True Grit

| 2010

Directed by: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Main Plot

"True Grit," directed by Ethan and Joel Coen, follows the story of a determined 14-year-old girl named Mattie Ross who seeks justice for her father's murder. She hires Rooster Cogburn, a tough and grizzled U.S. Marshal with a reputation for getting the job done, to track down the killer, Tom Chaney. Despite Cogburn's initial reluctance, Mattie's unwavering resolve convinces him to take on the mission. They are joined by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, who is also pursuing Chaney for his own reasons. The trio embarks on a perilous journey through hostile territory, facing numerous challenges and dangers along the way. As they close in on Chaney, they must confront their own personal demons and the harsh realities of frontier justice. The film explores themes of vengeance, justice, and the complexities of human character, all set against the backdrop of the unforgiving American West.

Characters

  • Jeff Bridges plays Rooster Cogburn, a tough U.S. Marshal who helps a young girl track down her father's murderer.
  • Matt Damon plays LaBoeuf, a Texas Ranger who joins the quest to capture Tom Chaney, the man who killed the protagonist's father.
  • Hailee Steinfeld plays Mattie Ross, a determined 14-year-old seeking justice for her father's murder by hiring a tough U.S. Marshal to track down the killer.

Ending Explained

In the 2010 film "True Grit," directed by Ethan and Joel Coen, the conclusion sees the culmination of 14-year-old Mattie Ross's quest for justice. After a series of harrowing events, Mattie finally confronts Tom Chaney, the man who murdered her father. With the help of U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn and Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, they track Chaney to a remote area. In the ensuing confrontation, LaBoeuf is injured, and Mattie shoots Chaney, but the recoil causes her to fall into a snake pit. Cogburn rescues her, but she is bitten by a rattlesnake. Cogburn rides through the night to get her to medical help, saving her life but losing her arm to amputation. The film concludes decades later, with an older Mattie visiting a traveling show where she hopes to reunite with Cogburn, only to learn he has recently died. She arranges for his body to be moved to her family plot, reflecting on the harshness of life and the enduring impact of her journey. The ending underscores themes of resilience, justice, and the passage of time.

Ethan Coen Joel Coen Drama Western Jeff Bridges Matt Damon Hailee Steinfeld