People who think this film is 'simplistic' have missed so much of what the film was about.
My family talked about the film for hours after. Not about the shoot-outs, not the obvious western motifs.....but about the many shades of grey and overlaps between the two main characters.
Is the rancher Dan Evans motivated by the moral high ground of seeing Wade brought to justice? Or is he driven by ego. Does his own self-righteousness tilt over to self-indulgence and selfishness? And is Ben Wade a bad man or simply a man who has come to terms with survival in a bad world?
A fasinating study of morality and moral codes .

Jan Maguire, Cheadle, Staffs, UK

Hmmm, the part I loved most was that Crowe had such charm. The best of the bad guys have to have that quality. They convince each person that only "they" have bonded, seen the soft center of the bad guy--and that's what enables them to keep getting away, to keep leading their "animal pack." If they were just tough, another animal would finally come along to take them down. The fact that the charm hides the heart of the beast is what's fascinating about the criminal and makes him multi-dimensional.
Gail, Texas

Gail Giles, The Woodlands, Texas

'There is nothing new, except, that, which has been forgotten'.
Another remake set to win an oscar?

prudence eely bond mcguire , Herne Hill,London, England

This was one of the most boring films I've ever seen. Simplistic, slow and way too long. Avoid at all costs.

stu, vancouver , canada

Russell Crowe as Ben Wade is just attractive enough to show how the outlaw can win over friends and influence people. That's how he gets what he needs. On the other hand, I do have to draw the line at seeing Brad Pitt try to convince us he's Jesse James with his modern pretty-boy looks and hair style. Put him on the cover of GQ, not in a Jesse James movie. Thanks.

Lana, Rancho Bernardo, California

"Crowe looks a little cuddly for an outlaw" Oh? What must an outlaw look like? The beauty of his utterly compelling portrayal is that he goes against conventional stereotypes. Crowe's Ben Wade has used his charm and intelligence to deadly purpose. It's how he's survived in a lawless frontier, lacking the options of someone with a more conventional upbringing.

I would argue that Bale's Dan is not a "taciturn tough guy", but a beaten man who also takes advantage of a situation for his gain and survival, He finds his strength only from interaction with the outlaw.

In any case, I've seen the film twice and highly recommend it.

Sunny, San Antonio, Texas, USA

I'm 68 and this is the best Western I have ever seen. I've never heard the sound of gunshots as it's captured in the file. Academy Awards here for a great Film.

Gary, Golden, USA Colorado