Woman Walks Ahead

A western shot by a woman. The contrast between Dances with Wolves and Woman Walks Ahead is beautiful. Whereas Costner relied on grandiose epics, majestic music and a fantastically lush clash of two very different cultures, working very carefully on those crucial threads of understanding that gradually intensified the mutual bond, White sputters through 100 minutes, with the corresponding result. The hasty detailed portrayal of the clash between two strong personalities, two different cultures and mentalities often rings hollow here, because the characters are not properly drawn out or explored, or even tuned to the right vibe. Jessica Chastain plays again an emancipated, strong woman, fighting for the right cause, but this is kind of a step into a digression. What's more, the viewer expects a bloodbath at the end to bring the escalating tension to a fitting conclusion, and instead we get a flaccid ending, with a light dose of instant poetry. It’s bearable, but there’s no need to watch it again. (30/10/2018)

A nice little film. Definitely don't expect a spectacle, rather be in the mood for an honest interesting story you probably didn't know, with a good cast. Jessica Chastain and Sam Rockwell are both bang on, Michael Greyeyes is also good for Sitting Bull, although he certainly doesn't look the right age, though he was under sixty then. It's shot in a rather TV style (there are a few choppy slow-motion shots), but it's easy to watch and educational. (08/09/2019)

It's a tastefully and sensitively presented story of the painter Catherine Weldon drawing from the harsh times of American history, dominated by Jessica Chastain clad in the dust of North Dakota. It should be noted, however, that she is ably seconded by Michael Greyeyes and Sam Rockwell. I was very happy to let myself be educated and at the very end, even a little moved. (75%) (18/12/2021)