Hell or High Water
for some strong violence, language throughout and brief sexuality.
| Moral Rating: | Not recommended |
| Moviemaking Quality: |
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| Primary Audience: | Adults |
| Genre: | Crime Drama |
| Length: | 1 hr. 42 min. |
| Year of Release: | 2016 |
| USA Release: |
August 12, 2016 (32 theaters) August 19, 2016 (472) August 31, 2016 (2nd Expansion) DVD: November 22, 2016 |
use of vulgar, crude and profane language
POVERTY—What does the Bible say about the poor? Answer
Poor in the Bible
| Featuring |
Jeff Bridges … Marcus Chris Pine … Toby Ben Foster … Tanner Katy Mixon … Jenny Ann Melanie Papalia … Emily Dale Dickey … Elsie Marin Ireland … Debbie Kevin Rankin … Billy Rayburn See all » |
| Director |
David Mackenzie |
| Producer |
Film 44 OddLot Entertainment See all » |
| Distributor | CBS Films |
Here’s what the distributor says about their film: “When a straight-living, desperate father (Chris Pine) learns the bank is going to take his family’s land, he and his ex-con brother (Ben Foster) are left with no choice. They decide to rob the bank’s branches, putting themselves in the crosshairs of an aging Texas Ranger (Academy Award-winner Jeff Bridges) in a riveting story of crime, punishment, and brotherly love.
‘Hell Or High Water’ is a modern action drama set in West Texas where the distinction between honest men and outlaws has blurred. The divorced dad and his ex-con brother resort to a desperate scheme to save their family’s West Texas farm from foreclosure, while two Texas Rangers are set to catch both brothers.
A story about the collision of the Old and New West, in a last-ditch scheme to take back a future that powerful forces beyond their control have stolen from under their feet. Vengeance seems to be theirs until they find themselves in the crosshairs of a relentless Texas Ranger (Jeff Bridges) looking for one last triumph on the eve of his retirement.”
- Violence: Heavy to extreme
- Profanity/Vulgarity: Extreme—30+ f-words, G*d d*mn (5), God (2), Good L*rd (1), h*ll (9), s-words (18+), S.O.B. (8), sexual slang words
- Sex/Nudity: Extreme
See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.
But this isn’t a fun “Ocean’s Eleven” type frolic. A thread of despair and hopelessness runs through the entire film, echoed in the flaking billboards advertising bankruptcy help, the inactivity of the towns, and the miles of dry farmland and trailer parks.
The two brothers—both superbly acted by Ben Foster and Chris Pine—unsuccessfully muffled this despondency with booze, locker room banter and a one night stand. But they’re just going through the motions, clinging to shreds of humanity and hope of a better life (even if it’s not for themselves). These two were an interesting contrast.
One [Foster] delighted in evil for its own sake, while the other [Pine] was “the smart one,” whose flickering conscience prevented him from enjoying the wickedness his brother clearly loves.
Throughout the film, Pine’s character was the only one to display any kind of admirable qualities: he was willing to sacrifice himself—body and soul—for his sons. Although he and their mother were less-than-amicably divorced, he still desired to be a good father and provide financial stability (a better life than he ever experienced) for his sons. See all »
Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
PLEASE share your observations and insights to be posted here.
Additionally, there is a very offensive sex scene in which the main character’s brother is having a one night stand with a random woman. I cannot comment as to the extent of the nudity or lack thereof, as I fast-forwarded through that scene.
I found no rewarding qualities to this film that would be worth the cost to your conscience. Furthermore, the overall theme of this movie is dark and depressing.
In my opinion, your time and money would be better spent elsewhere. Watch at your own risk
My Ratings: Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4