The Hi-Lo Country (1998)

The Hi-Lo Country (1998)
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Cowboys live again in this 20th century Western about two World War II veterans living on the lush, open New Mexico countryside. Based on the classic American novel by Max Evans about those struggling to continue living the Old West lifestyle in the early Cold War days, the film stars Woody Harrelson and Billy Crudup as two lifelong friends who fall for the same woman. Returning from war is Peter (Crudup), a cattleman who just wants a simple life on the farm, and Big Boy Matson (Harrelson), a big-drinking hellraiser always looking for a fight. Enter married Mona (Patricia Arquette), who turns both their heads and forces these two cowboys to put their friendship to the ultimate test. The film, like Sam Peckinpah's The Wild Bunch, is about freedom in wide-open spaces, so British director Stephen Frears is really out of his element in tackling this type of material. But he focuses the film on the relationships rather than the action, asking questions like "Is the girl more important than their friendship?" In the end, this film is more love story than Western. ~ Arthur Borman, All Movie Guide

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Starring:
Woody Harrelson
Director(s):
Stephen Frears
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD,  (View All Versions)
 

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Synopsis of The Hi-Lo Country

Cowboys live again in this 20th century Western about two World War II veterans living on the lush, open New Mexico countryside. Based on the classic American novel by Max Evans about those struggling to continue living the Old West lifestyle in the early Cold War days, the film stars Woody Harrelson and Billy Crudup as two lifelong friends who fall for the same woman. Returning from war is Peter (Crudup), a cattleman who just wants a simple life on the farm, and Big Boy Matson (Harrelson), a big-drinking hellraiser always looking for a fight. Enter married Mona (Patricia Arquette), who turns both their heads and forces these two cowboys to put their friendship to the ultimate test. The film, like Sam Peckinpah's The Wild Bunch, is about freedom in wide-open spaces, so British director Stephen Frears is really out of his element in tackling this type of material. But he focuses the film on the relationships rather than the action, asking questions like "Is the girl more important than their friendship?" In the end, this film is more love story than Western. ~ Arthur Borman, All Movie Guide

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
115 mins

Complete Cast of The Hi-Lo Country


Director(s):
Stephen Frears
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Violence, Profanity, Sexual Situations)
The Hi-Lo Country Awards:
  • 1999 - Berlin International Film Festival - Silver Bear for Best Director
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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Member Reviews (3)

 
Brenda F.

I have recommended this movie to many people describing it as an extended Marlboro commercial. Not that the characters smoke, but that the production values of this film are that good. This is a beautiful movie to look at, well filmed and edited with fantastic scenery. The story is in the Stienbeck tradition, a love triangle that pits rich versus poor, friend versus friend and loyalty versus passion. I first saw this film on IFC, and I've watched it a couple times since, it's memorable and more than worthy of your time.

Yes   |   No

 
Charlie S.

Not your typical western, but a pleasant surprise. Great cast and acting makes this movie well worth watching.

Yes   |   No

 
Donna H.

Very good entertainment. Typical cowboy / cattle baron / triangle kinda movie, but good entertainment.

Yes   |   No

 
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