End of the Rope

I am so happy to have stumbled on this little gem. Always on the lookout for worthy Western dramas, too often I find cheesy costume dramas with paper thin screenplays and stuntmen pretending to be actors.

This Depression era crime drama is set in a rugged little hamlet in the hinterlands of North Dakota. It's a true story told with uncommon sensitivity. The setting is reminiscent of Year of the Dog, but IMHO this is a far superior film. The characters are very well developed and surprisingly complex, and all of the acting is superb.

Although it's onviously not a big summer tentpole movie, the production values are impressive. Aside from the odd habit of several male characters wearing their fedoras indoors (which I guess might be a real thing in the chilly Dakotas) all of the costumes were appropriate to the era and the characters, right down to the fabrics of their clothes.

The music track and cinematography were perfect for the subject matter. There are some nifty vintage autos and one nifty antique tractor, which add some welcome color to the bleak country setting.

Overall this is the kind of indie movie the world could use more of. Maybe regional production is the last hope of serious cinema as foreign filmmakers latch onto Hollywood's genre traditions and Hollywood wallows in juvenile action fantasies and cookie cutter action flicks.

Bravo!

Recommended. It's a good Western tale of caution, dealing with the emotionally charged choices between mercy and the difference between justice and vengeance. The film explores these universal truths: if lawful justice is not served, evil acts either grow worse or regrettable vengeance rises in place of the law. The film's message speaks to our time when corruption and lawlessness seems to be getting a pass, and there are those who are calling those who are calling for accountability and justice as people who are seeking revenge. There is a difference. It's about intent. At the end of the rope must be about justice, not revenge. But in avoiding revenge, we must not thwart justice. This film speaks to that dynamic tension.

"End of the Rope," a film based on the true story of North Dakota's last lynching, had the potential to be a gripping historical drama. Unfortunately, its excessive length of 2 hours and 19 minutes ultimately undermines its impact.

The acting is decent, and the background music complements the story well. However, the pacing is sluggish, and the film could easily have been trimmed by 30 minutes or more without sacrificing any essential plot points.

A few anachronistic details, such as items not in use in 1931, detract from the historical accuracy. While these may seem minor, they disrupt the immersion for viewers who are familiar with the time period.

Overall, "End of the Rope" would have earned a 6 out of 10 rating if it were a tighter, more focused film. However, its excessive length significantly detracts from the viewing experience, ultimately earning it a 3 out of 10. The performances and music are commendable, but the film's pacing issues and unnecessary scenes make it a slog to watch.

Despite its flaws, "End of the Rope" still offers a glimpse into a dark chapter of American history. If you're a fan of historical dramas and don't mind a slower pace, it may be worth watching. However, if you're looking for a tightly edited and fast-paced film, you may want to look elsewhere.

After watching a disaster last week I was very cautious this week... this time the Western was watchable and I could say: a pleasant one to watch, regardless the low budget and the length!

In spite of the somewhat harsh lighting and editing, Charlie Griak's cinematography was not too bad, and the actors in this film give a respectful and honest rendition of a disturbingly real-life event, with dialogue that feels genuine rather than the paint-by-numbers dross that has become the norm in Hollywood over the past ten years.

Unfortunately, I doubt that this film will ever receive the 'box office' respect that its effort deserves... so, enjoy it while it's still out there...

I can't get over all the movies lately where the music is so loud. This movie the music is louder than the people talking as though it's some kind of musical and the dialogue isn't important! It's a historical account, can the music already! I read the information about the movie on Wikipedia. I was really hoping to get an accurate depiction of the course of events. Once again, though, the music is too loud! Why do the movies always have to do that? I would have given this movie a better review except for that major distraction. It's quite sad about this history of this town and how tempers flare.