alcoholic cowboy to catch her dad’s killer, but mostly they argue about money and who gets to ride the good horse.

🍿 True Grit: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Mattie Seeks Justice

In 1880s Arkansas, Mattie Ross, a determined young woman, seeks revenge for her father’s murder by Tom Chaney. Driven by a strong sense of justice, she travels to Fort Smith to hire a U.S. Marshal to track down Chaney and bring him to justice. Mattie is a savvy negotiator for her young age and handles business deals to earn money.

Hiring Rooster Cogburn

Mattie hires the notorious, one-eyed, hard-drinking U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn, known for his ruthlessness and “true grit.” Despite Rooster’s initial reluctance, Mattie’s persistence and her offer of $100 convinces him to take the case. Cogburn is a complex character, showing both a rough exterior and a hidden sense of decency.

The Pursuit Begins

A Texas Ranger named La Boeuf joins Mattie and Rooster in the pursuit of Chaney, who is also wanted for the murder of a Texas senator. The unlikely trio sets out into Indian Territory (modern-day Oklahoma), facing dangers and challenges along the way. La Boeuf’s methods clash with Mattie’s moral compass, leading to disagreements and tensions within the group.

Confrontation and Capture

The group encounters various outlaws and faces perilous situations during their journey. Mattie’s determination is tested as she witnesses violence and experiences hardship. Ultimately Mattie is kidnapped by Ned Pepper, another criminal, and this leads to a showdown.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mattie Ross (Kim Darby): A determined and intelligent young woman seeking justice for her father’s murder.
• Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne): A drunken, one-eyed U.S. Marshal with a reputation for toughness and getting the job done.
• La Boeuf (Glen Campbell): A Texas Ranger seeking the same killer for another murder, driven by a desire for reward money.
• Tom Chaney (Jeff Corey): The cowardly and alcoholic hired hand who murders Mattie’s father.
• Ned Pepper (Robert Duvall): The leader of the outlaw gang that Chaney joins, presenting a further obstacle for Mattie and Rooster.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mattie Ross: “You must pay for everything.” – Mattie insists on fair business and getting what she pays for.
• Rooster Cogburn: “Fill your hand, you son of a bitch!” – Rooster challenges Ned Pepper to a gunfight, showcasing his bravery and aggression.
• Rooster Cogburn: “I never shot nobody I didn’t have to.” – Rooster defends his violent past by claiming his actions were always necessary.
• Mattie Ross: “I admire your sand.” – Mattie compliments Rooster for his courage and determination.
• Rooster Cogburn: “Come see a fat old man sometime!” – Rooster’s farewell to Mattie, a humorous yet affectionate closing line.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3.6 million
• Domestic Gross: $31.1 million
• Worldwide Gross: $31.1 million

💥 True Grit Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching “True Grit” with my grandpa, who was a HUGE John Wayne fan. It wasn’t just the action that got me; it was the way Wayne and Darby played off each other. I found myself rooting for Mattie at every turn. The final showdown, with Wayne charging into battle, still gives me chills. The scenery and music truly captures the spirit. This is one film I’ll never get tired of watching.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Westerns”
  • “John Wayne fans”
  • “Viewers interested in stories of revenge and justice”
  • “Those who appreciate strong female characters”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Gunfights”
  • “Some strong language”
  • “Mature themes (death, revenge)”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “While perhaps not Wayne’s *best* acting, the sentiment surrounding his Oscar win is understandable; he embodies Cogburn with a world-weariness that makes his ‘grit’ all the more poignant. The supporting cast, especially Darby’s fiery Mattie, elevates this above typical Western fare.
• Variety: “Wayne dominates the film, and deservedly so. His performance is balanced with Darby’s fresh take. While Campbell struggles, Hathaway keeps the pace brisk and the landscapes breathtaking, making this a memorable entry in the Western genre.
• The New York Times: “A solid, entertaining Western, elevated by Wayne’s charismatic performance as the gruff Rooster Cogburn. Darby holds her own as the headstrong Mattie, creating a compelling dynamic between the unlikely duo.

Audience Reactions

John Wayne’s one-eyed Rooster Cogburn is an icon.: Wayne’s Oscar-winning performance and the memorable dialogue are what audiences loved most.

Kim Darby delivers a compelling performance as Mattie.: The film is praised for the strong dynamic between Wayne and Darby’s characters.

Overall Consensus: A classic Western, celebrated for John Wayne’s iconic performance and the compelling story of revenge and unlikely friendship.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actor)- 1970

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Wayne won his only Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in this film.”
• “Director Henry Hathaway was known for his tough and demanding style, leading to some tension on set.”
• “The film was shot on location in Colorado and California, despite the story being set in Arkansas and Oklahoma.”

🖥️ How to Watch True Grit?

True Grit (1969) is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your local listings for availability as streaming options may vary. You can often find physical copies on sites like Amazon or at local retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed True Grit, you might like these similar films:

• The Searchers (1956): Both films feature a determined and flawed protagonist on a relentless quest in the Old West.
• Rooster Cogburn (1975): A direct sequel featuring John Wayne reprising his role as Rooster Cogburn, teaming up with Katharine Hepburn.
• True Grit (2010): A more recent adaptation of the same Charles Portis novel, offering a different take on the story and characters.
• The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976): Features a strong, independent character seeking revenge in the aftermath of the Civil War.
• Unforgiven (1992): A revisionist Western that explores the darker side of violence and revenge in the Old West.

🛒 True Grit Related Products

• True Grit (Blu-ray): Experience the classic Western in high definition, with restored visuals and enhanced audio. This is the best way to experience the movie at home and is the perfect addition to the collection of any Western fan.
• John Wayne: The Epic Collection: A comprehensive collection featuring several of John Wayne’s most memorable films, including ‘True Grit’. This collection contains numerous movies that truly highlight the best Western films ever.
• True Grit Movie Poster: A high-quality reprint of the original movie poster. The poster adds a unique vintage aesthetic to your collection.
• True Grit: The Classic Novel by Charles Portis: Read the original novel that inspired the film. Dive deeper into the characters and storyline with Portis’s original narrative.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “True Grit” – performed by Glen Campbell
• “Amazing Grace” – performed by Traditional

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

John Wayne Wins Best Actor: 1970 Oscars

Did you know John Wayne finally won an Oscar for True Grit? Check out this awesome clip from the 1970 awards – Barbra Streisand presents it! It’s a real feel-good moment.

Bishop Barron comments on “True Grit” (SPOILERS)

Ever wondered what the deeper meaning behind True Grit is? Bishop Barron breaks it down in this video. It’s surprisingly insightful and makes you see the movie in a whole new light!

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