John Ford's The Searchers (1956) is considered one of the most important (and best) films of the western genre. After seeing it for the first time, I agree completely. It is the culmination of the genre tropes and a stunning experience. John Wayne plays Ethan Edwards, a man whose brother and sister-in-law are killed and their children kidnapped by the Comanche. The film's title, The Searchers, refers to his and a young man's (a relative of the family) search for the two daughters who are held by the Indians.
First of all, the characters are so wonderfully flawed and thoroughly developed. It is unbelieveable how Ford creates such a huge cast of colorful characters, all of whom are fascinating and well written. The narrative flows smoothly throughout the film even though it covers a very long period of time. By the end of the film so much has happened that you almost feel like you're a member of the society.
Ford's cinematography is absolutely stunning. The compositions and colors took my breath away on so many occasions that I can't count them with my hands. The film's editing might not be ambitious, but it is brilliant in its precise execution that helps the storytelling a lot. The song used at the beginning and end of the film, Tex Ritter's Searchers, is unforgettable. When the song kicks in at the end of the film and John Wayne is seen walking away in the door frame, my heart melted. It's such a poignant yet simple ending (that revisits an important composition as well) that it's hard not to like it.
The Searchers is a magnificent achievement and certainly makes me more eager to see Ford's other films.
Score: 10 out of 10
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