True Grit (1969)
The murder of her father sends a teenage tomboy on a mission of 'justice', which involves avenging her father's death. She recruits a tough old marshal, 'Rooster' Cogburn because he has 'true grit', and a reputation of getting the job done.
Details
Budget
$0
Rating
7/10 (788 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Wallis-Hazen Inc., Paramount Pictures
About True Grit
The 1969 film "True Grit" is a Western centered on Mattie Ross, a young woman determined to avenge her father's death. She enlists the help of Rooster Cogburn, a tough U.S. Marshal with a reputation for getting results, and a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf. Together, they embark on a journey to track down the killer. The story unfolds as the trio navigates the rugged landscape, driven by Mattie's quest for justice.
While categorized as a Western, the film incorporates elements of a period drama, focusing on the character dynamics and the pursuit of a bounty hunter. The narrative explores themes of determination and retribution through the eyes of its young protagonist. John Wayne's performance as Cogburn earned him an Academy Award, portraying a complex character who, despite his rough exterior, forms a bond with Mattie.
The film's critical reception was largely positive, with an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 83/100. Its IMDb rating stands at 7.4. "True Grit" runs for 128 minutes, offering a substantial exploration of its characters and their journey.
Why you might be searching for True Grit
People often search for "True Grit" due to John Wayne's Oscar-winning portrayal of Rooster Cogburn, the film's memorable Western setting, and the unique dynamic between the young Mattie Ross and the aging marshal. Its strong critical reception and status as a classic Western also make it a frequent search topic.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer suggested that although John Wayne had delivered stronger performances and appeared in better films, his Academy Award-winning role as Cogburn was ultimately a reflection of his enduring image, providing a warm and humble portrayal of the character.
Read the full reviewA reviewer praised the film as one of the finest Westerns, highlighting John Wayne's superb performance as the tough marshal and the engaging chemistry with Kim Darby's headstrong character, along with the stunning photography and well-written script.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream the 1969 film "True Grit" for free on Kanopy, Hoopla, and Fawesome. It's also available to rent or buy on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. For physical media, you can purchase the DVD or Blu-ray from retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
The 1969 film "True Grit" is an adaptation of Charles Portis's 1968 novel of the same name. While the character of Rooster Cogburn is believed by historians to be based on Deputy U.S. Marshal Heck Thomas, who captured many tough outlaws, the overall story is fictional.
In the 1969 film "True Grit," after La Boeuf is killed by Tom Chaney, Mattie is bitten by a rattlesnake and falls into a snake pit. Rooster Cogburn rescues her, shoots Chaney dead, and then races to get Mattie medical help. Mattie recovers and later offers Cogburn a burial plot next to her family. The film ends with Cogburn, after accepting her offer, jumping a fence on his horse, disproving Mattie's jest that he was too old and fat.
The 1969 film "True Grit" is widely considered worth watching, largely due to John Wayne's Academy Award-winning performance as Rooster Cogburn. Critics have praised it as an amusing and entertaining Western, with Rotten Tomatoes noting its "lived-in late-period John Wayne performance."