3 out of 5 stars
When you see the cast for The Harder They Fall, there is an expectation that this will be a historical depiction of the injustices of the west. Yet, within moments of opening, it is evident that this will be an uber-cool telling of the Western genre. No evil racist gang leader, no slave owners are involved, just a straightforward, violent, revenge-laden depiction of the wild west. With the latest young talent in Hollywood complemented with acting royalty to deliver a frontier of segregated, but empowered African-American cowboys.
Before the cast is even introduced, we know the historical figures represented in music video director Jeymes Samuel’s first feature-length film are actual individuals from the past. Reminiscent of the multiple retellings of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday and Jesse James’ stories, this film uses actual figures from the past to deliver this modern rendition of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Which all opens with the introduction of the central character, Nat Love (Jonathan Majors). As a 10-year-old, he sees his parents murdered in front of him, leaving him with physical and emotional scars from this event. Marks that affect his vengeful response to life that leads him to hunt down the men who killed his parents.
This life-long obsession has led him into a life of crime and caused him to surround himself with a band of outlaws who support his vindictive ambition. When they discover that the key figure in Nat's vendetta is being ‘freed,’ their plans go into action to find and bring down Rufus Buck (Idris Alba). A gang leader who manages to strike fear into anyone who hears his name, but this does not deter Nat and his band of misfits. They are not even deterred when they cross paths with renowned US Marshal Bass Reeves (Delroy Lindo). The Nat Love Gang hopes to meet Buck’s bunch in the ultimate gun battle before the frontier is opened to more European settlers.
Jeymes Samuel’s most significant challenge had to have been managing a cast of this size and getting them the screen time they all deserve. Inevitably someone will lose out in this filming lottery when you are competing with the likes of Zazie Beetz (Deadpool 2), Regina King (Watchmen), Lakeith Stanfield (Judas and the Black Messiah), along with Idris Alba and Hollywood’s actor of the moment, Jonathan Majors (Loki). It may take multiple viewings or a mind map for audiences to keep all of the characters straight, but in the end this is Majors’ show, and the rest of the cast must work within his shadow. Something that is apparent when the script tries to split villainous duties between King and Alba. With too many characters to juggle, this aspect along with others, cause them to cancel one another out in most scenes. Admittedly, the first-time director does his best with this vast pool of talent, but there are too many moving parts for him to manage in the end.
Not to be misunderstood, this is a slick, stylish, and hyper-violent production that benefits from the music video background of the man in the director's chair. With nods towards Guy Ritchie and enough blood to make Tarantino proud, this is a Western for the modern viewer who needs more kinetic energy than substance. Magnificent scenery, well-choreographed fight scenes and a gorgeous cast make this a visually stunning horseback ride. Each gang is populated with some of history’s best unknown criminals, while this interpretation ensures they are all beautiful people. Despite these stylistic choices, The Harder They Fall is a visually violent smorgasbord that manages to cover minimal character development and the sluggish portions that connect the gun battles. Which will prove to be fun for some viewers, while difficult for others to stomach.
Reel Dialogue: Revenge or justice?
Revenge: to exact punishment or expiation for a wrong on behalf of, especially in a resentful or vindictive spirit.
Justice: the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness and the administering of deserved punishment or reward. Definitions from dictionary.com
The key difference is the intent and heart of the action. Also, does the person have the authority to administer the punishment?
Romans 12:19 - Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
Luke 18:7 - And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?
Justice is only administered by those put into the authority to distribute it. Exacting revenge on someone who has done you wrong in your life only leads to more pain and difficulty. People need to bring offenders before those who can actually exact justice in those situations. Sometimes the authorities of this world fail us, but there is one authority that we can trust with the wrongs of this world. God sees all things and will avenge all wrongs in his time and in his way. Why is that comforting? Because ultimately, God determines what is right and wrong. He is the one with the actual authority to administer justice.
On the topic of justice, we have to consider the 'mirror effect.' In most revenge situations, the mirror can be turned around on the person trying to administer the unjust punishment. Aren't we all guilty of wrongs and do we have the authority to go through with the action? Also, if you look deeper at what the Bible has to say about these topics. Know that Jesus has already paid the price for those wrongs. Do not misunderstand; we should help defend the defenceless and seek justice, but revenge is not the solution.
