Acensbart Excellent but underrated film

BeSummers Funny, strange, confrontational and subversive, this is one of the most interesting experiences you'll have at the cinema this year.

Hayden Kane There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Fatma Suarez The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

Wuchak Released in 1962 and directed by David Miller from a novel by Edward Abbey, "Lonely are the Brave" is a Western taking place in modern times (the early 60s, that is) starring Kirk Douglas as Jack Burns, an independent New Mexican cowhand who's a likable loner. He lands himself in jail in order to help his old friend, Paul (Michael Kane), who is doomed for the penitentiary for a couple of years; but Paul doesn't want to escape because it would add several years to his sentence if caught. So Burns breaks out on his own and is chased by Sheriff Johnson (Walter Matthau) and others (George Kennedy) with the aid of a military helicopter, etc. Will he get away? Gena Rowlands is on hand as Paul's wife.This modern Western cogently conveys how civilization with its corresponding government and never-ending laws naturally squelches personal independence and freedom. The bigger the populace means the bigger the governing regulations, and the less the liberty. One starts to suffocate in a world of borders, fences and laws. These are human-made inventions that don't even exist. Fly over the USA and you'll see no state or county borders or city limits. They're all human-made inventions that don't exist, except in a legal sense. Burns hearkens back to an earlier era where one didn't even need an ID. He doesn't fit into the mold of the modern world. All he has is his mare, Whiskey, the clothes on his back and his basic necessities. They're all a real cowboy needs, but the cowboy was a vanishing breed circa 1961.Director Miller wisely accentuates Gena's curvy beauty as Paul's wife, Jerri. The nature of her relationship with Burns is initially a mystery, but all is revealed before the final act and it's well done. Whether someone is married or not, it doesn't mean s/he can't love someone else who's single or married. But marriage itself is a border that cannot be lawfully crossed except by the person's spouse. The film acknowledges this and so do Burns and Jerri. They're people with feelings, but they're also wise and hence don't allow their passions to compel them to trespass marital fences.All these items amongst others (like the quality score) make "Lonely are the Brave" a minor near-masterpiece. Unfortunately, it's flawed by some tedious stretches, like the overlong jail sequence, and unconvincing or dumb elements; for instance, the idea that Burns wouldn't know enough to make sure there weren't any cars before crossing a highway on horseback (Seriously?). It's also marred by B&W photography, which would've really come alive if shot in color. The basic plot and theme were done later by the superior "First Blood" (1982) and "The Electric Horseman" (1979) respectively. The film runs 107 minutes and was shot in the Albuquerque, New Mexico, area.GRADE: B+

KissEnglishPasto ...........................................................from Pasto,Colombia...Via: L.A. CA., CALI, COLOMBIA...and ORLANDO, FL "Some things never change...and some things remain the same!" A college philosophy professor of mine had a penchant for utilizing this quote at, seemingly, the most inappropriate of times. After watching Lonely Are the Brave, his phrase re-surfaced and, perhaps, I finally got it.How this early sixties masterpiece has flown under my radar, and just about everyone else's, for half a century, I'll never know. From the very opening scene, LONELY has a unique way of punctuating every detail, each occurrence, that was very Avantgarde for 1962.The opening minutes are probably the most surprising of any "Western" I've ever seen, serving both to highlight the condition of dead-man-walking cultural anachronism of its protagonist and as a foreshadowing of events. In the "Making of..." special features short,(Please, don't miss it!) both Kirk Douglas (Jack Burns) and son, Michael, agree that "Lonely" constitutes both Kirk's favorite film and characterization. And it shows. It's hard to fathom why he was denied even the recognition of a nomination.The film revolves around Jack's quest to help his best friend avoid serving a 2 year prison term for, of all things: smuggling, aiding and abetting "wetbacks"! (Some things never change!) But who is going to save Jack from himself? Jack's horse, "Whiskey" co-stars. No flippancy, whatsoever, there, just simple fact! Gena Rowlands (Decades younger here than in "Notebook") does a superb job in a supporting role as best friend's wife/suppressed love interest.Most of the rest of the cast shines, especially a relatively young and unknown Walter Matthau as the very intense, but low-key Sheriff. The B+W photography and editing are both artistic and extremely well-crafted. This film holds up, as few others, to the test of time. In fact, it is perhaps more relevant today than it was in 62! What a subtle, but resoundingly powerful message it delivers. 10*.....ENJOY/DISFRUTELA! Any comments, questions or observations, in English o en Español, are most welcome! ....

beauzee has Douglas watched too many B westerns and has an uncontrollable penchant to "act out" the players, in his real time? he is not a dumb person, not particularly smart, but very sincere, and convionced that "being a man" transcends any contemporary versions.He is Wayne and Rowlands is Angie Dickinson; but Wayne was a child like man, not a childish man, so ultimately, she does not want him, even with the physical desire.Matthew is excellent as the "Sheriff", but he is not prone to acting out fantasies.../he just wants to be home at 5:00pm. he chases Douglas with helicopters, not deputies.there are many Americans today who seem to enjoy roaming around with their loaded rifles, chip on their shoulder, and "right to carry" attitude. Second Amendment! why *can't* I go to McDonald's on a Saturday with my "Betsey"? no one will get hurt! Clive Bundy has a "showdown" with the Feds..he hasn't paid them for 20 years and he has his whole posse behind him, pointing guns. Douglas similarly engages those he thinks are takin' away his freedoms.great DVD..buy it now.

Wizard-8 Kirk Douglas has said that "Lonely Are The Brave" is his absolute favorite of all the movies he has done. It doesn't take much thought to determine why he feels this way. The movie's central character, Jack Burns, is a non-conformist, someone who always does things his way no matter what society may tell him differently. There are few other movie protagonists like this one. Other merit found in the movie includes some tense moments while Jack is on the run, plus a gutsy and unconventional ending that you probably couldn't get away with today.If there is a flaw to be found in this good movie, it may be that some modern day viewers may object to the pacing. It takes about half of the movie before Jack is on the run, and some scenes do seem to run a little longer than they should. While every scene DOES provide some purpose, I think the movie would have been improved had several scenes been cut down in length slightly. But even without this correction, the movie is never boring and is always interesting.