The Outlaw Josey Wales
Western
DirectorClint Eastwood
ProducerRobert Daley
ScreenwriterForrest Carter, Philip Kaufman, Sonia Chernus
DistributorWarner Bros. Pictures
Release DateJun 30, 1976, Wide
LanguageEnglish
Runtime2h 15m
Introduction
Josey Wales (Clint Eastwood) watches helplessly as his wife and child are murdered, by Union men led by Capt. Terrill (Bill McKinney). Seeking revenge, Wales joins the Confederate Army. He refuses to surrender when the war ends, but his fellow soldiers go to hand over their weapons -- and are massacred by Terrill. Wales guns down some of Terrill's men and flees to Texas, where he tries to make a new life for himself, but the bounty on his head endangers him and his new surrogate family.
Critics Reviews
Dave Kehr5
483
Aug 8, 2011
"The Outlaw Josey Wales" delivers a powerful tale of revenge and redemption, marked by Clint Eastwood's compelling portrayal of Josey Wales. After witnessing the brutal murder of his family by Union men, Wales joins the Confederate Army, only to see his comrades betrayed and slaughtered. Fleeing to Texas, he seeks a fresh start but finds the bounty on his head a constant threat. Eastwood's performance skillfully balances steely determination with a surprising emotional vulnerability, challenging his "macho" persona and adding depth to this gritty Western classic. This film is a testament to Eastwood's evolving complexity as an actor and director.
Variety Staff2.3
304
Jul 6, 2010
"The Outlaw Josey Wales" features Clint Eastwood in a tale of revenge and resilience. Witnessing the brutal murder of his family, Wales joins the Confederate Army and becomes an unstoppable force against his enemies. Refusing to surrender, Wales survives a betrayal and flees to Texas, hoping for peace. However, the bounty on his head keeps his past close and danger ever-present. While the film's screenplay indulges in recurring bouts of violence, with frequent and intense action scenes, it brings forth a gripping story of vengeance and survival that captivates the audience despite its focus on carnage.