Hell or High Water

Hell or High Water

Starring Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Jeff Bridges, Gil Birmingham

Directed by David Mackenzie

The Story:
Brothers Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner (Ben Foster) are robbing Texas Midland banks, but only taking what's in the till and not the big bucks, so as to not attract the attention of the FBI.  They're doing this because Texas Midland has a reverse mortgage on their home, and it will be foreclosed upon in a few days.

Even though the FBI doesn't get involved, their antics draw the ire of soon-to-be-retired Ranger Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) and his partner Alberto Parker (Gil Birmingham), who slowly unravel the clues to the brothers' antics, mostly due to Tanner's reckless behavior as opposed to Toby's calm, collected, thought-out planning.  As the brothers plan one final score to get their justice, the Rangers are hot in pursuit, which culminates in an epic showdown reminiscent of western films of yore.

The Synopsis:
Frontier Justice:  extrajudicial punishment that is motivated by the nonexistence of law and order or dissatisfaction with justice (wikipedia, not the most reliable source, but very accurate here).  Written by Taylor Sheridan (who also penned the 2015 critically acclaimed "Sicario"), "Hell or High Water" takes the idea of frontier justice and gives it a more modern tale, focusing on two brothers who were wronged by a big bank and sets out to punish them the only way they know how - through their pocketbooks. 

Featuring standout performances all around, "Hell or High Water" is a timely tale of two men who go against the corruption of the big bank and takes matters in their own hands, and they're hailed as Robin Hood-type characters, yet they're not glamorized for their actions.  Sheridan and director David Mackenzie are cautious to portray the brothers as sympathetic characters, but also as outlaws who - while their motives seem pure - are still breaking the law and doing the wrong thing that will eventually catch up with them in the end.  You sit back and enjoy the ride, but you also know it's not going to end with the brothers riding off into the sunset. 

As they rob the banks, the brothers are careful to not harm anyone, and even participate in some surprisingly playful banter with some of their victims.  When robbing their second bank, an old man is there and asks, "you fellas robbin' the bank?"  Tanner replies with "what's it look like, old man?"  The old man replies, "but you ain't Mexicans."  It's light moments like those that cause you to drop your guard, because they're not out to kill anyone or cause harm, and it adds a deeply humanistic feel to what essentially are the bad guys in the film, but they don't seem like it.

It's through that banter above that Sheridan proves he's not afraid to expose southern Texan stereotypes and mannerisms, which is sprinkled throughout the film, especially in the character of Ranger Hamilton, especially towards his partner, who is part Native American:
Alberto: I'm starving
Hamilton: I doubt they serve pemmican
Alberto: You know I'm part Mexican too
Hamilton: Yeah, well, I'm gonna get to that when I'm through with the Indian insults, but it's gonna be awhile

What Hamilton says isn't done in a malicious or racist way, but how he says it makes you laugh even though you feel guilty doing so.   That particular conversation had me in stitches, and helped connect the close familial bond between the two lawmen.  Likewise the banter between Toby and Tanner also solidifies their relationship and shows their deep love for one another, while also knocking on each other.
Toby: How have you managed to stay out of prison for a year?
Tanner: It's been difficult

The dark humor in the film underlies the severity and seriousness of what is happening, so when the ending comes it becomes all the more shocking, which serves as a nod to the writing that it allows you to get fully immersed in the experience and draw deep feelings for the characters.  This is not only due to the excellent writing and directing, but from the stellar acting performances as well.

Chris Pine is best known for his role as Kirk in the "Star Trek" reboot, and there he is an arrogant, know-it-all captain who smarmy and egotistical, but here he is a very mild-mannered man who is deeply intelligent and is out to do right for his family.  Ben Foster is the wild child of the family, the one who was in prison before, and is the more reckless of the two.  Toby has to try and keep Tanner in check before he goes crazy and threatens their whole operation, and Foster plays this perfectly.

However, the standout performance goes to the ever incomparable Jeff Bridges, who earned a whopping 25 different nominations for his performance, and it's no surprise why.  He truly steals every scene he's in like a consummate professional, and perfectly balances a love-hate relationship with the character which, in the end, you can't help but love despite his racist tendencies.  If it was a different person playing the part, it wouldn't have gone nearly as well, but when you have The Dude, it will never be a dud.

Finally, what makes the film so spectacular is the stunning cinematography we're gifted with, as we see Texas in a whole new light with vibrant, colorful landscapes.  It's truly a great state with wide open spaces and every country lover's dream, and the film beautifully advertises it with every frame.

The Summary:
With stellar performances, an original story and a blurring of right and wrong, "Hell or High Water" is one of those rare western-style films that you would enjoy watching over and over again.

The Score: A