Leonard Maltin introduces the DVD special edition of Hondo with clear admiration for the film. He also provides commentary, discussing how Hondo reflects a change in Western movies during the nineteen fifties—a shift away from simplistic stories of cowboys and cavalry defeating enemies (Native Americans) just for entertainment. But does Hondo hold up? And is it as significant as Delmer Daves' Broken Arrow, which Maltin notes helped launch that new era? Whether or not that’s true likely depends on your general appreciation for John Wayne films. Here, Wayne appears in a well-composed setting amongst the Camargo, Chihuahua (Mexico) locations, portraying a character of mixed Indian heritage. The story, initially reminiscent of Shane (released the same year), takes an interesting path, forcing Hondo to protect those he’s responsible for while also understanding his opponents because of his own ancestry. It's also notable that Hondo has become a loner in the wilderness; therefore, when feelings of love and paternal instincts arise, it creates some internal conflict within his character—something Wayne portrays convincingly. Geraldine Page earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Angie, which was well deserved. She plays a determined woman patiently awaiting the return of her abusive husband, Ed (Leo Gordon). Angie is torn between her feelings about the Apache people and the effect Hondo’s strong masculinity has on her. A later plot development then requires her to make a significant decision about her future. This allows Page to play off Wayne's presence effectively, creating compelling interactions that elevate the film into an engaging character study. Familiar actors like Ward Bond and James Arness don't have substantial roles, and because the movie was originally filmed in 3D, the simulated weapon thrusts toward the screen come across as odd rather than powerful. Nevertheless, with a beautiful score by Hugo Friedhofer and a thrilling final battle (reportedly directed by John Ford after John Farrow had to leave), Hondo is an enjoyable experience for those who appreciate it. It might not be as important as Maltin and others suggest, but it remains a must-see for fans of Wayne, Page, and Westerns in general. 7/10

Source on TMDB