Hell Bent (1918)

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Josh Lewis

As an early John Ford western, Hell Bent showcases the tropes and style he would go on to perfect. However even here his direction is impressive. There are brilliant shots, using deep focus cinematography, as characters are seen through windows and canyons. The massive…

Darren Carver-Balsiger

Ford-Carey western. Some strong action and well sustained tension and a great third act, but this mostly a good showcase for Chayenne Harry's presence, the mix of nobility and not belonging that made Carey such an impressive western hero.

Filipe Furtado

64/100 Standard story with some Fordian elements. It has lot of heart and is quite fun. Ford assuredly directs it and has firm control over the visuals, the location photography is pretty great. Third act in the desert especially is very very good. Would definitely like it…

Avirup

One of those quality silent westerns combining the likable personality of Harry Carey and the cinematic eye of John Ford! Always a extra exciting when coming across rarities as this. This is not a epic western from John Ford, but a quick potboiler from the master. While…

PUNQ

Hectic little Western that plays out as one long rescue mission with interweaving storylines. Just another example that Ford excelled in the genre during the silent era, and long before his peak.

Jordan James Brooks

Ford's in pictorialist mode for much of this, and he gets off some magical shots -- but the flip-flopping between dramatic bits and mock-serious hangout/goofiness was hard for me to engage with. At a glance, though, it looks like an advance in artistry from his movies of…

Lencho of the Apes

Only Ford would be able to imprint so many emotions and remarkable moments in such a clumsy narrative. It is hard to follow what happens here, but the beauty of a friend who sings to celebrate two lovers uniting in front of a river is very real. There is also a puppy hidden…

Diogo Serafim

"Stay sober and watch out!" - Advice from a Friend of Harry's, - Ford: https://boxd.it/dtooC Harry Carey doesn't fully do it for me in this Western that just feels a bit too traditional and boring, despite the occasionally cool shots here and there.

{Todd}