Ritt zum Ox-Bow

Ein recht kurzes, aber dennoch sehr aussagekräftiges und emotional starkes Porträt des amerikanischen Verlangens nach Lynchjustiz, der Suche nach Sündenböcken und der Projektion eigener Verderbtheit auf andere Menschen. Also ein Film, der genauso aktuell ist wie vor 80 Jahren. Und Henry Fonda spielt hier eine ungewöhnlich zurückhaltende, aber letztendlich beeindruckende Rolle. (10.09.2022)

We are mean and tough but fair! Oh, what have we done... The bias of overly unsympathetic leaders is fabricated and unbelievable, and the contrast with the honorable Fonda is very unpleasant. Fortunately, Director Wellman did not stretch the simple plot to an unbearable extent and ended everything on time, so there is no threat of a disaster, but otherwise, this morality is just a weak imitation of everything I have seen on the subject of justice. (12.08.2007)

Another wonderful example of how deep a western can be. In fact, it is one of the first ones that showed that western is not just about shooting and beautiful women. Henry Fonda is the star, but there are other brilliant characters here. When Anthony Quinn starts playing, you immediately see that this is truly someone. Great twist, but even better is the overall execution of the "trial." It's just a pity that at that time the depiction of violence had to be so mild. Some scenes literally called for it, and I think it would have enhanced the whole experience even more. (17.09.2014)