Watch The Proposition

Set in the Australian Outback during the late 1800s, The Proposition is a gritty and dark Western that follows the lives of the Burns brothers, Charlie and Mikey, who are notorious outlaws responsible for a series of brutal crimes including rape and murder. The movie opens with a tense and violent scene that sets the tone for what is to come, as Charlie and Mikey are cornered by the police in a shootout that leaves several officers dead and the brothers wounded and captured.

The local authorities, led by Captain Stanley (played by Ray Winstone), are determined to bring the Burns brothers to justice and put an end to the violence that has plagued their town for too long. Captain Stanley is a complex and conflicted character, torn between his sense of duty to the law and his love for his wife Martha (played by Emily Watson), who is still traumatized by the recent violence in the town.

In order to spare his younger brother Mikey from the noose, Charlie is given a proposition by Captain Stanley. He is to find and kill his older brother Arthur (played by Danny Huston), who is the mastermind behind the Burns gang’s crimes, or Mikey will hang. Charlie is released from prison and set loose in the harsh and unforgiving Outback, where he must confront not only his own violent past but also the brutal landscape and dangerous predators that inhabit it.

As Charlie sets out on his quest, he encounters several memorable characters, some of whom help him and others who seek to kill him. One of these characters is Jellon Lamb (played by John Hurt), a drunken and philosophical bounty hunter who spouts enigmatic and often hilarious one-liners. Another is a young and innocent aboriginal girl named Kali (played by Leah Purcell), who symbolizes the beauty and wisdom of the land and its people.

The Proposition is a movie that explores themes of violence, redemption, and morality in a way that is both powerful and thought-provoking. The performances by the cast are excellent, particularly Guy Pearce, who delivers a nuanced and breathtaking performance as Charlie Burns, a man torn between loyalty to his family and his own sense of right and wrong.

Director John Hillcoat, who previously directed the critically acclaimed prison drama Ghosts…of the Civil Dead, has created a visually stunning movie that captures the harsh and beautiful landscapes of the Australian Outback. The cinematography by Benoit Delhomme is breathtaking, with shots that linger on the vast expanses of the desert and the deep blue sky.

The music by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis is also a standout, creating a haunting and atmospheric score that perfectly complements the movie’s themes and tone. The use of a mix of traditional and modern instruments gives the music a unique and memorable sound that stays with you long after the movie is over.

Overall, The Proposition is a powerful and unforgettable movie that combines stunning visuals, excellent performances, and a thought-provoking story to create a masterpiece of modern cinema. It is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll, prompting you to think deeply about the themes of violence, morality, and redemption that it explores.

The Proposition is a 2005 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 73.