Watch Jane Got a Gun

In the American West of 1871, Jane Hammond (Natalie Portman) is a married woman with a troubled past. Her husband Bill (Noah Emmerich) is critically injured after being attacked by the Bishop Boys, a gang of outlaws led by the ruthless John Bishop (Ewan McGregor), who was once romantically involved with Jane. Desperate to save her family's farm and her husband's life, Jane seeks the help of Dan Frost (Joel Edgerton), a former lover and gunslinger who is also a sworn enemy of the Bishop Boys.

The movie is a classic Western with elements of suspense, romance, and action. It explores themes of revenge, loyalty, and survival in harsh and unpredictable environments. The plot is well-crafted and engaging, with several unexpected twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The dynamic between Jane and Dan, two wounded but resilient characters who must put aside their past differences and work together to face a common enemy, is particularly compelling.

Natalie Portman delivers a powerful performance as Jane, a woman who refuses to be a victim despite the hardships she has faced. She conveys her character's strength, vulnerability, and determination with subtlety and nuance, and her chemistry with Joel Edgerton is palpable. Edgerton, in turn, portrays Dan with a rough charm and a sharp wit, while also revealing the character's inner turmoil and regrets. Ewan McGregor shines as the charismatic yet villainous John Bishop, who has his own complex motives and secrets. The supporting cast, including Noah Emmerich, Rodrigo Santoro, and Boyd Holbrook, also delivers solid performances.

The movie's cinematography is beautiful, capturing the stark beauty of the New Mexico landscape and showcasing the violent and gritty world of the Old West. The use of flashbacks and dream sequences adds depth and complexity to the story, as we learn more about Jane and Dan's past and the events that led to the present conflict. The music by Lisa Gerrard and Marcello De Francisci is haunting and evocative, enhancing the emotional resonance of the story.

Overall, Jane Got a Gun is a well-crafted and emotionally satisfying Western that offers strong performances, compelling characters, and a gripping storyline. It pays homage to the genre's conventions while also subverting them in interesting ways, and it presents a thoughtful exploration of the human condition in extreme circumstances. Whether you are a fan of Westerns or not, this movie is worth checking out for its excellent execution and its portrayal of a formidable female protagonist.

Jane Got a Gun is a 2015 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 49.