MASTERPIECE’ WESTERN WITH ‘THE MOST REALISTIC GUNFIGHT SCENES’ IS STREAMING ON NETFLIX — AND IT’S A MUST-WATCH FOR FANS OF THE GENRE

‘Masterpiece’ Western with ‘the most realistic gunfight scenes’ on Netflix

One says the thriller is the “best Western film I have ever seen”, describing it as a “true Western masterpiece”.

Still from the film. (Image: Touchstone Pictures)

A Western starring Kevin Costner is lauded as a “masterpiece” with one fan saying it contains the most “realistic” gunfight they’ve ever seen on the big screen. Open Range (2003) is set in 1880s Montana and focuses on Boss” Spearman (played by Robert Duvall) an ex-Union soldier turned cattle rancher who is leading a herd cross country, assisted by cowhands Charley Waite (Costner), Mose (Abraham Benrubi), and Button (Diego Luna).

But Boss’ attempts to move on from his past of violence and conflict and live quiet life are tested after Mose fails to return from a trip to a village for supplies. The film, which was primarily shot in Alberta, Canada, was based on the 1990 Ralph Kimball novel The Open Range Men, and directed and co-produced by Costner.It features a star-studded cast including Annette Bening (known from films like The Grifters and American Beauty) and Harry Potter “Dumbledore” actor Michael Gambon.

Fans praised Duvall’s ‘standout’ performance (Image: Touchstone Pictures)

Open Range has a 84% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes (Image: Touchstone)

One Audience Reviewer said it is the “best Western film I have ever seen”, describing it as a “true Western masterpiece”.

“Powerful, riveting, and plenty of impressive western action,” they added.

Another wrote: “Beautiful shot, and fantastically acted by Kevin Costner and Robert Duvall. Open Range is unabashedly old-fashioned Wild West drama at its best.”

A third called it a “bit of an underrated gem for western fans and a small comeback for Costner”.

One fan called it a “truly smashing film” (Image: Touchstone Pictures)

“This is another old fashioned look at the western frontier that is beautifully shot and well acted, with a stand out performance from Duvall. One of the best westerns made in the 00’s and deserves a re-evaluation.”

One fan on IMDb said the film contained the “most realistic film gunfight I’ve ever seen”.

They added: “Once again, Robert Duval deserves Oscar consideration for this one. The dialogue was crisp so kudos to the writing team. The attention to detail must also be applauded.”

The film has an 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter, which reflects the percentage of users who rated it 3.5 stars or higher.

Meanwhile, on its Tomatometer, showing the percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given it a positive review, it has a 79% score.

Open Range is streaming now on Netflix.