This “thought-provoking” western secured four Oscar nominations and has earned acclaim from viewers for its historical authenticity and outstanding performances.
Written and directed by Paul Greengrass, News of The World (2020) unfolds in 1870 during Texas’s Reconstruction Era. Tom Hanks portrays Captain Kidd, a Civil War veteran who discovers a dishevelled young girl in the Wild West.
He encounters the girl beside a deceased man, along with documents revealing that Johanna (Helena Zengel) was brought up by Kiowa Native Americans following her parents’ deaths.
It emerges that the US Army had dispatched an agent to accompany the girl, but this agent died, leaving her abandoned. With no one willing to help the child, Captain Kidd eventually steps forward.
The girl’s family were German immigrants, meaning she comprehends virtually no English – creating a significant communication barrier between them. The film depicts their expedition across the Plains towards her relatives.
The story follows the unlikely duo as they travel 400 miles to Castroville, Texas.
Boasting an impressive 89% popcorn metre on Rotten Tomatoes, this is unmistakably a crowd favourite. One critic said: “Thought provoking and absorbing. Beautifully shot, interesting story and obviously, given the talent on show, superbly acted.
“Not often these sort of non cg shoot-em-up films are made and it’s a pleasure to watch one without them. Hanks shows why he is deservedly paid the big bucks” Meanwhile, another viewer agreed, describing the film as “beautiful in its ability to feel real.”
They added: “Amazing in its ability to share fear. Incredible in how it makes you love the characters. Immeasurable in its feel-good vibes… eventually… A remarkable story about remarkable people doing unremarkable things.”
One IMDb reviewer commended the film for its historical authenticity. They wrote: “We all love tom Hanks and the little girl actress does such a good job. This is really historically accurate and realistic and I appreciate that. It’s a sweet enjoyable story and not the same old tripe everyone is so used to. People don’t appreciate good story and realistic movies anymore.
“Most people have the attention span of a spoon.. take for instance they think hell on wheels is the best show ever seen, even though it’s a joke writing wise. This was actually well done.
“It was a bit odd how he didn’t pick up his guns he tossed. And I think the horses disappeared and reappeared in one shot. But me and my family really enjoyed it. Great movie and worth seeing it. Don’t listen to the sexist prejudice people in the reviews.”
News of The World is currently available to watch on Netflix.
