Why “The Harder They Fall” not winning an Oscar is a damn shame

I really liked The Harder They Fall. It’s a slow, violent, cowboy revenge flick starring the worst of the worst, and a wonderful reminiscence of spaghetti westerns. It’s a love note to revolvers, sheriffs, dynamite and the dusty, empty towns of the west. And yes, it’s a film full of prominent Black actors, but this is not a Black Western.

Again, the film has so, so much personality. The cast is ridiculously talented, and they all get a chance at shining. Everyone brings so much individuality and steadfastness to their characters that despite the ultraviolet showdown at the end, you can’t help but feel rooted to your seat. The film itself is crafted with such passion and care, and it’s a credit to the underappreciated people who make films come to life. The set builders, the artists, the script writers, the costume designers. Hell if this film isn’t just dedication come to life. What’s more, these characters are all based on real people. Real, historical figures, gangsters, outlaws and marshals. That’s ridiculous!

If not for nothing, Fall is a film’s film. It’s not a stupid kids’ toy advertisement, it’s not full of phoned-in efforts from people eager for a quick paycheck. This is a pinnacle of what it means to film a movie. It didn’t win any Oscars, and people will want to talk about that. Is it because there are a lot of Black people in it? Is it because it’s a Netflix movie? Is it because the Oscars, Academy and all other Hollywood award shows are literally just masturbation sessions for LA celebrities? You cake your own conclusions.

I won’t say much more about this film. It’s great and you should see it. It is very violent, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d think this was a Quentin Tarantino film. I wished the end was different and the protagonist in Nat Love, played by Jonathon Majors, got more of a cathartic ending than just more pain. Maybe that was the point, but I didn’t see it coming at all. There weren’t many building blocks set up for the twist, and it took away from the emotional gutpunch that director Jeymes Samuel was going for.

7/10.

Coach from New Girl is in this.

You can stream The Harder They Fall on Netflix.

Wondering how my rating system works? Let me explain!