Durango

Well, there is nothing to tax the old brain cells on this one. It is a very straightforward plot of a young but poor Irishman who sees no sense in being perpetually cheated for the price of cattle and so dares to form a local cattle drive to bypass the local buyers by taking them directly to market some 40 miles away. But it is the beauty and grace of the characters of Mark and his friends who refuse to be bullied, the wonderful countryside and a haunting musical theme that entrance the viewer. Each obstacle is a test of character and irrational acts of violence never precipitate.

How not to lose your temper might be the motto here. But the final result is a very endearing and moving experience.

Great storyline, well portrayed and well cast. I believe Matt Keesler can be one of the greats of our time. His facial expressions alone are worthy of much more consideration for leading and heavier roles. The entire movie proves that there is room for quality production. I find "Durango" in the same class as Dennis Quaid's directorial debut "Everything that Rises". Quality and good taste. More,More, More!

I Thought this was a really good Western style movie. I just love Hallmark Movies Now. Well worth the money. Yes I recommend it. James Welch Henderson Arkansas. 10/11/2021.

Though this story is certainly somewhat "predictable", it lets all of its viewers have a feel for something which of late seems almost elusive. That"something" is PERSONAL INTEGRITY. Can you find that much maligned virtue INTEGRITY in places such as Washington D.C., the realm of professional sports, the local street corner where minors are victimized by drug dealers or even in personal lives which seem to be foundering too much of the time?

Somebody once suggested that "virtue is its own reward". This story certainly and eventually heaps rightful rewards on those who make their choices either out of selfishness or integrity. Each of the characters subtly adds a contribution to this tale of love and persistence. And they collide in the scenic Irish arena of the early 1940's when the world was about to change forever.In the end, we are reminded that values are either good or bad and somehow bring conflict and eventual resolution. Good does not always triumph over evil.This simple but enticing story reminds all that there is a difference between them and no one goes on without being affected by whatever choices people will make.

Most corny old Irish films feature Irish Catholic farming villages, and I guess it seems only fair to have an Irish film with lower-class Protestant cattle herders, featuring a feisty pastor(instead of the usual Catholic priest) and a fiery, bad-tempered, but good-hearted middle-aged woman in tow, succeeding against the odds to get fair earnings (against some wealthy Catholics, for fair measure and complete reversal of the usual stereotype). A side story includes a Irish Army deserter who is determined to join the British army instead, in time to fight Hitler (yeah, right!) Not to say the film is better or worse than the usual sickeningly sweet Irish movie plot, but there is an attempt here to portray Irish Protestants as champions of the rural countryside and underdogs in class conflicts. I'm not sure many Americans will even recognize the ways this film tweaks past depictions of Irish country life, while presenting a very familiar package.