Sunday, February 27, 2022

The Harder They Fall


It's surprising with the number of 'cowboys' that existed who were black that there are not more movies about black cowboys out there. THE HARDER THEY FALL is one film that fits into that rare group. I found it to be filled with energy and enjoyable throughout as it breathed life into the tale of these real life outlaws. The cast, anchored by Idris Elba and Regina King can stand on their own while creating memorable representations of actual 'wild west' figures.



The producers were smart to give this western a modern feel combined with a 70s blackploitation spin and all the actors understand that fine line that they are walking for the betterment of the whole film. It's slick and violent and tells a rousing tale of revenge on the frontier.

The soundtrack is also very strong and reggae influenced which are just more uncommon elements that come together to make this a unique picture. It's like a raggae spaghetti western if I could describe it one way.

It's nice to see an all black cast that doesn't feel like a stunt. I had the same joy watching this one unfold as I did the Black Panther for one of those white guilt reasons we all live with. You don't notice there are no white people because the story didn't need any white people. Now there is a thought. I am glad they left room for a sequel on Netflix where you can find this gem.

When outlaw Nat Love discovers that his enemy Rufus Buck is being released from prison he rounds up his gang to track Rufus down and seek revenge. Those riding with him in this assured, righteously new school Western include his former love Stagecoach Mary, his right and left hand men hot-tempered Bill Pickett and fast drawing Jim Beckwourth and a surprising adversary-turned-ally. Rufus Buck has his own fearsome crew, including "Treacherous" Trudy Smith and Cherokee Bill, and they are not a group that knows how to lose.

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