My journey through the AFI 100 films has led me to _The Searchers_, and I have to say, it’s the first one that I've really had trouble connecting with. Despite its place in film history, several aspects made watching it an unsettling experience. It's important to consider the historical backdrop of the movie. Like many films from that time period, _The Searchers_ reflects the attitudes prevalent then toward Native Americans. While some might say it’s simply a ‘product of its era,’ the way Native Americans are shown now feels deeply insensitive. This alone was enough to distance me from the film and leave me feeling uneasy. John Wayne's presence is very strong throughout the story. His forceful acting brings a harshness to the movie that's difficult to ignore. The intensity of his portrayal leaves an uncomfortable mark, making it hard to understand or sympathize with what his character does and why. Knowing about John Wayne also makes it tough to separate him from the role he’s playing. As is typical in older Westerns, Native Americans are presented as violent people. However, a notable difference here is that the white characters are shown to be just as brutal. This balance in how the characters are portrayed is an interesting feature of the film and adds some complexity to the story. Visually, _The Searchers_ is remarkable. The cinematography by John Ford and Winton C. Hoch is outstanding, with expansive landscapes and careful framing that beautifully portrays the rough American West. These scenes are where the film shines, demonstrating Ford's skill in composition and color. Even on their own, the visuals make a strong impression. However, a movie needs more than just pretty scenery to be enjoyable. For me, the story and how the characters interact didn’t quite work. Beyond the visual appeal, I struggled to find much that kept my interest during its two-hour length. While impressive, the film's beautiful visuals couldn't make up for the lack of depth in the characters and the slow pace, and I just wanted it to be over. Does _The Searchers_ deserve a spot on the AFI list? Ford has other films included, like _The Grapes of Wrath_, which I think are far more substantial. So, personally, I’d say no. Although there's something worthwhile about the film visually, the discomfort it causes and its insensitive depiction of Native Americans make it a questionable choice for such an important list.

Source on TMDB