Scott Cooper Miami Fan Club Reviews Hostiles, a 2017 Film About One Man’s Redemption

For all the movie buffs out there, Hostiles directed by Scott Cooper, the is one movie, which the audience would not want to miss. This American Western movie released in 2017 is based on a story by Donald Stewart and is based in the era of the late 1800s.

Captain Joseph Blocker, played by Christian Bale needs to accompany his sworn enemy Yellow Hawk, played by Wes Studi, a Cheyenne war chief suffering from cancer along with his family to their homeland Montana. Though reluctant at first, Blocker decides to go through with the plan when he is threatened by his higher-ups with slashing his pension.

Blocker along with his team and Yellow Hawk’s family set off on their expedition wherein they come across a homestead that has been attacked and burnt down. There they meet Rosalee Quaid played by Rosamond Pike, the only survivor along with her babies.  

The story revolves around how Blocker amidst his hatred toward the Native American tribes needs to focus on how to safely arrive at their destination. This movie showcases the restoration of humanity towards the Native Indians, as he gets to learn a lot about Yellow Hawk and his tribe while on their expedition.

There are quite mixed reviews about this movie. While some might like the redemption of Blocker, others might find that Native American characters were not given full justice. One scene where Blocker tells his friend to put manacles on Yellow Hawk depicts his lack of trust and the humiliation that Yellow Hawk has to face due to this.

The film Hostiles could have explored in-depth the relationship between Blocker and Yellow Hawk in the past that had caused such hostility between the two. This could have given the film a few brownie points amongst the audience.

The astounding cast in what breathes life into the characters in this Scott Cooper Miami project film. Each one has done justice to their characters. The character of Yellow Hawk is what captivates the audience with his regal features and gait, compared to the brooding and bitter character of Blocker.

For the romantic watchers, this slow-burning movie also shows how two damaged and traumatized people (Blocker and Rosalee), despite fighting their own battles form a connection, which can be seen as the story progresses. Actors Beach, Kilcher, Foster, Jesse Plemons, and Cochrane all have their side stories that come with emotional journeys.

Not to mention newcomer, Jonathon Mayors who plays the role of Corporal Woodson, a Buffalo soldier, under Blocker who is asked to escort Yellow Hawk.

The strength of this movie is its simple narrative, breathtaking sceneries and landscapes, and the beautiful bonding of the characters. By the end of the movie, it leaves the audience wanting to explore more.

While the film talks about Native American suffering, it fails to dive deeper into this storyline. Audiences would have loved to know more about how the Natives suffered at the hands of their American oppressors.

All in all, Hostiles is a good watch if the audience like a historical genre, with a bit of drama and gory battles.