This is the Western that all Westerns aspire to, and that directors mimic in order to become classics. “Open Range”, for example, is a modern day “Shane”, a movie which shows the sturggles and values of almost every single character in great detail.
In short, that is what makes this movie, about a former gunslinger helping homesteaders against a cattle baron, so great. We see Ben Johnson begin as a bully, yet with an eye for a homesteader lady, and a heart that won’t let him go along with the hiring of “Wilson” the sadist. We see the Swede, whose concern for his friend’s safety actually costs his friend’s life. We see the storekeeper trying to keep peace, respected and conerned for all parties involved. We see many such characters.
And don’t forget the non stop action mixed with drama. A great movie.