2.4.2011
This delightful film follow the lives of Dan Evans (Christian Bale), an honest rancher down on his luck and desperate for a few bucks, and Ben Wade (Russell Crowe), a flamboyant highwayman responsible for multiple robberies and killings. Evans volunteers to assist in the transporting Wade to Yuma prison in exchange for $200.
As the journey progresses we see both characters from many perspectives; so many different angles, in fact, that eventually it’s unclear which one is the good guy and which the antagonist. Or perhaps they begin to transcend such simple classifications. The climax and subsequent dénouement answers some questions but leaves enough to make the viewer think about things.
On top of this satisfying plot, James Mangold did a great job constructing the movie from a technical perspective. Russell Crowe and Christian Bale both do an excellent job with their respective characters. There really isn’t a reason not to watch this one.