It’s easy to speak about peace; putting it into practice is another matter entirely. During a conflict between American settlers and the Apache people, former soldier Tom Jeffords discovers a young Native American wounded after an attack. He decides to help the boy, but soon the Apache arrive, seeking to kill Jeffords as a result of their war-like instincts. The boy manages to convince Cochise, the Apache chief, to spare Jeffords’ life. This marks the beginning of a friendship that could potentially end the war and bring peace to the West. While not the initial “social” Western film produced, Broken Arrow can be considered one of the most significant and insightful genre films of the 1950s. The movie presents sympathetic depictions of the Apache and offers a balanced perspective on relationships between white settlers and Native Americans, remaining relevant today as it was upon its release. Based on Elliott Arnold’s novel Blood Brother, the story follows Jeffords (played with restraint and skill by James Stewart) as he tries to establish peace between the warring groups. Initially, this involves persuading Cochise (Jeff Chandler delivering a strong performance) to permit mail delivery through a pass, which draws suspicion and accusations of being an “Indian lover” from Jeffords’ own people, before ultimately arranging a peace agreement at a time when violence and hatred were widespread in the West. As the bond between the two men deepens, Jeffords develops a romantic connection with an Apache woman (Debra Paget is lovely as Sonseeahray), adding another layer of intensity to the narrative. The screenplay then truly comes into its own, as Daves and his team contrast peace and interracial love against a backdrop of bloodshed and brutality. The movie doesn’t shy away from illustrating just how difficult achieving peace will be, maintaining intelligence and sensitivity even when factions on both sides (such as Geronimo splitting the Apache to form a rogue group) try to sabotage the peace process. There are also poignant moments designed to emphasize just how challenging and improbable peace and tolerance can sometimes be. Broken Arrow was, and remains, an ambitious film. It’s fair to say that for Daves and Stewart, it represented a bold and risky career choice at the time. However, it proved worthwhile because the movie still holds up today as a work of considerable merit. Its themes and approach to its subjects are something that current and future generations will continue to find socially important. Enhanced by Hugo Friedhofer’s beautiful score and utilizing the Lone Pine location for filming, Broken Arrow is an excellent film that even those who don't typically enjoy Westerns should consider watching. 8/10

Source on TMDB