Filipe Manuel Neto
Jun 16, 2023
4/10
One of those films that was very successful but is currently struggling to capture new audiences.
We are used to seeing John Wayne associated with Western films, yet here is the actor making a small and modest romantic film about a retired boxer with great physical presence who, after returning to the land where he was born, falls in love with a redhead with a strong personality, leading to serious disagreements with her brother, who is not happy with their dating.
It is one of those films that was a commercial and critical success in the time it was released and even collected awards, such as the Oscars for Best Cinematography in Color and Best Director. It's a remarkable achievement, and it's strange that better and more memorable films never achieved any of this and had to wait years (sometimes decades) to find an audience that knew how to appreciate them. Some things, I suppose, that even a movie guru cannot fully explain!
Currently, it is one of those films that is a bit lost, and which is in serious danger of becoming one of those films that only appears in collections or on TV channels of old films. Why? First, for its lack of definition: it is not a drama, but neither is it funny enough to consider it an effective and interesting comedy. Humor is based on the love-hate relationship of the main characters, and that's not enough.
Another problem with the film is the actors. We have a cast of heavy hitters, yet none of them are particularly good, and the film remains a minor piece of work in their career. John Wayne is a safe bet because, despite any antipathy or sometimes not looking as manly as would be desirable, he is full of charisma and talent. Here, he is playing with Maureen O'Hara, who does some talented work and has good dialogues. Victor McLaglen doesn't disappoint either, while the other actors just wander around the scene doing different things.
For me, the biggest problem with the film is the amount of stereotypes about Ireland, portrayed essentially as a rural place, very green, very backward, with somewhat primitive customs and where people are almost all redheads and alcoholics. I don't know what Irish people think about this, but I would be a little uncomfortable.
Technically, I think it's fair to highlight, on the positive side, the vibrant beauty of the colors and scenery and rural landscapes, which are very idyllic. The film really is eye candy. What spoils the experience? It's a really long film for the plot it brings with it, and the action drags on, sometimes painfully.