Watch F.T.W.

F.T.W. is a gritty, existential western film that explores themes of rebellion, freedom and personal redemption. Directed by Michael Karbelnikoff and released in 1994, it features an all-star cast that includes Mickey Rourke, Aaron Neville and Peter Berg. The movie tells the story of Frank T. Wells (Rourke), a rodeo rider who has just been released from prison after serving a sentence for a crime he didn't commit. Disillusioned by the injustice of the penal system, he aims to reclaim his freedom and get back his lost love, Scarlett Stuart (Laura Flynn Boyle). Wells decides to take his life into his own hands, defying the oppressive constraints of society and setting out on a journey of self-discovery and retribution.

Accompanied by a Native American musician and former rodeo rider, Will (Aaron Neville), Wells embarks on a series of adventures that take him across the American Southwest. The pair embark on a journey of self-discovery with each other's company, meeting a range of colourful characters along the way.

As Wells travels through the western landscape, he is forced to face his own demons and an increasingly hostile world. He encounters a variety of unsavory characters, including corrupt lawmen, violent bikers, and vicious drug dealers. These encounters test his resolve and bring him face to face with his own mortality.

Against this backdrop, the relationship between Wells and Will evolves into something deeper and more meaningful than simple friendship. The two men share a profound bond forged through shared experiences of marginalization and oppression. Through Will's wisdom and spiritual guidance, Wells gains a greater sense of purpose and self-awareness. Together, they embark on a rebellion against the structures of power that have held them down and seek a sense of freedom in a world that seems to have none.

Despite its western setting, F.T.W. is a deeply existential film that grapples with timeless themes of human existence. The characters' search for meaning and freedom in a world that appears to offer neither is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and capacity for hope. The movie has been compared to classic westerns like The Searchers and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, but its themes and tone set it apart from its predecessors.

Mickey Rourke delivers a powerful performance as Frank T. Wells, bringing both vulnerability and toughness to the role. Aaron Neville is equally compelling as Will, offering a unique perspective on the history of oppression and colonization experienced by Native Americans. Peter Berg, in a supporting role, brings a sense of menace to his portrayal of a ruthless biker gang leader.

Michael Karbelnikoff's direction is lively and inventive, imbuing the film with a sense of energy and urgency. The cinematography, by Robert Brinkmann, captures the majestic beauty of the American Southwest while also emphasizing the harshness and brutality of the desert landscape.

Overall, F.T.W. is a thought-provoking, powerful film that explores complex themes of freedom, rebellion, and personal redemption. The movie's strong performances, tight direction, and striking cinematography make it a landmark of the western genre and a must-see for fans of existential cinema.