Rent Seraphim Falls (2006)

Stunning - Seraphim Falls review by CP Customer

Overlooked Western, with strong physical performances from both Neeson and Brosnan.

Until the closing moments it's never clear why Neeson's character is so intent on revenge, only that he is haunted in his dreams and nothing will stand in his way. Brosnan plays someone who is tired of war and running. Together it makes for a thrilling chase and some wonderful scenic locations.

Good acting but very limited storyline - Seraphim Falls review by CD

Brosnan in particular puts in a great acting performance and is ably partnered by Neeson and well supported by the rest of the cast. There is some great screenplay in picturesque western mountain and plains' scenery, but the limited dimension of the plot - revenge for an incident in the past - is not really interesting enough and the film loses momentum before the end. Still worth a watch though and I'll be looking out for Brosnan in future westerns.

Revisionist Western (spoiler) - Seraphim Falls review by Steve

Allegorical revenge western set after the US Civil War, with Liam Neeson relentlessly/ruthlessly hunting Pierce Brosnan from the frozen peaks of Oregon all the way down to Death Valley, California- where they reference the famous climax of Greed (1924). An internet search informs that a Seraph is the highest of the Christian angels...

So the title gives us the symbolism. Though this is actually the main weakness, especially in the closing moments when Angelica Huston turns up in a gypsy wagon to beat us over the head with it. This is best as a simple revenge story with strong performances, primarily from Brosnan, barely recognisable under the facial hair.

And it's a survivalist western too as the quarry must take extreme measures to stay alive, particularly in the subzero mountains. The scene where Brosnan removes a bullet from his arm with his trusty old knife is hard to watch, and the visceral horror of what it takes to cling on offsets the literary pretentiousness.

The spectacular, almost palpable photography across many states creates a sort of mythic arena for the deadly pursuit. Until the escalating consequences of their hostility drives the two men into a state of degradation. This is all derivative, but usually of interesting films, and the Irish leads give it some potent star wattage.