Open Range

Open Range

Year: 2003

Runtime: 139 min

Language: English

Budget: $22M

DramaRomanceWestern

In the harsh landscape of the American West, cowboys Boss Spearman, Charley, and Mose find themselves embroiled in a conflict with a powerful and ruthless rancher. After a disagreement in a lawless town leads to Mose's disappearance, Boss and Charley embark on a perilous journey to find him. Their quest for justice pits them against a formidable adversary and tests their bonds of loyalty and courage in a land where survival demands unwavering resolve.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Open Range (2003)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Open Range (2003). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1882

The year 1882 falls within the post-Civil War era in America, a time marked by significant social change and the struggles of individuals reconciling their past traumas. This period saw the expansion into the West, with cattle drives becoming a significant aspect of American life. The tensions between settlers and landowners were palpable as the West was being tamed.

Location

Montana, Harmonville

Montana is known for its vast open ranges and rugged terrain, providing the backdrop for cattle herding in the late 19th century. Harmonville, a small town in Montana, is portrayed as a place overshadowed by conflict and oppression, particularly under the rule of a ruthless land baron. The dynamics of this town highlight the struggle between free rangers and those who seek to dominate and control the land.

🏞️ Nature 🌆 Town

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:49

Main Characters – Open Range (2003)

Meet the key characters of Open Range (2003), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Boss Spearman (Robert Duvall)

Boss Spearman, a seasoned cattleman, is a figure of wisdom and strength. He leads the group with a steady hand, embodying the traits of loyalty and resourcefulness. His protective nature shines as he confronts the dangers posed by Baxter and the town's tumultuous atmosphere.

👨‍🌾 Leader 🐄 Cattleman 👊 Protector

Charley Waite (Kevin Costner)

Charley Waite is a complex character haunted by his past experiences in the Civil War. His internal conflict and quest for redemption drive the narrative. As a skilled rancher, he also embodies vulnerability as he seeks connection and love amidst chaos.

🛡️ Soldier ❤️ Romantic 😓 Haunted

Mose (Abraham Benrubi)

Mose is a steadfast member of the cattle-driving team, highlighting loyalty and camaraderie. Despite his tough exterior, he becomes a victim of the oppressive forces in Harmonville, showcasing both the dangers they face and the importance of collective resilience.

👥 Ally 🌄 Survivor

Button (Diego Luna)

Button, the youngest member of the group, often finds himself in trouble due to his innocent but reckless decisions. His actions reflect the naivety of youth in a harsh world, yet his experiences contribute to his character's growth as they undertake dangerous adventures.

👶 Youth ⚡ Reckless

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:49

Major Themes – Open Range (2003)

Explore the central themes of Open Range (2003), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Redemption

The theme of redemption is prominent as Charley grapples with his war-torn past and guilt over taking lives. His journey towards finding peace and purpose is mirrored in his developing relationship with Sue. The characters seek not only personal redemption but also a sense of justice against tyranny and oppression.

🛡️ Courage

Courage is a central theme as the characters confront both internal and external challenges. From the bravery displayed in fighting against Baxter's reign to Charley's personal struggle with his haunted past, the narrative emphasizes the importance of standing up for what is right. Their enduring spirit is a testament to facing adversity head-on.

🌌 Community

The film explores the essence of community, especially as the townspeople band together against a common threat. The bond formed between the characters amid hardship showcases the resilience found in human connections. The relationships that develop highlight how community can be a powerful source of strength.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:49

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Lawless Town Westerns like Open Range

Westerns where outsiders are forced to confront corrupt power in a lawless town.If you liked the tense build-up and climactic showdown in Open Range, you'll enjoy these other Westerns. These movies feature similar stories of cowboys or drifters confronting corrupt local power in lawless towns, leading to a methodical and satisfying standoff for justice.

tensedeterminedlonelyhopefulretrospectivejusticeconfrontation

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically begin with a peaceful or neutral party entering a domain of unchecked corruption. The central conflict is triggered by an act of injustice, forcing a reluctant hero to take a stand. The story builds methodically towards a final, violent resolution that serves as both personal and communal justice.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared setting of a lawless frontier town, a clear corrupt antagonist, and a narrative structure that builds steadily from peaceful beginnings to a violent, cathartic climax. They share a tense, grim mood balanced by a hopeful, conclusive ending.

Redemption Westerns with characters like in Open Range

Stories of men with violent pasts finding peace through a final, necessary fight.Movies like Open Range that feature a classic Western redemption arc. If you liked Charley's journey from a haunted past to a hopeful future, these films explore similar themes of violence, loyalty, and finding peace through a final, justified confrontation.

determinedlonelyretrospectivehopefulredemptiongriefcowboy codeloner

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a protagonist defined by past trauma or violence, living a life of isolation or quiet labor. A new threat forces them to revert to their old skills, but this time the fight is for a righteous cause. The resolution provides not only external justice but also internal catharsis, allowing the character to shed their burdens and embrace a new beginning.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a deep focus on the protagonist's internal struggle for redemption, which is externalized through a classic Western conflict. The tone balances the grimness of the past with the hopefulness of a potential future, creating a bittersweet yet ultimately satisfying character journey.

Unlock the Full Story of Open Range

Don't stop at just watching — explore Open Range in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Open Range is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Open Range Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Open Range, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Open Range Summary

Open Range Timeline

Track the full timeline of Open Range with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Open Range Timeline

Open Range Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Open Range that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Open Range Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Open Range

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Open Range: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Open Range

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