There’s something special about a well-done Western. The beginning of *Pale Rider* really stands out; initially, everything feels quiet and peaceful, but then that tranquility is broken by the sound of horses galloping. A group of men working for Coy LaHood rampage through a small mining town, firing their weapons and disregarding everyone in their path. During this display of cruelty, one of those men shoots and kills young Megan’s dog. After Megan buries her pet, she prays for someone to come help them against the grasping LaHood, who is determined to take away their claims by any means necessary. Later, Megan reads from the Bible, reciting aloud about “beholding a pale horse and that the man who sat on it was death,” and we then see a lone rider approaching the area under fire... *Pale Rider*: behold the pale horse because the rider upon him was Clint Eastwood! That’s essentially what propels the movie forward. It had been a while since audiences had seen a truly great Western, so Eastwood, clearly knowledgeable about the genre, seemed to feel it was time to remind people of its appeal and all its quirks. Drawing inspiration from his own *High Plains Drifter* from 1973 and paying tribute to *Shane*, Eastwood once again incorporates supernatural elements into this captivating story. *Pale Rider* succeeds because Eastwood’s passion for the genre shines through; there isn't a wasted moment, and the performances are strong enough to amplify the film's effect. From that powerful opening scene to the beautiful final image, *Pale Rider* is a skillfully made Western that remains an excellent addition to Eastwood’s filmography. *Pale Rider*. 8/10

Source on TMDB