These films are ordered by their conformity to the purity of the Western genre, and the stretch becomes quite apparent. There is a long history of reinventing the brand. Aside from the Italian interpretations, Hollywood also did not shy away from retelling the samurai stories of Akira Kurosawa to fit their visions. Beyond the Western themes, there is much entertainment value within these three very different movies.

True Grit

True Grit (2010) is yet another fine film from Joel and Ethan Coen. As I understand it, this latter version conforms more closely to the book written by Charles Portis. The traditional Western is alive and well here, as a young girl teams up with lawmen to avenge the death of her daddy. The shining performances of Hailee Steinfeld and Jeff Bridges really stand out.

Django Unchained

Django Unchained (2012) is directed by Quentin Tarantino. The locations range throughout parts of the U.S. in the era just prior to the the Civil War. A freed slave and his partner make it to the Deep South in efforts to try and free his enslaved wife. Tarantino delivers by going over the top with his grindhouse sensibilities.

Sukiyaki Western Django

(2007) is directed by Takashi Miike. Think of a Western Yojimbo story on acid, and you might get close. Miike is one of the most outlandish directors, and Sukiyaki Western Django does not contradict. A lone gunman comes upon a town divided by two feuding gangs who want to draw him into the fight. Quentin Tarantino also makes a special cameo appearance.

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