**_A comic book-inspired adult Western centered around mountain men_** The story unfolds in 1838, featuring two mountain men, played by Charlton Heston and Brian Keith, who are longtime friends reconnecting after a period of separation. The initial disappointment comes when one discovers the beaver pelt market has collapsed. Together they engage in trapping, combat with Blackfeet warriors, and festive gatherings at mountain rendezvous points. When Tyler (Heston) takes in Running Moon (Victoria Racimo), a Blackfoot woman, her former partner, Heavy Eagle (Stephen Macht), seeks to reclaim her through violent means. "The Mountain Men" (1980) carries a less-than-stellar reputation among critics, though it tends to find favor with Western enthusiasts. Its subject matter sets it apart from typical Westerns; there are no saloons, towns, law enforcement officials, cattle drives, or classic gunfights. The film draws inspiration from 1972's "Jeremiah Johnson," adopting the tone of 1953’s “Hondo” and especially 1977's "Grayeagle." Like those films, the portrayal of Native Americans is presented as wild and savage; it isn't intended to be politically correct or incorrect, simply reflecting how they were depicted at the time. Their behavior ranged from peaceful interactions to brutal hostility depending on the circumstances – for example, the Crow are friendly, while the Blackfoot are hostile. If you enjoy those earlier Westerns, chances are you’ll find something to appreciate here. I can see why some might criticize the film, as there are moments in the opening act that could easily lead viewers to lose interest. The initial scene where an older mountain man playfully tackles another from horseback is a prime example; it's hard to believe anyone would risk injury like that for amusement, especially at their age. Another questionable choice is Tyler’s delay in retrieving his pack animals, which contained all of his possessions and essential survival tools in the wilderness. However, once a certain character suffers a brutal scalping early on in the second act, the story gains considerable momentum. The musical score initially feels dated and sentimental, but with persistence, it becomes more palatable, containing some surprisingly effective pieces—such as the percussion during the river duel or the music accompanying the hot springs scene. Eventually, the narrative becomes engaging enough to draw you into the characters' lives until the very end. While these two main characters are rough around the edges and not particularly likable, they possess underlying kindness. Some viewers might be put off by their gruffness, preventing them from seeing past it. I personally appreciated the realistic depiction and the humor, which contrasts with the somber tone of "Jeremiah Johnson." The frequent use of coarse language does become tiresome after a while; it seems the writer—Heston’s son—and Heston himself aimed for a contemporary appeal to generate attention for the film. Running Moon stands out as an excellent character and her relationship with Tyler adds considerable depth to the story. Heavy Eagle also proves to be a formidable antagonist. It would have been preferable if the Native American characters spoke their native languages, but it’s likely they were intending to do so; similar to how German characters in World War II films are shown speaking English. I was impressed by several aspects of the production. The appearance of the Native Americans and their camps feels authentic, though a few seemed to behave somewhat anachronistically, like Cross Otter. There's also plenty of intense physical action as the mountain men battle the Blackfeet. One particular sequence is memorable: Heavy Eagle tackles Tyler, sending them both tumbling into a rushing river where they continue fighting. The outdoor scenery is spectacular and the waterfall is breathtaking. Despite its comic book-inspired style, the film deals with mature themes and offers a glimpse of what life must have been like in the high country during that time period. Although it starts slowly, "The Mountain Men" improves as you become accustomed to the characters and the overall tone. It’s a distinctive Western, and the effort put into its creation is evident. The film runs for 1 hour and 42 minutes and was filmed entirely in Northwestern Wyoming. GRADE: B-

Source on TMDB