
The Outlaw Josey Wales
1976, Western, 2h 15m
41 Reviews 25,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Recreating the essence of his iconic Man With No Name in a post-Civil War Western, director Clint Eastwood delivered the first of his great revisionist works of the genre. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Josey Wales
Lone Watie
Laura Lee
Terrill
Fletcher
Grandma Sarah
News & Interviews for The Outlaw Josey Wales
Critic Reviews for The Outlaw Josey Wales
All Critics (41) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (37) | Rotten (4)
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Wales also possesses a touching emotional vulnerability that marks another significant step away from Eastwood's often-overcriticized "macho" image.
August 8, 2011 | Full Review… -
The screenplay is another one of those violence revues, with carnage production numbers slotted every so often.
July 6, 2010 | Full Review… -
[Eastwood] gets to the heart of the matter briskly, orchestrates his confrontations intelligently and gets off without lingering unduly over the resultant ugliness.
October 26, 2008 | Full Review… -
Demonstrated Eastwood's ability to recreate his first starring role, as the mythic Man with No Name of the Italian Westerns, and to subtly undercut it through comedy and mockery.
January 26, 2006 | Full Review… -
Eastwood is such a taciturn and action-oriented performer that it's easy to overlook the fact that he directs many of his movies - and many of the best, most intelligent ones.
October 23, 2004 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
A soggy attempt at a post-Civil War western epic.
May 21, 2003 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Outlaw Josey Wales
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Feb 04, 2014Clint Eastwood's portrayal of Josey Wales is exactly what you'd expect (stoic intensity along with terrifying one-liners) but the rest of the characters are all wonderfully strange and unique . . . so while Wales is a familiar character, the world he occupies is not. Ultimately, what makes "The Outlaw Josey Wales" far more complex and daring than your standard revenge story is that it actually portrays the negative effects of violence on individuals and communities.Alec B Super Reviewer
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Nov 18, 2012One of the best westerns of all time. Another Eastwood Classic. Clint Eastwood is excellent, he delivers a thrilling performance and even more thrilling directional feature. A stunning and well-crafted western that delivers plenty of sensational shoot-ours and great humor. A fun and exhilarating action-packed adventure. A great cast in some wonderful supporting roles just add more to love about this movie.Al S Super Reviewer
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Jun 23, 2012The Outlaw Josey Wales was a entertaining and smooth western that really is driven by a powerful performance from Clint Eastwood. Usually revenge films use the same formula and are predictable, but this film follows a much different path. We see a man conflicted by the death of his family, and he will stop at nothing to kill the men who killed them. A premise like this seemed like it would bore me, but it ends up being a deep film about a man who must redeem himself in life and finds a new group of friends. The film is also very likable with its humor and action, which really keeps this entertaining. The characters are fun and drive the story, and without enjoyable characters this would be a pathetic western. I loved the wide open spaces and how this man is known wherever he goes, giving us a sense of danger with whoever he meets. A western like this is hard to find because its done so well and keeps us entertained with great action, well written characters, and an interesting story that leads up to a beautifully directed climax. It does get very slow at times, but it all ends up being a huge payoff. The Outlaw Josey Wales is a beautiful and fun western that never fails to entertain.Bradley W Super Reviewer
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Dec 18, 2011Clint Eastwood's The Outlaw Josey Wales is a near flawless Western with a great cast of actors. Directed by Clint Eastwood who also plays the lead role of Josey Wales, This is a classic Western that is packed with effective story telling, good action, memorable characters and above all, great directing. I very much enjoyed this film, and though it's not as legendary as Sergio Leone's Westerns, this is still a classic of the genre. Clint Eastwood delivers a great performance alongside Chief Dan George. The Outlaw Josey Wales is a great tale of revenge and payback. I think it's a subject that suits Clint Eastwood well, and he doesn't disappoint. This is a well crafted film with a great cast, great performances and an engaging story. If you're a Clint Eastwood fan, then you really should give this one a shot. This is a superb Western, and it will please fans of the genre. I really enjoyed John Vernon's performance as Fletcher, the man hunting down Josey Wales. Both Eastwood and Vernon light up the screen, and it's what makes this film so good. Combine that with a great story, and you have yet another Western classic. If you enjoy exciting Westerns, then this is the film for you. The cast is great, and the story is always exciting, and the performances are top notch. The Outlaw Josey Wales is a great film, and directed by Clint Eastwood, you can expect an excellent film for sure. If you love Eastwood's work, then don't miss out on this one. A must see for Eastwood fans.Alex r Super Reviewer
The Outlaw Josey Wales Quotes
Josey Wales: | Around here, we got something known as a Missouri boat ride. |
Lone Watie: | I've noticed when you get to disliking folks they aint around long neither. |
Josey Wales: | Buzzards gotta eat too. |
Fletcher: | Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining. |
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