The Quick and the Dead

The Quick and the Dead

Year: 1995

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: Sam Raimi

Budget: $32M

ActionAdventureWestern

In the volatile town of Redemption, a mysterious gunslinger named Ellen arrives seeking retribution for her father's murder, perpetrated by the town's tyrannical Mayor Herod. Drawn into a dangerous quick-draw tournament, she confronts Herod’s ruthless henchmen. Along the way, she finds a surprising partner in "The Kid," a young man also seeking to challenge Herod's power and find his own path to redemption in this lawless land.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Quick and the Dead (1995)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Quick and the Dead (1995). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1881

The year 1881 was marked by rampant lawlessness in the American Old West, leading to a tumultuous environment where the strong exploited the weak. This time period also saw the rise of vigilante justice as townspeople sought to take control amidst chaos. The wild, untamed spirit of this era is reflected in the fierce duels and the quest for redemption that defines the town of Redemption.

Location

Redemption

Redemption is a parched, sun-baked town that serves as a backdrop for intense lawlessness and conflict in 1881. Known for its violent history and the clashing of outlaws and townsfolk, it symbolizes the struggle between survival and justice. The dusty streets echo with the gunfire of duels and the whispers of rumors, making it a place where only the brave dare to tread.

🏜️ Western 🏙️ Town

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:38

Main Characters – The Quick and the Dead (1995)

Meet the key characters of The Quick and the Dead (1995), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

The Lady (Ellen) - Sharon Stone

Ellen, also known as The Lady, is a mysterious gunslinger with a traumatic past that drives her quest for vengeance. Her character embodies resilience and strength, as she confronts her demons while seeking justice for her father's murder. Throughout the film, she navigates the complexities of violence and redemption, showing both vulnerability and lethal skill.

👩‍🌾 Protagonist 🎯 Gunslinger 🖤 Vengeful

Cort - Gene Hackman

Cort is a conflicted former gang member turned preacher, grappling with his past as he is drawn into a deadly tournament. His extraordinary gunfighting abilities clash with his beliefs against violence, showcasing inner turmoil as he seeks to atone for past sins. Cort's character evolves from a man of peace to one of action, ultimately fighting for survival.

🙏 Preacher ⚖️ Redemption 🎩 Antihero

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:38

Major Themes – The Quick and the Dead (1995)

Explore the central themes of The Quick and the Dead (1995), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Justice

Justice serves as a central theme in 'The Quick and the Dead,' embodied by the duel against corruption and tyranny in Redemption. The characters, especially Ellen, seek vengeance for past injustices while trying to restore order. The film illustrates the complexities of justice in a lawless land where personal morality often battles with violent retribution.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal permeates the narrative as characters grapple with loyalty and deception within a violent context. Ellen's past is steeped in tragedy, including the betrayal of her father's ideals and the brutal actions of John Herod. As allegiances shift throughout the dangerous tournament, the emotions of betrayal and loyalty become increasingly intertwined.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:38

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Explore Movie Threads

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.

Movies with Deadly Tournaments like The Quick and the Dead

Stories where characters risk everything in a pressure-cooker contest of skill.If you enjoyed the tense duels and winner-takes-all structure of The Quick and the Dead, explore these movies featuring high-stakes tournaments. These films deliver similar fast-paced action, life-or-death confrontations, and a gritty, competitive atmosphere.

tensesuspensefulhigh-stakescompetitiveaction-packedgrittydeadly

Narrative Summary

Films in this thread typically follow a clear, linear tournament structure that forces characters into a rapid succession of direct confrontations. The narrative is driven by the immediate pressure to win each round, often revealing personal motives, vendettas, and hidden strengths under extreme duress.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a core structure of a deadly game or tournament, creating a consistent atmosphere of high tension and fast pacing. The focus on direct, skill-based confrontations and the psychological toll on participants creates a coherent and thrilling viewing experience.

Revenge Westerns and Justice Stories like The Quick and the Dead

Journeys of vengeance and moral reckoning in untamed, corrupt settings.Fans of The Quick and the Dead's themes of revenge and redemption will find similar catharsis in these movies. Discover stories about haunted protagonists confronting corruption in lawless settings, where violent justice leads to personal closure.

revenge-drivensomberdeterminedgrittyatmosphericviolentredemptivejustice

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a protagonist, often haunted by past trauma, entering a corrupt environment to settle a score. Their quest for vengeance forces them to confront the darkness within themselves and the system they oppose, culminating in a climactic confrontation that offers both justice and a chance for personal redemption.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their focus on the intertwined themes of revenge and redemption, set against bleak and corrupt backdrops. They share a heavy emotional weight, a determined protagonist, and a tone that balances somber reflection with violent, tense action, resulting in a consistently impactful vibe.

Unlock the Full Story of The Quick and the Dead

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Quick and the Dead 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 The Quick and the Dead is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Quick and the Dead Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Quick and the Dead, 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.

The Quick and the Dead Summary

The Quick and the Dead Timeline

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

The Quick and the Dead Timeline

The Quick and the Dead Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Quick and the Dead 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.

The Quick and the Dead Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Quick and the Dead

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Quick and the Dead: 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 The Quick and the Dead

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