High Noon (re-release)
Metascore
89 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 7 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. ReelViews
    Reviewed by: James Berardinelli
    100
    The Western may be one of the few truly American art forms, and High Noon shows exactly how much potential it can embrace.
  2. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Rosenbaum
    70
    Some of the results ring false, but the memorable theme song and some equally memorable character acting (by Thomas Mitchell and Lon Chaney Jr. more than Lloyd Bridges and Katy Jurado) help things along.
  3. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Stephen Hunter
    100
    A terrific piece of filmmaking. It's taut, believable as it unspools. It's charismatic, with a slow buildup of tension in near-real time that finally explodes into a blast of violence.
  4. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Michael Atkinson
    80
    Possibly the most Rorschachian film of all time, a symbol-only text that effortlessly conforms to any political present, and finds a foothold in your social sphere whether you're a free radical or reactionary wing nut.
  5. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not Credited)
    100
    Not a frame is wasted in this taut, superbly directed, masterfully acted film, the first so-called "adult Western." (Review of Original Release)
  6. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Bosley Crowther
    100
    Meaningful in its implications, as well as loaded with interest and suspense, High Noon is a western to challenge “Stagecoach” for the all-time championship. (Review of Original Release)
  7. Variety
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not Credited)
    80
    Cooper does an unusually able job of portraying the marshal. (Review of Original Release)

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Compi24
    8
    An edgy, tightly wound western drama with a stirring and imposing lead performance from the legendary Gary Cooper.
  2. wololooo
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. High Noon plays out in near real time - realistically building tension at a steady pace. There's little action before the climax of the film, with a huge focus on character interaction, as sherfif Will Kane (played by the excellent Gary Cooper) struggles in vain to enlist the townspeople's help. After the seventy minute long buildup, I was hoping for a worthy shootout, and was rewarded with a tense and dramatic finale. High Noon is a true classic that holds up easily today, and is a telling reflection on the cowardice and fear that can strike us all.… Full Review »
  3. JayH
    7
    A fine western, but I also feel it is an overrated film. Gary Cooper is very good, the screenplay is excellent, nice pacing. It has some tense moments. It's hard to believe that theme song won an Oscar.… Full Review »
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