The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

I'd read so many reviews describing John Ford's iconic Western The Searchers starring John Wayne as the best Western of all time, that when My husband recorded it, I thought I'd better watch it. Let me tell you, it is impossible to watch a movie as if the modern world isn't there. The Searchers was released in 1956 and it has all the prejudices and cultural mores of its era. The only good Indian is a dead Indian. Every female character is either annoying, stupid or craving marriage. The acting is wooden at best with many of the scenes set up like tableaux in an old melodrama. The dialogue is painfully predictable although maybe it would not seem so in 1956 and many of the plot points don't even make sense. John Wayne said this was his favorite performance and the critics all gush about the complexity of his character. Well, if you have ever watched a John Wayne movie you know his performances are about as subtle as a shovel, and this is no exception. Sometimes he yells and sometimes he sulks. That's it. And if Wayne is bad, the others are embarrassingly bad. I cringed at the so-called romantic banter of the young leads and the tough talk of the Texas Rangers was pathetic. The only aspect of the movie that stood up to scrutiny was the natural beauty of Monument Valley. Even Hollywood couldn't spoil that.

A classic from possibly the greatest actor-director combination in the history of westerns: John Wayne and John Ford.An epic western. Epic in its timespan, its vistas, in its sheer grandeur.Entertaining story, with a plot that feels just right - complete, circular and doesn't overstay its welcome.Pacing is just right. Movie doesn't get bogged down at any stage. However, there are some silly detours that threaten to derail the progress.Incredible cinematography and scenery. Fantastic soundtrack too.Moreover, you get a feeling that this is how the west really was: untamed, where everyone had to be resourceful and also rely on their fellow settlers for survival.Solid performance by John Wayne in the lead role. His sheer presence carries the film. Good support from Jeffrey Hunter and Vera Miles. Natalie Wood (aged 17 at the time) does well as (the older) Debbie. Henry Brandon is suitably menacing as Scar.However, it is some of the other performances, or characters, that let the movie down and prevent it from being an absolute masterpiece. I found the Reverend, played by Ward Bond, incredibly irritating. So too Lars Jorgenson (played by John Qualen), Charlie McCorry (played by Ken Curtis) and Mose Harper (played by Hank Worden). All these characters just don't seem real: they're either overly stereotypical or extreme. It feels like every single one of those actors is over-acting.

John Ford Make One Of The Best Westen Movie Of All Time In Directing Achievement , I Think The Only Director Can Make Dead Scenes & You Felling The Dead Compeletly In Long Shot, I Never Saw One Director Can Do It In Long Shot I Mean Some Character Dead In Long Shot And You Fell It In Same Way , When Ethan And Martin Back To Home And Saw That Scenes You Can Feel It In Same Way. Depth Of Field In The Searcher Is Amazing Ford Tell Us Every Thing With His Depth Of Field Like In The Beginning Scenes Family Get Out Of House For Ethan Stand In Front Of Door Four People In Four Situation In One Shot That Really Good And We Saw More Scenes Like That. Finally The Searcher Is Lesson For Some Guys To Learn How Should Really Make Western Movies.

John Ford's well-regarded western is a classic for a reason: it's very well made indeed. Finely shot, finely acted, and with a plot that keeps on giving, THE SEARCHERS is perhaps the pinnacle of the director's career and certainly one of John Wayne's best films as well as acting performances. Here, he tones down the swagger a little, delivering a finely-turned turn as the former Confederate soldier who gets embroiled in a hunt for a missing girl.THE SEARCHERS is difficult to fault as a film. The running time is lengthy but you end up savouring every moment. The bright photography brings Monument Valley to life in a special way. The supporting cast is exemplary, from old-timers like Ward Bond to newcomers like Natalie Wood. There isn't a great deal of stock action here, but nonetheless the film has a sense of drive and urgency to it, a momentum that keeps it carrying on and on. I dare anyone to find fault with it.