The Highwaymen

We all saw the movie Bonnie et Clyde (1967) directed by Arthur Penn. In France, we all heard the eponymous song (Brigitte Bardot and Serge Gainsbourg, 1968). The Highwaymen is a mirror version with two retired Rangers in pursuit of the infamous outlaws Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker, considered as Robin Hood and his beloved wife by the plebs. A dead or alive hunt, in the 30's. Knowing that dead is a priori more practical, we suspect from the outset, even if we do not know the story, that it will probably be the chosen solution. In many aspects, I perceive the atmosphere of Impitoyable (1992) directed by Clint Eastwood, with its predictable and ineluctable ending, with cars and heavy machine guns instead of horses and Remingtons.

The actors, the photography, the costumes, the cars, the atmosphere of the post-1929 Great Depression, the rhythm, the dialogues, the soundtrack, ... This is an excellent movie! As a synthesis: 8/9 of 10.

This is the True story of 2 Texas Rangers who both came out of retirement to hunt down the notorious Bonnie and Clyde. Frank Hamer (Costner) and Maney Gault (Harrelson) team up and hit the road after being hired by Texas Governor Ma Ferguson(Bates) and the Prison Warden(J K Lynch) from where Barrow escaped. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were as famous as Movie Stars back in the 1930's and this is effectively portrayed especially at the end. Costner and Harrelson pairing works well and though maybe a bit long the Movie does its Job and so did the Bullets!

Movie that takes place in the 30s it was truly well done and very well thought out. This movie created the mystery of bonnie and clyde and the drama and havoc the created throughout the south. The true story of these 2 retired rangers made this all the more appealing. Kevin costner was a magnificent choice for haymer! Harrelson was perfect as his partner. I really enjoyed the big names in this movie down to Kathy bates. Very happy with the detail this film portrayed.

Well, it's a hunt. And not much of it at that. The story lies within a very narrow confine of our two lead characters. There's enough background to make sense. Screenplay is mostly taut and the direction is good. But it is Harrelson and Costner that bring it all to mean much more than its mere sum. Both are excellent ... especially Costner who takes to westerns and baseball flicks like duck to water. Watch it for these two for there's not much else that you cannot gather from wikipedia.

Nevertheless one of the better addition to Netflix. Nice!

The cinematography, sets and costumes were all, first rate. It's this kind of attention to detail which sets this movie apart from some others. Woody Harrelson is the stand-out performer to me, but Costner more than carries his weight. The atmosphere of austerity in the Western States is palpable. Once again Netflix has nailed it, keep it up guys.