The spirit of the old west rides high in the Coen Brother’s faithful and faith filled take on the western classic True Grit.

For all of the hip connotations which the Coen Brothers invoke, the cinematic themes and symbolism found in their work are undeniably biblical by nature. From the Christ like figure of the Big Lewbowski, to the exploration of mans relationship with God in A Serious Man, the Coen’s have expertly utilised a source of material often exploited by lesser filmmakers.    

True Grit continues that trend, with the Old Testament providing inspiration in this tale of revenge and retribution, instigated by a 14 year old girl who will not rest until a life is given for a life.  

Said girl is Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld in an impressive debut performance), a stubborn and intelligent young lady whose father was murdered by one of his hired hands, Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin).

Set on hunting Chaney down, Mattie hires the services of drunkard U.S. Marshall, Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a harsh man in a harsh world, who gives no quarter to his enemies nor to our ears, with Bridges’ grizzled grunts perfectly in character, yet in need of subtitles.    

With a gasbagging Texas Ranger by the name of LaBoeuf (an always excellent Matt Damon) along for the hunt, the trio embark on an often violent pilgrimage across broad landscapes, with Roger Deakins’ exquisite photography reminding us of the visual power which the western genre can evoke.   

The relationships between these characters are filled with depth and complexity, whether it be the post Civil-war political spouts between Cogburn and LaBouef, or the bond developed between the Marshall and his ward.    

Yet under the direction of the Coen Brothers, True Grit also becomes a parable of strong spiritual significance in its exploration of the attainment of sin in the pursuit of revenge, and mercy in the face of death.  

As Mattie Ross states at the beginning of the film:“There is nothing free, expect the grace of God.” Never have truer words been spoken.