The Proposition
First Look International | Release Date: May 5, 2006
8.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 99 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
77
Mixed:
19
Negative:
3
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
JonathanH.Jun 3, 2006
An excellent film, especially when viewed in a movie house. Visually stunning and a good story too.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
5
TimROct 5, 2006
You know, the cinematography was impressive, the cast was well placed, and the setting was very tangible. Ray Winstone as Captain Stanley was, without question, the best part of this film ... his performance and delivery were continually You know, the cinematography was impressive, the cast was well placed, and the setting was very tangible. Ray Winstone as Captain Stanley was, without question, the best part of this film ... his performance and delivery were continually intriguing. This is not to side step the other fine performances, mainly by Guy and Emily. My scoring is mostly due to distaste of the subject matter...it was VERY harsh, and very real in how it delivered the evil and disgusting side of sinful man. [***SPOILERS***] Perhaps I should rate it higher than, because it did such a … Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful
1
SimonMay 4, 2008
One of the most achingly slow and boring films i've sen in a long time, beautifully shot, but cold have been told in 30 mins!
1 of 2 users found this helpful
4
JohnPMay 3, 2009
Wow, what a waste of time. Half the movie (every 10 minutes to be exact) is the tedious exercise of watching Emily Watson's character mope her way through every scene; the look on her face a mix between whether she wants to cry or needs Wow, what a waste of time. Half the movie (every 10 minutes to be exact) is the tedious exercise of watching Emily Watson's character mope her way through every scene; the look on her face a mix between whether she wants to cry or needs to use the bathroom. Way to drag a seemingly decent to a grinding trot. In Unforgiven, did Little Bill need some bland-wife character study around spending half the movie comatose and depressed in order to tell us absolutely nothing about Little Bill? No, but that's what's going on here with Ray Winstone. Enough Pulp Fiction-esque, "soul searching" monolouges from the characters to fulfill every college screenwriting nerd's wet dream. Another overrated artsy movie; watch The Long Riders instead if you want tormented outlaw brothers. Ugh. Where's the line to get my 2 hours back?… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
7
BrutusMay 16, 2006
Wildly overpraised movie, especially in the English and Australian press. Lots of violence, lots of ham-fisted allegory, lots of banal "insight" into Australian race relations, and copious amounts of fringe of pain overacting. For all these Wildly overpraised movie, especially in the English and Australian press. Lots of violence, lots of ham-fisted allegory, lots of banal "insight" into Australian race relations, and copious amounts of fringe of pain overacting. For all these flaws, the film nevertheless brings the extraordinary landscape of western Queensland to life, and captures the severity and harshness of the Australian outback and its chequered history. Deserves some credit for reminding us all that racism, madness and bloodthirsty excess are not the exclusive preserve of the American West. Amongst the violent protagonists, Guy Pearce and David Gulpilil take out the acting honours, simply by being halfway restrained while everyone else in sight whips themselves into a frenzy of biblical wrath, moral ambiguity and eye-rolling depravity. John Hurt has a bit of fun as a drunken bounty hunter, Ray Winstone and Emily Watson attempt to counterpoint the malevolence with some "civilised and repressed" posturing, but to no great effect really. David Wenham is effectively slimy as a local bureaucrat of sorts, who orders the fatal whipping of the (obligatory) halfwit. The whole thing ends rather anticlimatically after an excruciatingly brutal Xmas dinner, with dysfunctional brothers Guy and Danny wandering off across the sunblasted landscape to die together, while simultaneously speculating on the unhappy nature of families. Almost as cringe inducing as the "Knocking on Heaven's Door" sequence in "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid", in fact - a movie that this movie is far too close to. So, this is principally a movie for people that think Sam Peckinpah was some kind of visionary, and who think biblical symbolism is really , like "powerful" - and not simply an outdated artistic device. Much more boring than you might think from the reviews.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
10
BattlejuiceJul 18, 2006
Fantastic film. Very harsh and brutal yet flowed with an almost fairy-tale quality where good and bad blended into grey to the haunting tunes of Nick Cave. I found there was a supernatural feel to this film on top of the harsh wild world Fantastic film. Very harsh and brutal yet flowed with an almost fairy-tale quality where good and bad blended into grey to the haunting tunes of Nick Cave. I found there was a supernatural feel to this film on top of the harsh wild world that was colonial Australia. Magnificent.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
10
AlexPMar 2, 2008
Better, more relevant and more real than all the trigger happy, gunslinging, sheriff hero excuses for a western film out there. If you like pistol duels at high noon try watching this to see what a real western with real characters should be like.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
8
DanC.Jan 4, 2007
An extremely good film with a harsh, unrelenting take on violence and the way it consumed good and bad people alike. It makes a very powerful impression.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
PaulH.Jun 15, 2006
A worthy addition to the Western canon..The script is excellent in parts as is some of the acting-and yet that is only half the story for the movie is let down by some characters who are terrible stereotypes and who take much away from the A worthy addition to the Western canon..The script is excellent in parts as is some of the acting-and yet that is only half the story for the movie is let down by some characters who are terrible stereotypes and who take much away from the drama and realism of this film.Cave's soundtrack is memorable and i for one love the references to Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid. Not as sensational or as bad as some would have you believe but still worth a look… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
FredG.Jun 3, 2006
I also believe this film is wildly overpraised. While I enjoyed it, I will not remember it for more than a good scenic film that is somewhat violent and superbly acted. To me, the characters were underdeveloped, which made their demise less I also believe this film is wildly overpraised. While I enjoyed it, I will not remember it for more than a good scenic film that is somewhat violent and superbly acted. To me, the characters were underdeveloped, which made their demise less impactful.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
GrantTMay 9, 2006
A flawed but rivetting film, harsh, frightening, dirty where the human soul is exposed for what it is - good and bad with all shades between. The script and cast (especially Danny Huston) are outstanding.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
MarcK.Sep 30, 2006
The first half of the flim was pretty slow, but once the action got going, it became a powerful and entertaining film. Surprised that Ray Winstone hasn't had more acting opportunities in America...this is another superb job by him. The first half of the flim was pretty slow, but once the action got going, it became a powerful and entertaining film. Surprised that Ray Winstone hasn't had more acting opportunities in America...this is another superb job by him. Completely unimpressed with John Hurt's "cameo" appearance. I don't think it added anything to the film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
MaseMay 15, 2006
Down and Dirty, visually stunning and definatley no holds barred western. Grips you at times but also tends to be slow moving. My only gripe is I had a hard time finding a sould in any of the characters to justify much of what was going on. Down and Dirty, visually stunning and definatley no holds barred western. Grips you at times but also tends to be slow moving. My only gripe is I had a hard time finding a sould in any of the characters to justify much of what was going on. But definatley stands head and shoulders over many of the westerns over the last decade. This is how they should be done.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
BaronL.May 17, 2006
Dark and savage like many of Nick Cave's songs. Great addition to the genre.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
PhilS.May 2, 2006
brilliant. Engaging, beautiful and arresting all in the same breath.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
KenG.May 31, 2006
Raw, dark, stark, suberb.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BTnMay 6, 2006
amazing: great acting, makes Unforgiven look 2D.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
GaborA.Jun 6, 2006
Its most saving grace is the fact that it was a western. Being 21 its probably the only good western I've seen in theaters in my lifetime. Its biggest downfall was that it really could have been so much better.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JohnB.May 1, 2007
It took me a several times watching this movie, but I finally understand it. The Proposition is an amazing work of art that brings to attention the harshness of the land and the way it affected the lives of so many. In a land without law or It took me a several times watching this movie, but I finally understand it. The Proposition is an amazing work of art that brings to attention the harshness of the land and the way it affected the lives of so many. In a land without law or justice, grand sweeping cinematic visuals paint a landscape captured perfectly. What makes The Proposition truly unique is the way motives clash and the plot weaves such a fascinating turn of events. You almost wish the characters could be more decisive in their actions but by contemplating things, we are allowed to fully understand the predicament each character faces. The Proposition almost plays out like a modern day Shakespearean tragedy. While I can see how this movie could be overwhelming at first, it deserves to be treated more like a work of art being viewed multiple times to fully grasp what is presented here.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
ChadS.Nov 27, 2006
"The Proposition" has one helluva flogging scene. As a meditation on violence, this one particular moment bests anything in Clint Eastwood's "Unforgiven". Up to this point, there was some concern on my part that the constant narrative "The Proposition" has one helluva flogging scene. As a meditation on violence, this one particular moment bests anything in Clint Eastwood's "Unforgiven". Up to this point, there was some concern on my part that the constant narrative shifts away from Charlie's journey might be hurting the film. And it does so in one important aspect; reaching his brothers' hideout doesn't seem much of an arduous undertaking, although the distance must be considerable. All that time compression hurts that epic feel that a film like Nicholas Roeg's "Walkabout" has. As Charlie (Guy Pearce) searches for his brothers to carry out some vigilante justice; back home, Martha (Emily Watson) discovers that she doesn't have the stomach for an "eye-for-an-eye, and tooth-for-a-tooth" way of doing things. The story of the sheriff and his wife is needed to show that even an outback needs the law. "The Proposition" is a beautiful, and brutal film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
DWillyMay 13, 2006
This would be a worthwhile film if only for the opportunity it affords Ray Winstone to demonstrate his phenomenal talents; but it also captures a place and a reality about the savage history we all share in the modern world. The movie is This would be a worthwhile film if only for the opportunity it affords Ray Winstone to demonstrate his phenomenal talents; but it also captures a place and a reality about the savage history we all share in the modern world. The movie is consistently surprising because, like "Unforgiven," it doesn't play to easy stereo types.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
TracyB.May 29, 2006
Great film- I am not a fan of Westerns but this won me over. From the direction, acting, screenplay to the music- it was a first rate effort that hit its mark. Yes, it is violent, but many of its worse events were not shown in detail, Great film- I am not a fan of Westerns but this won me over. From the direction, acting, screenplay to the music- it was a first rate effort that hit its mark. Yes, it is violent, but many of its worse events were not shown in detail, although many were and they furthered the story and the mood of the film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
H.C.Sep 21, 2006
Fantastic Australian-western. I haven't seen a western this good since Unforgiven (not including the TV show Deadwood--which is excellent). Guy Pearce and Ray Winstone really hold down this film along with the sort of fairy-tale Fantastic Australian-western. I haven't seen a western this good since Unforgiven (not including the TV show Deadwood--which is excellent). Guy Pearce and Ray Winstone really hold down this film along with the sort of fairy-tale dialogue amid this wretched violence and hard reality. The two brothers (Richard Wilson and Danny Houston) also give really memorable performances. I really wished I'd seen this in the movie theater as the landscapes are also just huge in the film. Bravo to Nick Cave and the director Hillcoat. What a great find this movie was.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
drownsodaMay 8, 2011
Beautifully shot, impeccably acted out, cohesively written and a cast worthy of box office stardom but it's modesty is almost immaculate. The film's subtle underlying message is clear and is conveyed without adrenaline-inducing violence butBeautifully shot, impeccably acted out, cohesively written and a cast worthy of box office stardom but it's modesty is almost immaculate. The film's subtle underlying message is clear and is conveyed without adrenaline-inducing violence but in an odd sense, poetic, almost symbolic, violence. However, though a thorough story and excellently executed, it's lack of action, for a western, leaves a minor gap in the movie. Not to say that's a bad thing...… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
Lambo442Jun 6, 2015
This film is all style over substance. No real excitement. Good acting, nicely shot, nice music, but not enough plot to dilute the sheer amount of gratuitous violence. Without real plot and character development it just leaves a bitter tasteThis film is all style over substance. No real excitement. Good acting, nicely shot, nice music, but not enough plot to dilute the sheer amount of gratuitous violence. Without real plot and character development it just leaves a bitter taste in your mouth.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
wololoooAug 5, 2012
Directed by John Hilcoat and written by iconic Australian musician and novelist Nick Cave (the two have previously collaborated, on 1988's "Ghosts... Of The Civil Dead"), The Proposition is a gritty and unflinching modern western set in ruralDirected by John Hilcoat and written by iconic Australian musician and novelist Nick Cave (the two have previously collaborated, on 1988's "Ghosts... Of The Civil Dead"), The Proposition is a gritty and unflinching modern western set in rural Queensland in the 1880's. The film opens with a furiously chaotic shootout, bullets ripping through the tin shack where bushranger brothers Charlie and Mikey Burns are holed up following the rape and murder of a local family. The brothers are swiftly overwhelmed and captured by British expatriate Captain Stanley (Ray Winstone). Stanley is not satisfied with his victory, however, because the real villain remains at large - Athur, the eldest and most dangerous Burns brother is hiding in the ranges with the remainder of his posse. Rather than simply imprison them both, the captain presents Charlie with an ultimatum - track down and slay Arthur within nine days, or Mikey will hang from the gallows on Christmas day. It's a swift and effective introduction, giving us a telling taste of the violence and desperation that fill the rest of the film. Charlie locates his brother with ease, but gathering the courage and willpower to murder family is another matter. Arthur (Danny Huston) is an intellectual psychopath, quoting poetry and philosophising on life while carrying out brutal and heinous crimes. His eccentric personality and unflinching taste for extreme violence have developed for him a near-mythical legend status, and neither the local police nor the aboriginal tribesman are willing to hunt him down. Huston's brilliant performance is as charasmatic as it is unnerving, and is one of the highlights of the film. The bond between Arthur and the other posse members is unbreakable - the very definition of "mateship". As a result, he is fiercely determined to free Mikey and seek revenge on Stanley, and in no way suspects the impending betrayal from his brother.

Back in town, Captain Stanley faces his own dillemna - businessman Eden Fletcher, who all but owns the local law enforcement, has demand that Mikey receive one hundred lashes a preemptive punishment for his crimes. Stanley knows that the ordeal would surely kill the boy, and in doing so nullify his agreement with Charlie and bring down the wrath of the remaining gang members. It's a harsh and uncomprimising narrative - can Stanley resist the bloodlust of the townsfolk and stay true to his moral code while still managing to bring about justice?

The performances are exemplary, the entire cast potraying their characters with comfortable ease. The Proposition is filled with a vast array of minor characters, mostly crude and cruel men who are as much a product of the harsh country as they are of their convict backgrounds.

Cave's script is tight and focused, the dialogue spot-on. The score, also written and performed by Cave with the assistance of violinist Warren Ellis, is unusual but highly effective, filled with murmering whispers and bleak soundscapes. The cinematography is absolutely breathtaking, perfectly capturing the achingly beautiful landscape with wide, open shots. These elements come together to create a realistic insight into colonial Australia, perhaps the most accurate recreation to date.

The Proposition has been praised for its cynical but accurate potrayal of white/aboriginal relations in colonial Autralia; the white townsfolk treat the aboriginals in an extremely patronizing and condenscending manner. The racial juxtaposition is perhaps best exemplified by Captain Stanley's property - a fenced-off recreation of traditional (and relatively luxurious) English housing that greatly contrasts with the sorrounding countryside. The colonists are stubborn intruders, attempting to bring "civilization" to the vast land and in doing so destroying a rich and unique culture formed over thousands of years. A refreshing take on the dying western genre, The Proposition is so vigorously paced, so shocking in its violence and so beautifully shot that it demands the viewer's full attention. I can't recommend this one enough.… Expand
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5
SpangleJul 16, 2014
This is alright. The cinematography is great and the acting is phenomenal. John Hillcoat is also clearly very talented as a director and it shows here. The setting is perfect for this film and provides a great backdrop for everything. InThis is alright. The cinematography is great and the acting is phenomenal. John Hillcoat is also clearly very talented as a director and it shows here. The setting is perfect for this film and provides a great backdrop for everything. In addition, the story is compelling and really has you hooked from beginning to end. It was hard to look away at times as you awaited what unfolds. The score is also marvelously composed and utilized. However, for me, the film was far too violent. The graphic violence depicted distracted from everything else. A lot of the violence was unnecessary as well, as it did not need to all be depicted. The film is very bleak and depressing, but it did not need to become coated in blood as well. A lot of the violence could have been excluded in favor or other elements that still communicate the overall message. Overall, this one could have been a lot better if it just toned down its over the top violence, which is a shame.… Expand
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8
Nesbitt10Dec 29, 2014
The Outback, as well as "The Proposition," is just as punishing and unforgiving as the men who roam it -- and it's savagely entertaining. The film takes all the familiar ingredients of the Western with an Aussie spin. Unlike your typicalThe Outback, as well as "The Proposition," is just as punishing and unforgiving as the men who roam it -- and it's savagely entertaining. The film takes all the familiar ingredients of the Western with an Aussie spin. Unlike your typical Western movies, it's much darker, downbeat, and brutally violent.

Set in rural Australia in the late nineteenth century, Charlie Burns (Guy Pearce) is a criminal living in the outback. He and his two brothers, Arthur (Danny Huston) and Mikey (Richard Wilson), are outlaws wanted for rape and murder. Arthur is a violent and dangerous cold-blooded sociopath, much more so than his siblings, and is wanted by the law. The authorities capture Charlie and Mikey after a bloody shootout, and the brothers are handed over to Captain Stanley (Ray Winstone), a British lawman sent to Australia to help bring order to the colonies. The Captain's proposition to Charlie is to gain a pardon for both of the brothers, by tracking down the elusive Arthur and killing him. Charlie scours the backwaters of Australia, but isn't certain if he can carry out his mission.

A movie you cannot turn away from; heartless and uncompromising, filled with disregard to innocence and civility. One of the strengths of "The Proposition" is its relentless moral ambiguity. Characters that would be heroic in more conventional Western movies show their darker sides here. It's a tough and uncompromising story, but it's superbly written, features terrific acting on all fronts, and its beautiful cinematography captures this desolate landscape where only the strongest survive.… Expand
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10
miketheecowboyMar 11, 2013
A well-paced, violent and hard-edged western; it has the classic vengeance storyline, but it´s completely different from the other westerns out there. Very gritty script, brilliant performances, flawless cinematography. Coupled with aA well-paced, violent and hard-edged western; it has the classic vengeance storyline, but it´s completely different from the other westerns out there. Very gritty script, brilliant performances, flawless cinematography. Coupled with a heart-rending score, this movie comes as close as they do to perfection.… Expand
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6
Voodoo123Apr 28, 2022
Decidedly average western set in 1880's Australia. The cast and production is great but the plot and screenplay was lacking anything special in such an oversaturated genre as this. Can't say the music worked for me. Definitely worth a look.
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4
shiftworkerAug 22, 2016
It's so harrowing that I gave up on this before the end. There's brutality, violence and racism. If it had a bit more hope in it I might have watched it again sometime before I die. As in other films, John Hurt is nutty, Guy PearceIt's so harrowing that I gave up on this before the end. There's brutality, violence and racism. If it had a bit more hope in it I might have watched it again sometime before I die. As in other films, John Hurt is nutty, Guy Pearce determined, Emily Watson emotes and Ray Winstone mutters. The sunset shots are lovely, and it's an eye-opener for non-Australians, but that's all I can think of to say that's positive.… Expand
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3
KenRAug 8, 2019
This is an Aussie copy of an ‘oater’ – an outback ‘western’ with stylish photography to lure the tourist trade – accompanied by the now expected ‘borrowings’ from Tarantino and Spaghetti Leone. It’s a blood-spattered story scratched out byThis is an Aussie copy of an ‘oater’ – an outback ‘western’ with stylish photography to lure the tourist trade – accompanied by the now expected ‘borrowings’ from Tarantino and Spaghetti Leone. It’s a blood-spattered story scratched out by Nick Cave (possibly between one of several dry-out sessions) and offers a range of utterly despicable characters. Some of whom seem to change personas along with scenes changes as they navigate gaping holes in credibility, and much crude language. Cave also penned some forgettable songs that tend to add little, Warren Ellis’s score though, comes across a little better. Director John Hillcoat (Ghosts of the Civil Dead) seems more intent on creating style than keeping track of the story threads or continuity. It rambles on with slow, uneven pacing, resulting in an ‘arty’ hodgepodge --coming off as little more than a string of sadistic pretensions-- while copying other so-called ‘historical’ fictional bloodbaths. Those who are diehard fans of Cave’s morbidity or who like style-over-substance won’t be too disappointed but many others will end up very bored or repulsed.… Expand
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10
geewahJun 16, 2021
A classic.
Nick Cave teams up with long time collaborator John Hillcoat to produce one of the best westerns seen in many a year.
Brutal and uncompromising, this movie will stick in your head long after you see it.
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