A new day is dawning.|Nov. 02, 2021|United States|130 Min.|R
Genre: Drama;Western
Description: The Harder They Fall (2021) is a stylish revenge western that tells a fictionalized story while emphasizing the existence of its characters in history. Although the events depicted are not real, the film highlights the often-overlooked presence of Black individuals in the Old West. Historically, it’s estimated that one in four cowboys were Black, yet their representation in Western films has been minimal. Notable exceptions include Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Danny Glover, and Denzel Washington, who have taken on significant roles in the genre. Films like *Blazing Saddles* (1974) and *Django Unchained* (2012) have featured Black actors alongside white co-stars to challenge racial stereotypes, while *Posse* (1993) focused on a group of African-American Buffalo Soldiers.
Directed by Jeymes Samuel, *The Harder They Fall* opens with a dramatic scene where outlaw Rufus Buck (Idris Elba) commits a murder, altering a young boy’s life and setting the stage for an intense revenge story. The film combines traditional Western elements with a fresh perspective, drawing inspiration from classics like *The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance* and *The Good, The Bad and The Ugly*. While capturing the essence of the Old West, the narrative is rooted in historical context, offering a unique take on the genre.
Cast director: Jeymes Samuel
Cast actor: Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz, Idris Elba, Regina King, Delroy Lindo, Lakeith Stanfield, Danielle Deadwyler, Edi Gathegi, Deon Cole, Julio Cedillo
Original name: The Harder They Fall