505 reviews
"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" is rightfully hailed as one of the greatest westerns ever made, although much of the movie takes place in South America. It is a great look at two likeable outlaws, full of witty dialogue and exciting action sequences.
Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman) and The Sundance Kid (Robert Redford) are two bank robbers, chased by the law. The plot follows them as they travel to Bolivia after a railroad president hires a posse to hunt them do. The story is mostly composed of short pieces telling a little story about them. There is really no connection all the way through, for the most part.
The story isn't about the plot, however. It is about Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. It is a close look at two criminals, the talented Sundance Kid, and Butch Cassidy, the one who does all the thinking. The charisma and screen presence of the two actors and the way they work together is what drives the film. Watching the two interact, with a superb script full of great dialogue, is what makes this movie so exciting.
See this movie if you are a fan of westerns, or just a fan of good movies. It is exciting, superbly made (with lots of interesting silent scenes to music and montages of photographs), but it also has a lot of depth.
**** out of ****
Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman) and The Sundance Kid (Robert Redford) are two bank robbers, chased by the law. The plot follows them as they travel to Bolivia after a railroad president hires a posse to hunt them do. The story is mostly composed of short pieces telling a little story about them. There is really no connection all the way through, for the most part.
The story isn't about the plot, however. It is about Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. It is a close look at two criminals, the talented Sundance Kid, and Butch Cassidy, the one who does all the thinking. The charisma and screen presence of the two actors and the way they work together is what drives the film. Watching the two interact, with a superb script full of great dialogue, is what makes this movie so exciting.
See this movie if you are a fan of westerns, or just a fan of good movies. It is exciting, superbly made (with lots of interesting silent scenes to music and montages of photographs), but it also has a lot of depth.
**** out of ****
Helpful•11217
- Nazi_Fighter_David
- Nov 20, 2002
- Permalink
George Roy Hill's funny Western is still modern and hasn't aged bad at all. Paul Newman is charming and charismatic, and Robert Redford is energetic. I don't know why some Western-fans doesn't like it because it is filled with powerful and spectacular gunfights, humor, friendship and beautiful pictures - which is the reasons why you watch Westerns, isn't it? I am fully aware of the fact that 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' was an unusual Western when it came. After this there were other attempts or experiments made like this but I don't think that they succeeded. 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' has also the rare ability to even smell, taste or feel classic when you watch it ... Robert Redford was never better than here.
Rating: 9 of 10.
Rating: 9 of 10.
Helpful•5517
- latsblaster
- Jun 18, 2003
- Permalink
This is a great movie all around. It's a great Western, it's a great comedy, it's a great action, and it's a great drama. George Roy Hill did an excellent job with this movie. Paul Newman is one of my favorite actors, and who doesn't like Robert Redford? I just recently saw this movie and I was very pleased when it was over. They also managed to make this an accurate depiction, because, like the tagline states, for the most part, it's true.
Paul Newman and Robert Redford do outstanding jobs as Butch and Sundance. They have make a great team, and it's fun to watch them rob trains and banks, and narrowly escape from the Pinkerton Posse. This movie also has great performances. The two actors make you like Butch and Sundance, and you want them to escape.
I also thought it was interesting when I learned that the real Hole In The Wall Gang (besides Butch and Sundance)would soon become the Wild Bunch, or so I'm told. I find this movie a total enjoyment and can be enjoyed by anyone. I think that even the most shrill person can find things they like about this movie, so check it out, because it is and always will be a classic! 10/10
Paul Newman and Robert Redford do outstanding jobs as Butch and Sundance. They have make a great team, and it's fun to watch them rob trains and banks, and narrowly escape from the Pinkerton Posse. This movie also has great performances. The two actors make you like Butch and Sundance, and you want them to escape.
I also thought it was interesting when I learned that the real Hole In The Wall Gang (besides Butch and Sundance)would soon become the Wild Bunch, or so I'm told. I find this movie a total enjoyment and can be enjoyed by anyone. I think that even the most shrill person can find things they like about this movie, so check it out, because it is and always will be a classic! 10/10
Helpful•6316
- cocaine_rodeo
- Dec 23, 2001
- Permalink
This has got to be one of my favorite westerns. It has everything you could possibly want for every movie fan. They're so many great aspect and I will attempt to display some of them.
The acting, what can I say about it. It was a perfect fit for Redford and Newman who are both friends in the movie and real life. They deliver exhilarating, funny and electrifying performance. It is so great I can't even put it into words. These two actors were robbed of an at least an Oscar nomination. It has to be the biggest Oscar snub ever. Watching this movie my only wish is that Redford and Newman would have done more movies together.
The writing was great and creative. I have never witnessed a movie that was so serious and yet so funny. The writing totally propelled this movie forward. The fact that Butch and Sundance went to Bolivia trying to outrun the law was hilarious. This has got to be some of the best writing ever.
The directing by George Roy Hill was as well amazing displaying the chase scenes and just sitting back and letting the writing and directing take over. But most of all he let Robert Redford and Paul Newman do their thing. You could see that they were both feeding off each other and George Roy Hill never seemed to interrupt their chemistry.
I would advise anyone and everyone to watch this. They are just so many laughs, many fun action scenes and of course Paul Newman and Robert Redford.
The acting, what can I say about it. It was a perfect fit for Redford and Newman who are both friends in the movie and real life. They deliver exhilarating, funny and electrifying performance. It is so great I can't even put it into words. These two actors were robbed of an at least an Oscar nomination. It has to be the biggest Oscar snub ever. Watching this movie my only wish is that Redford and Newman would have done more movies together.
The writing was great and creative. I have never witnessed a movie that was so serious and yet so funny. The writing totally propelled this movie forward. The fact that Butch and Sundance went to Bolivia trying to outrun the law was hilarious. This has got to be some of the best writing ever.
The directing by George Roy Hill was as well amazing displaying the chase scenes and just sitting back and letting the writing and directing take over. But most of all he let Robert Redford and Paul Newman do their thing. You could see that they were both feeding off each other and George Roy Hill never seemed to interrupt their chemistry.
I would advise anyone and everyone to watch this. They are just so many laughs, many fun action scenes and of course Paul Newman and Robert Redford.
Helpful•7923
- alexkolokotronis
- Feb 18, 2008
- Permalink
One of the best and most-liked films of the 1960s, this is still a fun movie to watch today. When I saw this on DVD on a nice flat-screen set, I was amazed how good this looked. I had seen it several times before on VHS and hadn't realized how good this was photographed. I just discovered Conrad Hall was the cinematographer, which explains it. Few, if any, were better than him.
One remembers this western for several things: the two leads looking over their shoulders incredulous that their pursers seem to be always there; Paul Newman riding a bicycle to the tune of "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head," the beautiful Katharine Ross, the chemistry of Newman and Robert Redford as a two-man team, on and on. Those three lead actors, with the repartee between them, and the likability of each, make them fun to watch as they dominate this picture.
It's just solid entertainment and another example of good film-making that doesn't need a lot of R-rated material to make it successful. Photography-wise, the western scenery was great, there were some wonderful closeup shots and I really liked the tinted old-time footage inserted in here.
So, when you combine all the elements, it's no surprise this film won so many awards and endures so well.
One remembers this western for several things: the two leads looking over their shoulders incredulous that their pursers seem to be always there; Paul Newman riding a bicycle to the tune of "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head," the beautiful Katharine Ross, the chemistry of Newman and Robert Redford as a two-man team, on and on. Those three lead actors, with the repartee between them, and the likability of each, make them fun to watch as they dominate this picture.
It's just solid entertainment and another example of good film-making that doesn't need a lot of R-rated material to make it successful. Photography-wise, the western scenery was great, there were some wonderful closeup shots and I really liked the tinted old-time footage inserted in here.
So, when you combine all the elements, it's no surprise this film won so many awards and endures so well.
Helpful•7824
- ccthemovieman-1
- Jun 15, 2006
- Permalink
This is pretty much the ultimate action western movie I can think of. This movie has everything you could want, and it appeals to almost any type of viewer. Paul Newman, one of if not the best actor of our time is the lead along with Robert Redford, the two go together perfectly, I dare say this is one of the best combinations in Hollywood history.
Anyways the story takes place in the midwest, Newman and Redord run "The Hole in the Wall Gang" named after their hideout. They rob trains and take big scores, later the Pacific railroad gets together the best tracker and lawmen in the entire Western United States to track and kill Butch and Sundance. They must manage to evade their elite counterparts, the movie is 100 percent entertainment, especially during the chases. The movie is based on true events and is spectacular.
This movie won Best Score, Best Song (Raindrops) which was very good untraditional music in a western, it fit good in this movie, Best Cinematography, shot by Conrad L. Hall who also did Road To Perdition, arguably the best cinematography done to this very day, and Adapated Screenplay, all for the right reasons. George Roy Hill, Paul Newman, and Robert Redford all went on to create "The Sting" in 1973, which is possibly one of the best movies ever made. I praise this movie, 10/10
Anyways the story takes place in the midwest, Newman and Redord run "The Hole in the Wall Gang" named after their hideout. They rob trains and take big scores, later the Pacific railroad gets together the best tracker and lawmen in the entire Western United States to track and kill Butch and Sundance. They must manage to evade their elite counterparts, the movie is 100 percent entertainment, especially during the chases. The movie is based on true events and is spectacular.
This movie won Best Score, Best Song (Raindrops) which was very good untraditional music in a western, it fit good in this movie, Best Cinematography, shot by Conrad L. Hall who also did Road To Perdition, arguably the best cinematography done to this very day, and Adapated Screenplay, all for the right reasons. George Roy Hill, Paul Newman, and Robert Redford all went on to create "The Sting" in 1973, which is possibly one of the best movies ever made. I praise this movie, 10/10
Helpful•8628
- garage5inc
- Apr 20, 2003
- Permalink
OK, for those of you who aren't sure whether "Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid" is a good, or even great movie, just do the following:
Scroll up to "memorable quotes". Go on, do it and then read what follows. I'll be right here when you get back.
Finished? Did you read those lines? THAT, my friends, that and the fact they are spoken by some great actors is what makes this film so wonderful. They are perfectly balanced between being funny, endearing and also revealing about the characters. There's genuine emotion and warmth in a lot of that.
Conrad Hall, George Roy Hill, Burt Bacharach et al all contributed marvelously but I love the cast; such quality and for some of them, in small, but memorable roles: George Furth, Ted Cassidy, Kenneth Mars, Strother Martin, Katherine Ross and the stars at the top; Newman and Redford who did perfect justice to Goldman's script.
Scroll up to "memorable quotes". Go on, do it and then read what follows. I'll be right here when you get back.
Finished? Did you read those lines? THAT, my friends, that and the fact they are spoken by some great actors is what makes this film so wonderful. They are perfectly balanced between being funny, endearing and also revealing about the characters. There's genuine emotion and warmth in a lot of that.
Conrad Hall, George Roy Hill, Burt Bacharach et al all contributed marvelously but I love the cast; such quality and for some of them, in small, but memorable roles: George Furth, Ted Cassidy, Kenneth Mars, Strother Martin, Katherine Ross and the stars at the top; Newman and Redford who did perfect justice to Goldman's script.
Helpful•14867
- ubercommando
- Aug 31, 2004
- Permalink
This movie foreshadows well the modern Hollywood blockbuster. It gets all its mileage out of individual gags that are sort of strung end-to-end, and there you have the movie. Everything is a bit light and fluffy, and the whole production seems to say "Look! Heartthrob actors, dressed up like cowboys, doing cowboy stuff!" It certainly has entertaining portions (along the lines of Hollywood's usual "something for everyone"), but I wouldn't call it a good movie. Best watched after Sergio Leone's masterpieces have faded from memory. I didn't take that advice and found myself thinking "this is so weak!"
Helpful•3119
- spazmodeus
- May 28, 2003
- Permalink
- romanorum1
- May 2, 2014
- Permalink
Newman and Redford pair up for the first time as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: a pair of outlaws that are perpetually robbing. They are so prolific with their robbing that they take their craft across the border into Bolivia. Not even a language barrier is going to stop them from taking other people's money.
As much as this is about the wild lawless lifestyle of Butch and the SDK it is probably one of the first love triangles. Sundance is hook up with Etta Place (Katharine Ross) but it's clear that Butch loves her and she loves him. Somehow this criminal triumvirate does just fine emotionally where there is no outward hostility of one towards the other. I think that flowed from the light-heartedness of the movie. The movie was never too serious, even in the most dire times for the two protagonists. I think that was the biggest selling point for me. They were outlaws, and they would kill on occasion but it was almost like they were college frat boys who never stopped fratting. They lived life loose and carefree and nothing was going to change that.
As much as this is about the wild lawless lifestyle of Butch and the SDK it is probably one of the first love triangles. Sundance is hook up with Etta Place (Katharine Ross) but it's clear that Butch loves her and she loves him. Somehow this criminal triumvirate does just fine emotionally where there is no outward hostility of one towards the other. I think that flowed from the light-heartedness of the movie. The movie was never too serious, even in the most dire times for the two protagonists. I think that was the biggest selling point for me. They were outlaws, and they would kill on occasion but it was almost like they were college frat boys who never stopped fratting. They lived life loose and carefree and nothing was going to change that.
Helpful•93
- view_and_review
- Apr 4, 2019
- Permalink
I can remember seeing this movie, at the Colony Theater in Portsmouth Virginia, when it was first released. Since then, I've seen it at least 30 times, most recently last night. In my humble opinion, Paul Newman & Robert Redford made an excellent movie twosome 30 years ago [and expanded on it a few years later, in The Sting]. In reading the reviews submitted about this movie it makes me happy to see that most of the people agree with my opinion. How could you not like these characters, along with Etta, "those guys" following them and eventually Strother [who will always be remembered for his "what we have here is a failure to communicate" in Cool Hand Luke] Martin? Not to mention the scenes where Etta enters the picture, when Butch has to fight Logan, when they have to jump in the water and, of course, the ending sequence of events. I won't say "they don't make them like they used to", but this one is a keeper. And if you agree with my evaluation, and have a DVD player, watch the DVD that has interviews, etc., to give you an even better picture of this excellent movie.
Helpful•4620
Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (1969) -
I'm sure that many people will disagree with my opinion on this one. Maybe it will hold a special place in their heart, because they remember seeing it in the cinema or watching it with their parents, but I'm afraid that I found it hard to get excited by watching it for the first time in 2024. In fact it seemed pretty tame even by the standards of 1969.
I quite liked the stylised way that the film was made, but it did make the story drag a bit, with diversions for bike rides and conversation instead of gun fights, shenanigans and whoring, as with a typical outlaw flick. It was really quite slow to start.
Paul Newman always played his characters so well and with such charm and Butch Cassidy was no exception. But unusually for me I also liked Robert Redford's enigmaticism as The Sundance Kid too. It was a bit like watching Paul as 'Cool Hand Luke' (1967) or Rob from 'The Sting' (1973) so none of their performance was unexpected.
I could give or take Katherine Ross in her role of Etta, she neither seemed to add or detract from the story, although the bicycle ride was sweet and something different from the usual western films that I've seen.
If I'd been writing this screenplay though I probably would have made it a more obvious love triangle situation to add some extra drama, because bank robberies in westerns are a dime a dozen, where the romances, as it was here, tend to be something very simplistic and not exactly tender or loving. It might have added an extra layer to the plot and the romantic style of the filming, but I'm not sure how true it would have been to the real story of these heroes of the Wild West.
Although I have seen many films about, Billy The Kid, Pat Garrett and Wyatt Earp I didn't actually know anything about these two outlaws for me to say if the depiction was accurate, but I also don't feel as if I know much more now, because this interpretation could easily blend in with others of the Western ilk that I have seen due to its lack of nothing new.
I did find it odd that it almost seemed as if Butch and Sundance didn't even really know each other that well, which made their friendship seem a bit fake or maybe too new for them to have such faith in each other. Like asking Brian from accounts to be your wingman on your first night out with a new company, only to find out that he has no luck with the ladies. The relationship hadn't established enough to build their knowledge of each other, which belied the stalwart dedication between them. In that respect I might have appreciated more of their origin story, rather than jumping straight in to their later exploits.
Weirdly the musical track, with its inclusion of B. J. Thomas' 'Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head', worked, especially alongside the sepia photo montages. However it did feel as if the script should have been a lot more comical to go with it, more akin to 'Cat Ballou' (1965) perhaps. The actors in the leading roles were well known for making people laugh after all.
It just wasn't as action packed as I felt it should have been either. A large part of the film seemed to just be the titular characters running away a lot.
I also noted that even I could probably have tracked them across the country with all of the noise and dust they were kicking up. It was a surprise that they hadn't been caught previously.
In general though the film was alright, but it didn't wow me. Perhaps I'd expected too much from it. The characters are legends of course, as are the actors, so I felt that this particular interpretation had a reputation to live up to and it didn't.
600.89/1000.
I'm sure that many people will disagree with my opinion on this one. Maybe it will hold a special place in their heart, because they remember seeing it in the cinema or watching it with their parents, but I'm afraid that I found it hard to get excited by watching it for the first time in 2024. In fact it seemed pretty tame even by the standards of 1969.
I quite liked the stylised way that the film was made, but it did make the story drag a bit, with diversions for bike rides and conversation instead of gun fights, shenanigans and whoring, as with a typical outlaw flick. It was really quite slow to start.
Paul Newman always played his characters so well and with such charm and Butch Cassidy was no exception. But unusually for me I also liked Robert Redford's enigmaticism as The Sundance Kid too. It was a bit like watching Paul as 'Cool Hand Luke' (1967) or Rob from 'The Sting' (1973) so none of their performance was unexpected.
I could give or take Katherine Ross in her role of Etta, she neither seemed to add or detract from the story, although the bicycle ride was sweet and something different from the usual western films that I've seen.
If I'd been writing this screenplay though I probably would have made it a more obvious love triangle situation to add some extra drama, because bank robberies in westerns are a dime a dozen, where the romances, as it was here, tend to be something very simplistic and not exactly tender or loving. It might have added an extra layer to the plot and the romantic style of the filming, but I'm not sure how true it would have been to the real story of these heroes of the Wild West.
Although I have seen many films about, Billy The Kid, Pat Garrett and Wyatt Earp I didn't actually know anything about these two outlaws for me to say if the depiction was accurate, but I also don't feel as if I know much more now, because this interpretation could easily blend in with others of the Western ilk that I have seen due to its lack of nothing new.
I did find it odd that it almost seemed as if Butch and Sundance didn't even really know each other that well, which made their friendship seem a bit fake or maybe too new for them to have such faith in each other. Like asking Brian from accounts to be your wingman on your first night out with a new company, only to find out that he has no luck with the ladies. The relationship hadn't established enough to build their knowledge of each other, which belied the stalwart dedication between them. In that respect I might have appreciated more of their origin story, rather than jumping straight in to their later exploits.
Weirdly the musical track, with its inclusion of B. J. Thomas' 'Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head', worked, especially alongside the sepia photo montages. However it did feel as if the script should have been a lot more comical to go with it, more akin to 'Cat Ballou' (1965) perhaps. The actors in the leading roles were well known for making people laugh after all.
It just wasn't as action packed as I felt it should have been either. A large part of the film seemed to just be the titular characters running away a lot.
I also noted that even I could probably have tracked them across the country with all of the noise and dust they were kicking up. It was a surprise that they hadn't been caught previously.
In general though the film was alright, but it didn't wow me. Perhaps I'd expected too much from it. The characters are legends of course, as are the actors, so I felt that this particular interpretation had a reputation to live up to and it didn't.
600.89/1000.
Helpful•30
- adamjohns-42575
- Aug 5, 2024
- Permalink
Usually if you find that you don't like a film which has been deemed a classic you can at least see what it may be that leads people to think so highly of the film. That is not the case with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. I don't get it. I'm not seeing what so many others apparently are seeing. I see an incredibly overrated film that is not even remotely worthy of the near mythical status it has attained. Whatever it is that supposedly makes this film a classic is well and truly lost on me.
The biggest problem with the film is that nobody involved apparently could decide what kind of film it was they were making. Was it a serious Western or a comedy Western? The film ends up stuck in some sort of netherworld in between. It's much too jokey to take very seriously but not nearly funny enough to be labeled a comedy. The film tries to be multiple things and ends up not being much of anything at all. It's a film that never really convinces, things always seem a bit off. Just the very concept that the "good guys", the guys we're meant to sympathize with and root for, are actually the bad guys was always going to be a little jarring. Hooray for the train robbers! It could have worked but it really doesn't. No fault of the actors as Paul Newman and Robert Redford, Newman especially, make the characters of Butch and Sundance respectively easy to like. And Sundance's girl, played by Katharine Ross, certainly has her charms as well. But even if you end up liking these characters it's still hard to like the movie.
You would think it would be hard to make a boring movie based on the exploits of notorious bank and train robbers. But that's pretty much what we have here. This film moves at a snail's pace, moments of excitement are few and far between. The interminable chase sequence dropped into the middle of the film surely doesn't help. If I had to watch Butch peer into the distance and say "Who are those guys?" one more time I'd scream. Get on with it already. Honestly for much of its running time this movie has you desperately trying to stifle yawns. And when the movie tries to have a little fun it generally doesn't work. So many jokes which fall flat. And that famous, yet exceedingly dopey, bicycle sequence. Hard to take the movie seriously after that. Good song though. I just have no idea what in the world it's doing in this movie. One thing you can say for the movie is that it is beautifully photographed. Cinematographer Conrad Hall's Oscar was well earned. And Newman and Redford, both of course terrific actors, do have very good chemistry and Ross fits in well also. The interactions among the three lead performers provide some good moments. But there are not nearly enough of those moments to salvage the film. It's dull and drawn out, it's neither serious enough to work as a real Western or funny enough to get by on comedic value. The film just doesn't work. But it's a "classic". I don't get it.
The biggest problem with the film is that nobody involved apparently could decide what kind of film it was they were making. Was it a serious Western or a comedy Western? The film ends up stuck in some sort of netherworld in between. It's much too jokey to take very seriously but not nearly funny enough to be labeled a comedy. The film tries to be multiple things and ends up not being much of anything at all. It's a film that never really convinces, things always seem a bit off. Just the very concept that the "good guys", the guys we're meant to sympathize with and root for, are actually the bad guys was always going to be a little jarring. Hooray for the train robbers! It could have worked but it really doesn't. No fault of the actors as Paul Newman and Robert Redford, Newman especially, make the characters of Butch and Sundance respectively easy to like. And Sundance's girl, played by Katharine Ross, certainly has her charms as well. But even if you end up liking these characters it's still hard to like the movie.
You would think it would be hard to make a boring movie based on the exploits of notorious bank and train robbers. But that's pretty much what we have here. This film moves at a snail's pace, moments of excitement are few and far between. The interminable chase sequence dropped into the middle of the film surely doesn't help. If I had to watch Butch peer into the distance and say "Who are those guys?" one more time I'd scream. Get on with it already. Honestly for much of its running time this movie has you desperately trying to stifle yawns. And when the movie tries to have a little fun it generally doesn't work. So many jokes which fall flat. And that famous, yet exceedingly dopey, bicycle sequence. Hard to take the movie seriously after that. Good song though. I just have no idea what in the world it's doing in this movie. One thing you can say for the movie is that it is beautifully photographed. Cinematographer Conrad Hall's Oscar was well earned. And Newman and Redford, both of course terrific actors, do have very good chemistry and Ross fits in well also. The interactions among the three lead performers provide some good moments. But there are not nearly enough of those moments to salvage the film. It's dull and drawn out, it's neither serious enough to work as a real Western or funny enough to get by on comedic value. The film just doesn't work. But it's a "classic". I don't get it.
Helpful•10058
"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" is a great film just due to the pairing of Paul Newman and Robert Redford. These two work so well together that the film would have been impressive no matter what. However, with a smart story and great direction by George Roy Hill, "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" was the smash-hit of 1969 as it achieved box office dominance and won more Oscars (four) than any other film that year. It did not win the Best Picture or Best Director Oscars as "Midnight Cowboy" and its director John Schlesinger took home those honors, but it has stood the test of time and is right up there with the other imperative films of that important year ("Midnight Cowboy", "Easy Rider", and "The Wild Bunch"). The two titled characters are two shrewd outlaws who love to rob trains and banks. However, the law has about had it with the outlaws and the two decide that Bolivia is the place they need to be. Also along for the ride is school-teacher Katharine Ross who obviously has feelings for both men. They both want to go straight in Bolivia, but temptation is too big for them and in the end tragedy will occur for the titled characters. Of course this film is based on real people, but so little is known about them that the film-makers were able to take many liberties with the tale. The film-makers went for comedy and action, but it is the drama and the likable characters that make "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" one of the best films produced in the 1960s. 5 stars out of 5.
Helpful•8226
"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" is one of the greatest movies ever made. It is my favorite film of all time, and the biggest reason for that is because of its script by William Goldman. It's very rare in film that a script has perfect lines in it from beginning to end, but this film is an example of what can be achieved by Hollywood screenwriters. It was William Goldman's script of this movie that sparked my passion for the American cinema. Though most Westerns of the cinema past have serious and gritty tones to them, this film has just the right mix of comedy, wit, and adventure. The greatest team in Hollywood history, arguably, is the team of Paul Newman and Robert Redford. The presence by these two Hollywood legends has help cement this film as one of the greatest movies ever made - according to organizations like the American Film Institute. The direction by George Roy Hill is first rate, and much credit also has to be given to cinematographer Conrad Hall, who did a great job giving this film the superior look of the Old West.
Katherine Ross adds to this film in the role as the beautiful Etta Place, as does the score, which makes us feel good about going to the movies. This was the film that, for the first time, got audiences to root for "the bad guys". This film should be shown in every film school to show film students how to make a theatrical film. I will always love this movie, and indeed, this movie is something special. It is also special to me because the REAL Sundance Kid was born in my hometown of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
Katherine Ross adds to this film in the role as the beautiful Etta Place, as does the score, which makes us feel good about going to the movies. This was the film that, for the first time, got audiences to root for "the bad guys". This film should be shown in every film school to show film students how to make a theatrical film. I will always love this movie, and indeed, this movie is something special. It is also special to me because the REAL Sundance Kid was born in my hometown of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
Helpful•9955
- director1616
- Jan 25, 2001
- Permalink
After the special posse of experts is finally formed and is pursuing them too well, Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman) and the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford) move their bank robbing business to South America accompanied by the Kid's girlfriend, Etta (Katharine Ross).
This was the breakout role for Robert Redford's movie career (Redford named the "Sundance Institute" and the annual "Sundance Film Festival" that he founded in honor of this effect). While some respected critics, e.g., Roger Ebert & many others (see the 50% ratings of 'rotten' by 'top critics' reviews of this film on "Rotten Tomatoes") regard this movie as overdone or only "so-so," or "not western enough," most viewers find it still greatly entertaining and interesting.
I agree with the majority: it remains remarkably fresh and fun. There's so much clever banter throughout between the two stars, it borders on comedy (so much we become oblivious to the scores of people we see killed during the story's unfolding). Its Oscar winning screenplay very much draws on actual people and events (but please see Wikipedia's article on Butch Cassidy for how closely the movie mirrors reality). The actual lives and activities of Butch & the Sundance Kid are almost over the top--and so is this movie, too.
This was the breakout role for Robert Redford's movie career (Redford named the "Sundance Institute" and the annual "Sundance Film Festival" that he founded in honor of this effect). While some respected critics, e.g., Roger Ebert & many others (see the 50% ratings of 'rotten' by 'top critics' reviews of this film on "Rotten Tomatoes") regard this movie as overdone or only "so-so," or "not western enough," most viewers find it still greatly entertaining and interesting.
I agree with the majority: it remains remarkably fresh and fun. There's so much clever banter throughout between the two stars, it borders on comedy (so much we become oblivious to the scores of people we see killed during the story's unfolding). Its Oscar winning screenplay very much draws on actual people and events (but please see Wikipedia's article on Butch Cassidy for how closely the movie mirrors reality). The actual lives and activities of Butch & the Sundance Kid are almost over the top--and so is this movie, too.
Helpful•92
Helpful•2211
Although there are many ways to do a Western, they largely fall into two different categories: the stoic, law-and-order-focused John Wayne type, and the more cynical ones epitomized by Sam Peckinpah and Sergio Leone. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid provides an alternative third way which focuses more on the margins instead of the centers of power and does so in a more lighthearted manner. I found this really fun, in no small part because of Paul Newman and Robert Redford's chemistry. And for the most part that was able to help me ignore the structural unevenness and inconsistent pacing. Katharine Allen also did well, but her role felt underwritten. And Strother Martin, in a sort-of Cool Hand Luke reunion with Newman, left a positive impact with his limited screentime. All this not to forget the iconic song, "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head." There is just so much to like here, right down to the iconic final sequence. And its influence ripples down to the present day.
Helpful•20
- brchthethird
- Nov 24, 2022
- Permalink
Every so often, I see a "must see" movie and say to myself "what's all the hoopla all about?" and this describes my reaction to this movie perfectly. I'm not saying it's a bad movie disguised as a good one (such as The English Patient or 2001) but it just seemed so incredibly ordinary. Now I know that my scoring the movie a 6 won't affect its overall score and there are TONS of reviews that say it was great, but I just hope against hope that I am not 100% alone on this. There were some scenes I liked, such as the fight scene, but so much of it left me cold (particularly the music--very popular then, but kinda hokey to me). If you want to see a better Redford and Newman pairing, watch THE STING.
Helpful•5752
- planktonrules
- Oct 18, 2005
- Permalink
I am a big fan of westerns, and of Newman and Redford. I think the Sting is one of the greatest crime movies of all time. But this movie just isn't that exciting. It doesn't have those memorable moments that a lot of these classic westerns do. You would think with the star-power they would make the average script a classic, but I guess not in my books. I know a lot of people love this movie, but like Blade Runner, I just don't see why.
To start, there just isn't much plot. The premise is they steal money and then runaway from bad guys (who by the way you never even get to really see). I would have been fine if they built up these bad guys like the did and then at the end have a classic gun fight, but it turns out its with a foreign country at the end instead of the guys who have been chasing them the whole time. Also, how do they get back to Katharine Ross' character? weren't they chased without horses miles away? Then the next morning they are all of a sudden there. Maybe that's nitpicking but if I noticed it, its a mistake. I just felt like this movie fell short on several levels.
But even though I didn't like the end bad guys, I did like the final gun fight, I thought it at least put some excitement onto a rather boring movie. Besides the negatives I did think Newman and Redford were fine in their roles but I cant say I will remember anything particular that they said to each other. I realize all film is subjective, and most people love this movie, but that's just not me.
6.7/10
To start, there just isn't much plot. The premise is they steal money and then runaway from bad guys (who by the way you never even get to really see). I would have been fine if they built up these bad guys like the did and then at the end have a classic gun fight, but it turns out its with a foreign country at the end instead of the guys who have been chasing them the whole time. Also, how do they get back to Katharine Ross' character? weren't they chased without horses miles away? Then the next morning they are all of a sudden there. Maybe that's nitpicking but if I noticed it, its a mistake. I just felt like this movie fell short on several levels.
But even though I didn't like the end bad guys, I did like the final gun fight, I thought it at least put some excitement onto a rather boring movie. Besides the negatives I did think Newman and Redford were fine in their roles but I cant say I will remember anything particular that they said to each other. I realize all film is subjective, and most people love this movie, but that's just not me.
6.7/10
Helpful•2015
- ThomasDrufke
- Apr 3, 2014
- Permalink
George Roy Hill's best film and one of the best western movies as well as buddy movies ever made. Excellent direction, cinematography, setting, screenplay and score. Redford and Newman are in top form and deliver knockout performances. Their real life friendship is portrayed naturally on screen. The plot revolves around two seasoned outlaws who have robbed almost every bank in the West. With the law unable to catch these two likeable bandits, a master tracker and band of bounty hunters are set on their trail. Their only option to lose their chasers is to head South, as far as Bolivia. It turns out that the Bolivian government will have nothing to do with the two Americanos. The plot is clever, funny, unique, exciting and has one of the most memorable endings in film history. It's a one of a kind western that has all the action and combines that with hilarity. It is a work of art and masterpiece of it's genre that has never been able to be duplicated. It has resonated throughout generations and has influenced many filmmakers. To this day fans of the film still quote some of it's famous lines such as, "I don't want to sound like a sore loser, but when it's over, if I'm dead, kill him..".
Helpful•31
The picture is an enjoyable Western-comedy with interesting characterizing about the celebrated leaders of the ¨Wild Bunch gang¨ of train robbers , they were one of the last old-style bandits of the West . It's narrated by means of a relentless pursuit carried out by a posse which leads to the two protagonists (Paul Newman , Robert Redford) along with Etta Place (Katharine Ross) to Bolivia where continue their criminal activity .
Born Robert Parker (Butch Cassidy as Paul Newman) and Harry Longbaugh (Sundance Kid as Robert Redford) . It seems they were eager to take up a life of crime . This notorious pair became rustlers in the mid-90 , gaining fame as leaders of the Wild Bunch ,a gang of train robbers . Butch adopted the name Cassidy in admiration of Mike Cassidy,a rustler who taught him to shot and steal livestock , he was dubbed Butch from his short time working in a butcher's shop . Still determined on a life of crime he formed a gang,and robbed a banks and he moved into trains robberies later . One of the main gang was Sundance , they were likable fellows described in a Pinkerton wanted poster as having a cheerful and affable manners . It is said that, though a crack shot,they never murdered anybody and disliked gratuitous violence . They had the quick wit and strength of character to dominate more desperate men . With the Pinkerton and railroad agents hot on their trail , the Wild Bunch broke up and both sailed to South America after the turn of century and disappeared there , possibly dying in a shoot-out in 1909 near La Paz.
The film was a deservedly sensational box office hit-smash , so it deftly blends action , spoof Western with delightful performances . The motion picture won Oscars for Conrad Hall (Cinematography) , Original Score (Burt Bacharach), William Goldman (Screenplay) , and for the famous song titled : ¨Raindrops keep falling on my head¨ and nominations to director George Roy Hill and players . Followed by an inferior sequel in 1979 by Richard Lester : ¨The early days of Butch Cassidy (Tom Berenguer) and Sundance Kid (William Katt)¨.
Born Robert Parker (Butch Cassidy as Paul Newman) and Harry Longbaugh (Sundance Kid as Robert Redford) . It seems they were eager to take up a life of crime . This notorious pair became rustlers in the mid-90 , gaining fame as leaders of the Wild Bunch ,a gang of train robbers . Butch adopted the name Cassidy in admiration of Mike Cassidy,a rustler who taught him to shot and steal livestock , he was dubbed Butch from his short time working in a butcher's shop . Still determined on a life of crime he formed a gang,and robbed a banks and he moved into trains robberies later . One of the main gang was Sundance , they were likable fellows described in a Pinkerton wanted poster as having a cheerful and affable manners . It is said that, though a crack shot,they never murdered anybody and disliked gratuitous violence . They had the quick wit and strength of character to dominate more desperate men . With the Pinkerton and railroad agents hot on their trail , the Wild Bunch broke up and both sailed to South America after the turn of century and disappeared there , possibly dying in a shoot-out in 1909 near La Paz.
The film was a deservedly sensational box office hit-smash , so it deftly blends action , spoof Western with delightful performances . The motion picture won Oscars for Conrad Hall (Cinematography) , Original Score (Burt Bacharach), William Goldman (Screenplay) , and for the famous song titled : ¨Raindrops keep falling on my head¨ and nominations to director George Roy Hill and players . Followed by an inferior sequel in 1979 by Richard Lester : ¨The early days of Butch Cassidy (Tom Berenguer) and Sundance Kid (William Katt)¨.
Helpful•85
Take it from me. This was a key 'date night' flic and fun to watch several times in a space of a few months. Made Redford. Burnished Newman. Set them both on the road to The Sting.
Watching it now, 50 years on, it's lost not just its plot surprise, but the subversive fun that energized it then.
Watching it now, 50 years on, it's lost not just its plot surprise, but the subversive fun that energized it then.
Helpful•135