When these lines are uttered at the end of the beautifully narrative film True Grit one is left with an overwhelming wonder at the size and scope of America's journey and the lands, the trials and the people that brought us to this point.
I never saw the 1969 film of True Grit starring John Wayne which was based on the 1968 Charles Portis novel of the same name. But I did know a bit about the story. I knew it was, general speaking, a western and that it involved characters that included a young woman and a rough hewn older man -- the man who gives the story its name.
The new film is the product of the Coen brothers (Joel and Ethan) who say they have tried to remain more faithful to the original novel. They were struck by two things: the humor in the story and the strong old-fashioned Presbyterian ethic of the young lady who is also the 14-year-old narrator of the story. So now, the movie is told in the cadence and language of the time and it seems totally faithful to the era.
This is a story about life and death, struggle and survival, honor and justice, revenge and recrimination. But most of all it is a story about America.
It's impossible to watch True Grit and not think about the big, brawny, rugged, highly individualistic heritage of our nation -- especially the lands we tamed and the people who tamed them. There is a distinctly American flavor to the entire movie, and not just because it's a western. This film is deeply faithful to our nation's vibrant storytelling tradition.
This is a morality play but it's a morality play with mature nuances and knowing exceptions. The characters are rich and fully-formed. Jeff Bridges is at the top of his game as the irascible Rooster Cogburn. In fact, this could be another Oscar-winning performance for Bridges. Elizabeth Steinfeld is compelling as the young Mattie Ross. Matt Damon is alternately (and appropriately) charming and exasperating as Texas Ranger LaBoeuf. But ultimately, the film belongs to the Coen brothers and they have done a superb job. Every detail of this finely-crafted film is first rate. Even the minor roles have been superbly cast. And the music is haunting and evocative.
Yes, time really does get away from us.
And I suppose that's one of the reasons why I was personally, deeply affected by True Grit.
Months, years, decades and even centuries pass by and before we know it we've forgotten who we are and where we came from. Sadly, we lose a sense of who and what brought us to this place and time. When this happens, we risk abandoning our own identity and our most cherished values and ideals.
Our history -- our journey -- has never been simple or genteel, not by a long shot.
American isn't perfect. It never has been. It never will be.
But if your looking for a forthright, honest portrayal of a time and a place that helped to define us, you'll find it in True Grit.
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