The Missing (2003)

[moviesceleton]

I just thought this movie needed a thread of it's own . I really liked it, I'd even say more than Open Range. I'll give this 8/10.

[Poggle]

An entertaining experience but easily forgotten after viewing.

[Tucumcari Bound]

It's a pretty good film, but doesn't hold a candle to Open Range in my view. The Missing is an entertaining film but it's just a Searchers ripoff, nothing more.

[moviesceleton]

It's a pretty good film, but doesn't hold a candle to Open Range in my view. The Missing is an entertaining film but it's just a Searchers ripoff, nothing more.

I can't say anything about that, because I haven't seen The Searchers yet.

[Tucumcari Bound]

I can't say anything about that, because I haven't seen The Searchers yet.

See The Searchers when you can moviesceleton! It's arguably the greatest American Western ever. One of the greatest films ever made, in my opinion.

[Tucumcari Bound]

I recently started a thread about "The Missing" and forgot moviesceleton already started one. I erased mine buddy! I'm sorry about that.

Anyway, I come across some very positive reviews and then extremely negative reviews of this film. Interesting opinion's if you ask me. I personally think it's one of the most beautifully shot westerns ever. I love the filming locations and the beautiful scenery. The cinematography is brilliant.

Has anybody seen both The Theatrical Version and Director's Cut? I want to know what the differences are and if the 20 extra minutes are worth viewing? Please do tell.

[cigar joe]

I saw it on DVD & just couldn't get into it, I think I even fell asleep a couple of times, felt more like horror flick than a Western.

[Tucumcari Bound]

The Missing (2003) 8/10

I'm beginning to think this is one of the misunderstood films of all time. I think the big problem is that the film suffers an identity crisis. It's a Western, Adventure, Thriller, Drama film all rolled into one. I think many western film lovers were caught off guard by this and didn't give the film a chance to see it for what it was. You will find that the plot so closely resembles that of "The Searchers." In 1885 New Mexico, a frontier medicine woman forms an uneasy alliance with her estranged father when her daughter is kidnapped by an Apache.

While watching, I can't stop to think what I would have done differently if I was directing this film. There are bit's I don't quite like, but other's I find absolutely brilliant and down right compelling. If a film grabs your attention from frame one then doesn't let up then something is being done right. For one, I think this has a lot to do with the cinematography and photography of the film. It's one of the most beautifully and gorgeously shot films I have ever seen, period. You have to give director Ron Howard credit for this. It's pure eye candy. I'm a stickler for beautiful cinematography so he won me over here.

The cast also blew me away. Tommy Lee Jones and Cate Blanchett give riveting, oscar worthy performances here. There are a handful of memorable scenes to back up this up. They had amazing father, daughter chemistry. One moment stands out the most is when Samuel Jones (Tommy Lee Jones) and Magdalena (Cate Blanchett) reunite for the first time in years . The emotion on their faces says it all. Brilliant acting and a scene I'll never forget. Powerfully acted and directed. The performances by the two young ladies who play Blanchett's daughters are played by Evan Rachel Wood and Jenna Boyd. Casting here could not have been more perfect. These girls were put through a number of scenes which required a lot of emotion, especially from young Jenna Boyd as Dot. This was one of the greatest childhood performances I have ever seen.

The big problem here is how Ron Howard directs action. He's never been to good at this. The action in "The Missing" is quite dull and doesn't excite you or thrill you as it should. It's not that the action is down right bad and boring, it's just not as exciting as it should be. The film could have benefited even more with shocking, and a bit more thrilling action sequences.

In short, overall I'm enjoying this film more and more everytime I revisit it. As a whole, the production is a beautiful one at that, and I think people would respect it even more if they take it for what it is.

[cigar joe]

I didn't much care for The Missing, even snoozed through some of it.

[Tucumcari Bound]

I didn't much care for The Missing, even snoozed through some of it.

haha, you really hate it that much huh cigar? I think you should watch it again. 

[Tucumcari Bound]

I want to discuss this film with all of you. We should watch it for a movie night. Anyone agree?

[noodles_leone]

I always thought that Ron Howard western was going to be garbage. I finally saw it the other day thanks to Netflix and it was a good surprise. I'm not crazy about the supernatural stuff, but the movie is well shot (I never thought I'd say that about a Ron Howard flick), the dusty production design is great and the casting is almost perfect. Has anyone seen it?

[cigar joe]

Not yet I'll check it out, I recently saw The Salvation. and was surprised also.

[noodles_leone]

Not yet I'll check it out, I recently saw The Salvation. and was surprised also.

I think you'll really dislike the supernatural stuff. It takes more and more importance as the plot progresses, and it's a shame. They should have gone for a regular bad guy instead of a sorcerer. They could also have left us make our own mind about the effectiveness (or lack of) instead of making it so obviously magic. Apart from that it really feels like a western.

[stanton]

I always thought that Ron Howard western was going to be garbage. I finally saw it the other day thanks to Netflix and it was a good surprise. I'm not crazy about the supernatural stuff, but the movie is well shot (I never thought I'd say that about a Ron Howard flick), the dusty production design is great and the casting is almost perfect. Has anyone seen it?

Same for me, surprisingly good for Howard, and shot with much feeling for the genre. Only the ending was a bit weak. 7/10

The supernatural stuff wasn't that important, probably, cause at least it is nothing I remember anything specific from.