Hombre

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. (20/06/2006)

From the enormous amount of American-made westerns, Hombre stands out not only for Paul Newman's performance in the leading role, but above all for the psychological portrayal of characters and the intimate setting of a small group of people in a stagecoach, where most of the story takes place. The film does not avoid some genre clichés, especially at the end, where Hombre denies his previous behavior and value system and consciously sacrifices his life for something that, in his eyes, has no meaning. It is certainly noble and in line with romanticized ideas of the Wild West, but it contradicts the development of the character as a whole. Slow pace, decent camera work, and musical accompaniment. Overall impression: 70%. (28/10/2007)

The stoically calm Paul Newman really struck a chord with me. Hombre stands above all on his great performance. (28/10/2007)

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. (25/03/2018)

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. (29/07/2006)

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. (11/06/2015)