The Proposition (2005)

The Proposition is a visually stunning tale of loyalty, betrayal and retribution set on the frontier. In the harsh, unforgiving landscape of the Outback, Charlie Burns is presented with an impossible proposition by local law enforcer Captain Stanley: the only way to save his younger brother Mikey from the gallows is to track down and kill Arthur, his psychotic older brother. Meanwhile, Captain Stanley has other problems to contend with. Having given up their comfortable life, he is desperate to shield his innocent wife Martha from the brutalities of their new surroundings. He also faces mounting pressure from renegade natives and his superior Eden Fletcher to bring order to the region. An uneasy sense of foreboding grows as events close in and each character faces a punishing moral dilemma that leads to a murderous climax... Product Description

PERFECT FILM!!!

A beautiful western. Nick Cave's script is outstanding and the soundtrack he made to go with it is mesmerizing. This was the first blu ray I bought, I already owned the DVD. For western fans, Nick Cave fans, classic film fans- God, I don't care who you are, check this out. September 2, 2008

Give it a chance and you'll be well-rewarded

I added this to an order of five other movies, more as an afterthought than anything, figured that at such a low price, it would be hard to go wrong. And wow, what a deal that turned out to be- I ended up watching it before any of the others, and I was impressed on all fronts.

Nick Cave's script is tight, well-paced, and lends plenty of depth and pathos to both of the two main characters, and in turn, Guy Pierce and Ray Winstone both ably rise to the challenge of making each a complex, fully-realized figure that the viewer wants to understand and doesn't really simply root for or against, which makes the movie all the more interesting to watch as the inevitable conclusion draws near.

Add very solid direction and just the right amount of (non-gratuitous) violence to the mix and you have the formula for an excellent "modern" western, one that any fan of the genre should enjoy and also one that might well be worth watching even for those that aren't as familiar with such movies as Unforgiven and the like.

The Blu-Ray transfer is surprising solid for such an affordable disc. First Look isn't necessarily known for the best transfers around, and though there are certainly plenty of shots that have unpleasant levels of softness, the vast majority show excellent levels of detail and are sharper, which lends well to showing the depth expected in the better hi-def transfers.

Overall, a very strong entry in the genre, a good effort on Blu-Ray, and a great price. August 26, 2008

Speechless

I'll echo the sentiments of many others who are just plain confused as to why this movie didn't get more exposure. Brilliant acting with a terrific plot and setting I'm sure American audiences have yet to experience (the Aussie outback), this is a must-see for anyone who even thinks they might possibly like a Western.

I saw this with a friend who digs westerns as much as I do at a small indie theater. When the lights came up, everyone stumbled out zombie-like. It takes a toll on you :)
August 23, 2008

Violent & Beautiful film...gorgeous Blu Ray transfer...

"The Proposition" is one of the best films of recent years. Though most reviews have been good, I am surprised this one hasn't received more attention for it's acting, cinematography, brutality, and beauty. Guy Pearce continues to impress in everything he is in, but the real reason to see this film is for Ray Winstone. He is one of this generations finest actors and is brilliant in "The Proposition". If you're squeamish, beware, as there is much violence within. But if you can handle it, I'm sure you will have to admit that this film is a masterpiece. August 21, 2008

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