Four cowboys and their cattle are moving through the Hammondville, Montana area in 1882 when they find out that the town’s leaders aren't happy about free grazing. Things quickly turn into a situation of life or death. Robert Duvall and Kevin Costner portray the two lead cowboys, with Annette Bening appearing as a doctor and Michael Gambon as a land baron. “Open Range” (2003) inevitably calls “Dances With Wolves” (1990) to mind because they’re the only Westerns that Costner has both starred in and directed. While it isn't quite as good, this film is still an excellent modern Western and something close to epic. The story centers on how honorable people out West don't look for trouble, but sometimes a stand needs to be taken for justice, even if the local authorities are bought off and dishonest. I appreciate that the movie takes its time and develops the characters with some thoughtful details. It feels authentic to what life was like in the Old West, and the dialogue sounds like how people talked back then. The atmosphere becomes increasingly tense, but most of the action is held until the final act when everything erupts, similar to the actual gunfight at the O.K. Corral, only it goes on longer. Those viewers who need fast editing and constant excitement will probably find it dull. However, more thoughtful audiences should enjoy the realism, the carefully developed characters, and the well-handled romantic subplot. The wealthy rancher is arrogant because his sense of entitlement has grown over many years and he believes he owns the town. But does he? In his own mind, he’s a powerful figure because he's gotten away with unfairness due to his power and influence. But what occurs when decent people decide “Enough”? While "Open Range" explores difficult subjects, it has a warm, hopeful core, unlike “Unforgiven” (1992), which focuses on unpleasantness (even though that’s still a worthwhile Western, if you can handle the darkness). The film's length is 2 hours, 19 minutes, and filming took place at Stoney Indian Reserve in Alberta, Canada. GRADE: A-

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