Hombre

Among the vast number of American-produced westerns, Hombre stands out, primarily due to Paul Newman's performance in the lead role and the psychological portrayal of the characters within the intimate setting of a small group in a stagecoach, where most of the action takes place. The film doesn't avoid certain genre clichés, especially towards the end, where Hombre contradicts his previous behavior and values by consciously sacrificing his life for something that he deems meaningless. While this act is noble and fits the romanticized vision of the Wild West, it conflicts with the character's entire development. The film features a slow pace, decent cinematography, and a fitting musical score. Overall impression: 70%. (2007-10-28)

Classic western combined with psychological drama? The wild-sounding combination is skillfully directed, but with a relatively longer duration and a slightly worn-out story of a tough hero who got involved in a situation he didn't want to and is now just trying to resolve the unpleasant situation. However, despite the minimal musical accompaniment that emphasizes the rawness and atmosphere of the film, and Newman enjoying his silent cowboy character until the very last glance, it is not enough. The plot is constructed somewhat unfortunate and unlike other famous genre companions, I don't see a reason to take this redemption journey again. (2006-06-20)

A slowly narrated western, initially reminiscent of John Ford's Stagecoach, that gradually tightens the psychological screws and culminates in a thrilling symbolic situation. There’s nothing to reproach the direction and the actors, the only problem is the clarity and legibility of all the characters from the moment they first appear on stage. Newman's Hombre is great and impenetrable on the surface, but everyone but the other characters needs to see that he's a good guy with a clearly mapped out destiny – if more work had been done on personal motivations and a stronger group conflict created, this could have been a total blast. This way, it’s “only” a bloody compelling and smart movie. (2018-03-25)

Western, which definitely deserves attention. Racism is addressed with characters that are beautifully exaggerated and mostly hyperbole of their qualities. Especially the character of Paul Newman. All of this, however, is to give the story the right impact and for the finale to truly be worth it with the slow and almost static but still brilliantly escalating pace. (2015-06-11)

A strangely raw and unusually gritty western. The slow pacing and unreal jumble of unappealing characters, led by Paul Newman, whose most frequent catchphrases are all sorts of equivalents to the phrase "I don't care" and who would happily let an innocent (arguably) lady dry to death in the sun, drag us through the plot, and it's up to the viewer to swallow it down altogether. I endured it. And I didn't regret it. (2006-07-29)