Wichita

My husband & I saw this film in our hometown of Wellington, Ks. It was filmed & made by folks around our neck of the woods. We thought the story started off a bit confusing by introducing so many different characters without back stories but their stories unfolded well over the length of the film. In our opinions, it's a dark western with an original story line. Quite an impressive endeavor, for a few people with one camera. We were totally pleased with the end result & recommend this film to anyone, especially people who enjoy westerns set in the late 1800s. Impressive use of many local venues to make the audience feel like they'd stepped back in time.

Surprising twists. The ending alone is worth the price of admission. Despite it being fictional I felt like the plot and cinematography sure seemed like the 1880's might have felt. I want to watch it again. This type of film-making is a refreshing acknowledgment that people with passion, a good script, and talent both in front and behind the camera can put together an enjoyable movie experience. In the grand scheme of what counts as movie making, this filmmakers use of resources and location choices show us indie film lovers that scenes are always around us waiting to be released into art. Go see the film, or get it on DVD and open your mind to a growing genre - movies that artists make on their own terms.

So let me say that WICHITA is not a western for the casual genre fan raised on GUNSMOKE and BONANZA reruns. Nevertheless WICHITA delivers for film fans as well as Western Fans.

While many of the traditional elements of "the western" exist, WICHITA was obviously inspired more by the darker, somewhat cruel film-noirish category of film. The black hat-white hat, play along at home game doesn't exist. Each character has his own demons. The story unfolds violently and deliberately. Much like the work of Sam Peckinpah and, Budd Boetticher the film adopts an unpretentious style, taking a relaxed approach to the story unfolding and letting the actors and screenplay drive the film.

It's not perfect by any means, yet it show promise for the film maker and the cast. It's a film that inspires discussion afterwards and probably has more sociological elements explored than the average western. Enjoy and then be prepared to discuss.

Many of people that have written reviews for this film have already talked about the plot, which as so many have already stated, is as intriguing as it is entertaining. So instead, I'd like to take moment to comment on some of the other aspects of this film.

All of the actors in this film do a fantastic job. The sisters, Samantha (Karina Wolfe) and Mary (Reylynn Caster) are definite standouts. Karina Wolfe is quite convincing in her role and really delivers an excellent performance. Her ability to play tough and tender at the same time is quite remarkable. For such a young actress, Reylynn Catser already has amazing range. The performances from these actresses alone are worth watching the movie for. But for me, it was Kenneth Mitchell as Deacon Miller that stole the show. His performance shows the maturity and the precision of a dedicated master of his craft. It was also a rare treat to see musician Uche as The Blacksmith and spotting director Nicholas Barton's cameo appearance was great moment.

The sound and soundtrack for this film was excellent and there were some nice visual moments throughout the film. For a period piece, the set design, wardrobe, and props are wonderful. Several of the scenes were actually filmed at the Historic Cowtown in Wichita, Kansas, lending an authenticity that has been preserved there for generations.

With fantastic locations and the amount of people involved in this production, "Wichita" has a great sense of scale for an indie film. Nicholas Barton and his team have put together a film that maintains the authenticity of the period while telling a story that is hip enough for modern audiences.

I usually screen movies privately but was lucky enough to be able attend "Wichita" at the premiere in Wichita, Kansas and witness the audience's engagement first hand. You know somebody is doing something right when a crowd of 1,000 people gasp, laugh, or stand up and applaud all at once.

Went and saw this at the movies last night. Wasn't sure what to expect but I was pretty engrossed throughout the film. Not the typical cowboy movie but more of a gritty look at the old west. It's one of those movies that you have to pay attention to. There is a lot going on with this movie and it builds to a very surprising and climatic ending. Movie certainly deserves it's R rating as the violence in the movie can be brutal but so is this depiction of the old west. I gave it such a high rating because most westerns that are coming out these days just seem like you've seen them before. The look of this film and it's actors are really gritty. I wouldn't be surprised to see a couple actors make it big after this movie, especially the young girl who steals any scene she is in. Very impressive western.