Watch The Outlaw Josey Wales

The Outlaw Josey Wales is a 1976 Western film directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. The movie tells the story of a Missouri farmer named Josey Wales who becomes a Confederate guerrilla fighter during the American Civil War. After the war, Wales is pursued by Union soldiers as he seeks revenge for the death of his family. The movie opens with Josey's family being killed by Union soldiers, inspiring him to join a group of Confederate guerrillas. After the war, Josey surrenders at the behest of a Union officer who promises him and his men amnesty. However, the Union soldiers double-cross them and kill all of Josey's comrades.

Wales goes on the run, pursued by Union soldiers and becomes an outlaw. Along the way, he forms an unlikely friendship with a young woman, Laura Lee (played by Sondra Locke), who joins him on his journey. Wales also encounters Lone Watie (played by Chief Dan George), a Cherokee Indian who becomes a recurring ally.

Throughout the film, Wales is relentlessly pursued by Union soldiers, led by Captain "Redlegs" Terrell (played by Bill McKinney). Despite facing overwhelming odds, Josey remains determined to exact his revenge and protect those he cares about.

One of the standout elements of The Outlaw Josey Wales is Eastwood's performance in the lead role. Josey Wales is a complex character, motivated by a desire for justice and revenge, but also possessing a moral code and a sense of loyalty to his comrades. Eastwood brings a stoic intensity to the role, conveying both Wales' rugged determination and deep sense of loss.

The film also features some stunning cinematography, with sweeping vistas of the American West and vivid depictions of battles and skirmishes. The score by Jerry Fielding is similarly impressive, capturing the film's dramatic tone and emphasizing the action onscreen.

Overall, The Outlaw Josey Wales is a gripping Western that showcases Clint Eastwood's talents as both an actor and a director. The film is a throwback to classic Westerns of the past, but also feels fresh and exciting. Its themes of revenge, honor, and redemption continue to resonate with audiences today.

In conclusion, The Outlaw Josey Wales is a Western classic that has stood the test of time. With strong performances, stunning cinematography, and a gripping story, it is a must-see for fans of the genre and fans of Clint Eastwood as an actor and director.

The Outlaw Josey Wales is a 1976 western with a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 69.