Uses the flexible morality of the wild west for a character study of a serial killer. The prostitutes, hired hands, outsiders - all are cliche characters, but where the elements that ring true are emphasized. Eastwood not only atones for all the conscienceless gunslingers he played, but issues a mandate to take him seriously. The result is soaring allegory, presented in the familiar natural setting that is Hollywood's longstanding version of frontier life. An essential classic of the western genre, and a milepost of where it ultimately took us. … Expand

Easily the best western since Wild Bunch, and one of the best Westerns in history.

in my opinion unforgiven is the best film of all times.

One of the greatest westerns ever made. Suburb acting from a perfect cast. Fantastic yet realistic storyline.

"Do you use your hand?" asks Freeman of Eastwood. Imagine how the Duke would have responded to someone asking about what he does with his pud. But, then it's a REVISIONIST western(and it finally explains why Eastwood's been squinting so much thru all his movies). Ah, one of those things, that purports to demythify the West and tell us something about the true nature of violence. So, we get people getting shot followed by long sermons. The movie works on two levels. On the basic level it's Clint Eastwood killing Gene Hackman as Pat Buchanan and hogging all the oscars from Hollywood community. On the other hand, it's a movie that suggests moral outrage is often just an excuse, a specious rationalization for the outlet of our naturally aggressive and murderous behavior. So, all those who rooted for Eastwood's avenging of Freeman has fallen into the trap of justifying violence thru moral outrage. But, the film lacks the conviction of either intention and is about as fun as chewing on stale tobacco. Eastwood, a workman like director, a decent craftsman, has been way overpraised by the French and the likes of Dave Kehr as a major auteur. Granted, his kind of classic filmmaking is a lost art but was it ever much to begin with? … Expand

Beautifully crafted, supremely acted, a modern western like no other! One of Eastwood's best; right up there along The Good, The Bad & The Ugly even though so different.

Absolutely outstanding, the best of the west.

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. It is certainly a great western with many philosophical layers. It is a thinking-man's movie.

The miraculous resurrection of a genre that expired in the mid 70's. Unforgiven is a great western that harks back to 1776 to define the American character and illuminates the territory for miles around.

clint eastwood has been long known for doing alot of great western movies in the old days and its been along time since we seen him in one . now he comes out with unforgiven which is reminisance of the old westerns with a new twist and take on it . alot more story driven with well devolped charicters and yet we still get that bad ass gun slinger out of eastwood that we remember from him . its a good way for him to end his western film roles. he didnt go out with a wimper but a nice bang.… Expand

Hey, what do you know, it's Clint Eastwood's least depressing movie! :D (and a damn fine Western at that). It truly deserves to live alongside John Ford's finest films.

Danalek How much does this movie rely on the degree of violence depicted? Remove the violence and what is left? All the conscientious analyses cannot hide the truth: here he is again, director-producer-actor Squint Eastwood shooting his way through another extravaganza of gratuitous killing, and he, as always, decides who will die and who will be spared. Only American audiences accept such slop as a cinematic mastery. Future generations will regard Eastwood as a purveyor of disturbed themes aimed always at box office success. Time he retired...… Expand

This is the best western I've seen. Very good history, very good actors and a very good film. One of the best movies I've seen too. And the final confrontation is epic.

Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman. That is all you need for an outstanding movie. Well ofcourse all the other movie elements are there on an above average level, although I`m pretty sure it would still be a great flick without them. This movie presents a simple story about vengence and that`s it. You don`t need much more than that to make a western. But this story shows more to it when we see the movie. A broken drunkard who turns out to be the devil himself, his friend who got himself found in the wrong time and the wrong place and an aggressive gun tootin` cowboy who doesn`t really get it. Faced by a Sherriff who thinks he knows what is good and what is bad. Like every ten rated movie, this one has its own legendary scene - a saloon scene I`ve never seen in any other western movie. It is a story of the wild wild west, where hardly anyone was a real hero. There are no real heroes and there are no real villains.… Expand

The best western ever made. Enough said. An anti-western, care to say. The scenario is great, actors performed marvelously. The movie everyone has to watch.

A straightforward revisionist western layered with provoking themes and well-developed characters that sometimes has you questioning who to be pulling for. Clint Eastwood is retired from the evil life he used to lead until he is called upon to do what appears to be right, for the right price. The always wonderful Morgan Freeman tags along for the ride. Gene Hackman is your John Wayne character here. No nonsense, tough as nails lawman with a history in making things go his way. Not only one of the greatest westerns of all time, but one of the greatest films as well.… Expand

First off, this would be a 9.5 out of 10. Great western film. Acting is good. Morgan is good, and Clint is really good. Score all right. Story is amazing. A great tale of the wild, old west. Action is also well done. Overall, unforgiven is great. It is best picture material, and one of the best westerns. You have to see this movie.