Excellent movie. I was afraid it would feel slow but the pacing was good. This will become a classic.

Early in the movie we discover that our hero is an ex-confederate soldier. But there was no "nostalgia for the south", thank goodness. The movie never really explores what Captain Kidd was like during the war. This story takes place five years after the war. We see an older, more pragmatic person worn down by all the death and violence he's seen.

The movie seemed mostly even handed in how it portrayed the various western archetypes. There are bad characters and fewer good characters. This is not a movie where all native Americans are good or all bad. Not all soldiers are good or bad. Not all southerners are good or bad. Etc.

The movie hints at some of the systemic and cultural issues that oppressed many in 1870, but these issues aren't really explored.

The story is really about one man and one girl and a journey they made together. And it's a pretty good story.

I like it for a number of reasons, one reviewer has already noted that of all the people groups, cultural groups, this movie is one of the most even handed that I have ever seen. It also have a very emotional tone to it that overrides all else: An orphaned child, twice over. And it certainly is a well thought out period piece with no room for anachronisms of a future source like so many period dramas have been. I really don't want to comment more on why I like the movie because it would be a real bummer if I talked about things that would ruin the movie for you. But I will end by saying I loved the movie.

I read the few reviews, not sure why they were so negative and nasty, especially about Tom Hanks. He is an absolute treasure, always has been always will be! He is amazing in this!
This movie was beautifully filmed, the story is intense, but truly believable. The young costar Helena Zengel is also fantastic.
My husband and I watched this last night, it is a great western! Well done!!!

This is finally another classic Tom Hanks. I am the same age as he. I have grown up with his movies and now am growing old with him. This was a great story about a great story teller. I was a Printer during my younger years as he was in this movie. I read everything and so did he and it changed how you look at all things. The story is a solid story enjoy it and do not over think it.

Worse Hanks movie of all time. Is that his future to go the same direction as DeNiro?

I was intrigued by the story only because my own Great Grandmother was captured by the Kiowa Indians in Texas 1864 ! she was also just a child she was rescued after being held captive for 9 months . Her Grandmother was kept as a slave by the Kiowa for 2 years before she was rescued . her mother was murdered along with her uncle and her baby sister also died . This would now be called Human Trafficking . Maybe if this was a true documentary without Mr. Hanks ! I would consider buying it in dvd

A terrific portrait of the rough edges and casual brutality of our recent American past graced with the humanity Hanks always gifts us with. A gem.

Tom Hanks was still his heroic self in this Western. I like the characters and the premise of delivering a twice orphaned girl ( German family Killed and her Native American family Killed) to her surviving German family. The story takes place after the Civil War in 1870. It hints at all the systemic ills of the time and gives viewers a peak at history that is unvarnished but not deep. If you are really interested read some history books. This was entertaining and thought-provoking.