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Rio Bravo
Rio Bravo
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Rio Bravo

Rio Bravo

1959
Romance, Drama
2h 21m
A small-town sheriff in the American West enlists the help of a cripple, a drunk, and a young gunfighter... (imdb)

Rio Bravo

1959
Romance, Drama
2h 21m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 71.67% from 1705 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(1725)
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Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
86th
One of the most highly entertaining westerns ever made, despite it large running time. Basically Wayne and his 3 depetities, barricade themselves in a small jail, trying to prevent a powerful rancher from breaking his brother out. At times tense, in other parts very humorous (hell, Martin and Nelson break out into song twice), this film is a great example of skillful film making.
Rated 26 Dec 2013
96
96th
John Wayne is John Wayne, but the cast around him is tailored perfectly for their roles. Walter Brennan is a stitch as old Stumpy. Dean Martin plays himself, I mean, a drunk. Angie Dickinson is gorgeous and Ricky Nelson is, well, gorgeous. If John Wayne can kiss Stumpy and get away with it, than I ought to be able to admit that I could get lost in Ricky Nelson's eyes. Edit: Now I find out some people DO question John Wayne's sexuality. Well I can see why working next to beautiful Ricky Nelson!
Rated 25 Aug 2010
4
70th
No wonder this was Robin Wood's favorite movie; the subversive sexual tension between Wayne, Martin and Nelson is off the charts, not to mention the smoldering sexuality Angie Dickinson projects. But besides its fascinating subtext (I'm not even sure it's sub-anything, given how bold Hawks' dialogue is), this is a gripping and entertaining western with great Technicolor photography and a nice score.
Rated 05 Jun 2009
100
99th
The film was made as a response to "High Noon," which is sometimes thought to be an allegory for blacklisting in Hollywood, as well as a critique of McCarthyism. Wayne teamed up with director Howard Hawks to tell the story his way.
Rated 28 Oct 2008
9
93rd
Perfectly cast, amusing, complex, great pacing, and exciting. But loses some points for John Wayne falling down the stairs. That was just awkward.
Rated 09 Apr 2018
80
80th
Too slow & uneventful for action/suspense, too generic & sparse for a character study but works as a hybrid. Darn solid & comfy western ballad about responsibility, friendship and all that romantic macho backbone and stuff. Doesn't quite make the most out of the long running time but a relaxed pace lets the drama breathe, punctuated by enough great scenes to keep you engaged. Wayne is just himself at this point but Dickinson & Martin are both hot as hell. Let's not talk about the Mexican couple.
Rated 09 May 2017
7
63rd
It dawdles (see the silly romance; two songs in a row to show off Martin and Nelson), but in the end that's part of its charm (bashful Wayne and chatty Dickinson are a fun pair; Nelson's such a dreamboat) and along with the repeated settings (jail, hotel, saloon), laugh-out-loud humour (Stumpy had me in stitches every scene he's in), and character drama (see Dude's development) it really makes you feel a cozy sense of familiarity along with the excitement you get from the bursts of action.
Rated 30 Jul 2012
80
53rd
A very well done Western, yet how it is considered anything above that has always been beyond me.
Rated 22 Nov 2007
85
84th
It seems that I can only tolerate Wayne when Hawks is directing him. Martin and Nelson make a fine pair of sidekicks. And Dickinson bristles with raw sexuality, a far more complete female character than you see in most Westerns. I could have done without Walter Brennan, one of the most irritating character actors ever. The story is very well-plotted, thoroughly engaging and entertaining. Nice Technicolor and great use of music. And of course, that superb snappy dialogue that Hawks excels at.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
88
91st
Even though he still had 20 years' worth of consummations left in his career, this should be seen as the ultimate self-reflexive Wayne - stodgy, weatherbeaten and sad-eyed, but still tough as hell when he needs to be. Bonus points for gay antics with Walter Brennan.
Rated 17 Apr 2019
4
44th
Y'all drunk man, if ever there was a "generic western" it's probably this movie with its stagey vibe, sets that look like movie sets, cliche dialogue and hammy performances. Easily on the lower ranked end of the westerns I've watched so far in this marathon. Angie Dickinson is hot.
Rated 07 Dec 2016
90
92nd
An immensely watchable film. The vivid technicolor. The gorgeous widescreen frame. The stunningly sexy Angie Dickinson. And most importantly, the engrossing interaction between likable characters. The script is loose and fun, but always gripping. Hawke's direction isn't flashy, but still controlled and immersive. And the music, including the diegetic interludes, always hits the right mood. This is a perfectly crafted piece of Hollywood entertainment.
Rated 08 Dec 2015
10
97th
Right from the get go, the movie grabs your attention, but what really makes it work are the memorable characters, which are brought to life by some great acting and writing. Wayne and Martin share an effortless chemistry, and Angie Dickinson, she's a sight for sore eyes, ain't she? Aside from a rather rushed climax, this is a genuinely fun and exciting western.
Rated 30 Aug 2015
95
96th
Blow'em away Dino.
Rated 02 Feb 2014
76
73rd
On the slow side at times, and Wayne is just a little too in control at all times; if this is supposed to be a rebuttal to "High Noon" for having an "unprofessional" sheriff, how about putting him up against some competent villains as well? And seriously, stop singing. That said, both Wayne and Martin are excellent.
Rated 15 Dec 2013
78
89th
Such an enjoyable old western that combines good character stories with exciting action as well as some warm witty humor. It moves at such a measured pace that occasionally can feel a little slow at times although I really liked some of the musical elements. Great cast, well directed and truly an unforgettable one.
Rated 06 Dec 2013
87
80th
Howard Hawks' hugely likable Western, so amiably populated that it almost negates the tension of the situation (it doesn't help that the villain is kind of an afterthought). But rather than being a pleasant bore, it's constantly entertaining, with beats of expertly handled action (the opening scene is marvelous) mixed with stretches of delightful low-key humor and drama. John Wayne is his usual solid self, but Dean Martin, as his drunk deputy, steals the show with a performance of unusual depth.
Rated 15 Sep 2012
85
93rd
Now this is a western. Everything just gels like a well-oiled machine. An enviable script, a stellar cast and some damn fine direction. I especially like how the town almost comes alive and becomes a character in its own right. I think this one might even turn some western haters into fans. Also, that opening scene: Should be the stuff of Film School curriculum if it isn't already.
Rated 02 Aug 2012
87
85th
This is a western that has everything it needs: provocative images (blood falling into a beer glass), smoldering sexuality (Angie Dickinson is off the charts), realistic shootouts, tension, and everyone talks like a jackass. And as the Duke would say, that last bit adds character.
Rated 06 Sep 2010
4
74th
A slow boil of masculine volatility, the building anticipation subverted by homosexual tension. The world in which it's set is realized wonderfully, a dangerous and complex web of competing loyalties perpetually drenched in warm Technicolor. It's just plotted, acted, and shot so well that the two-and-a-half hour runtime is no sweat.
Rated 22 Oct 2009
55
20th
A real disappointment, at least when compared with Ford & Leone westerns I've seen. Far too much hanging around the small town set playing guitar and pushing away the likes of the ravishing Dickinson. Not enough scenery and gunfights on horseback; in fact, there is virtually no action, the reason I would watch a western in the first place. I often find Wayne rather annoying, but never more so than here. It is one of those films where I just simply don't understand it's high-acclaim.
Rated 13 Aug 2009
82
70th
The stellar sturdiness of Hawks carries this plain-spoken western. It's pure Hollywood entertainment, locked into its technicolor era. Some elements haven't aged well--the love story, the colorful minor characters--but others demonstrate the enduring appeal of studio storytelling when the overarching assumption was that moviegoers wanted an well-told story above all else. Wayne's performance is nice, too, conveying the amused ease and agitated beleaguerment of a stalwart man doing his duty.
Rated 25 Jul 2009
97
91st
Leaps and bounds ahead of The Searchers. It can be saccharine at times, but Angie Dickinson actually deserves billing and isn't shoehorned in. Dean Martin can steal the show, but the other performances are just as top-notch as his.
Rated 20 Jul 2009
48
32nd
Whatever everyone else loves about this film, I guess I didn't get it. Martin is easily the best thing here, and Brennan is great as usual, but I'm afraid I found Wayne, Dickinson, and their romance totally unappealing. I like some long westerns, but this one didn't seem to me to have enough content to warrant the runtime. Ten minutes before the end of the movie, Wayne announces that he's just realized what he could have done that would have prevented everything that happened so far... C'mon.
Rated 23 Feb 2009
90
97th
Old Stumpy is great.
Rated 18 Jan 2008
90
97th
One of my favorite westerns of all time. Immensely enjoyable.
Rated 22 Apr 2007
80
79th
Music scenes are often quite cringe-worthy. Classic and unique ending/climax for an all round excellent western.
Rated 22 May 2024
55
17th
Lower than expected
Rated 28 Jan 2024
77
64th
The script has a few slow spots but there are also a number of exciting scenes. This film has a nice ensemble cast that work really well together. The scenes with action make up for the slow spots. Overall I would recommend this film.
Rated 01 Jul 2023
70
41st
Points for some cool moments and Dean Martin’s satisfying redemption arc. Actually Martin carries the film for me, surprisingly. Almost everything else is a drag, especially Angie Dickinson and her monologues. I could not fucking believe the romantic pairing, I genuinely thought it was a long-lost daughter scenario at first. Puke. Barf. Gag.
Rated 03 Jul 2022
85
98th
2. An ode to friendship and truly - going in line with popular consent - the quintessential buddy flick. The chemistry between Wayne, Martin, Nelson and Brennan is perfect. They all got each other's backs, have full trust and reliance on each other, and accept each other with all their flaws and quirks. Such a feelgood film, superbly crafted by Howard Hawks and deservedly a classic. The music sequence with Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson is out. of. this. world. Highest recommendation.
Rated 27 Jun 2022
68
20th
Nothing wrong with this movie it just ain’t for me really. Good dialogue but I was constantly wondering why this dude was wandering off to the saloon if the danger was so imminent. The old dude is super annoying and dragged it down a bit. A pleasant early afternoon watch, but it’s not going to sell anyone on Westerns or anything.
Rated 19 Jun 2022
60
25th
Likedthecsrdgirlandyoungguywhohelpedhim+thankedoldguywhowanteditandkissedheadlol+makesboydeputy-Dalmostquits
Rated 12 Jun 2022
95
97th
Wonderful, tightly written character drama with a touch of "siege" thrown in and plenty of gunplay sprinkled about to keep things lively. Made all the better due to excellent characterisation and snappy dialogue. I felt the emotions and I laughed along with the banter. There's a real warmth to the film and Dude's arc as the heartbroken alcoholic is a highlight. Feathers' drunken breakdown is also a great character moment that Dickinson completely nails as both emotional and comedic.
Rated 04 Feb 2022
6
95th
Not much to say on this one. Loved it.
Rated 31 Jan 2022
89
90th
I didn’t say I love you I said I’d arrest you!
Rated 12 Apr 2021
72
68th
I really like Dean Martin's character, but I thought the movie overall was a little underwhelming. I think it mostly boils down to the fact that I just don't really understand John Wayne's appeal, as he just always seems stiff and never particularly badass.
Rated 31 Dec 2020
88
91st
A genre classic, with virtuoso performances from Wayne and Martin.
Rated 09 Oct 2019
75
66th
This falls victim to a lot of silly old movie cliches, like the 22 year old falling for a guy old enough to be her grandfather for some reason, and there's John Wayne running like a prissy guy who's never run before, but it's a fun hang, and for 1959 it feels a bit more modern than the other films of its time
Rated 15 Sep 2019
78
89th
Quality old fashioned entertainment. Some corny humour, especially from Brennan, but it doesn't detract from the overall effect. Wayne is Wayne, and Martin was arguably at his peak here, while Dickinson contributes real sensuality and charm, despite her thinly written role. Hawks' casual pacing lets the film breathe, and there is a sense of unity to it that transcends the sum of its individual parts, which is typical of Hawks. As good as Red River, if not better.
Rated 24 Feb 2019
93
91st
92.50
Rated 17 Oct 2018
50
10th
John T. Chance: "You're not as smart as your brother, Joe. He sees Stumpy here sittin' around the corner locked in with you... and if that isn't plain enough, I'll tell you why. If any trouble starts around this jail, before anybody can get to you you're gonna get accidentally shot."
Rated 24 May 2018
80
81st
hawks standart aksiyonu tercih etmeden olayları ortaya çıkaran tematik altyapıya, karakterlere ve aralarındaki ilişkilere odaklanıp mizah dozu şaşırtıcı biçimde yüksek ve yerinde bir western ortaya çıkartıyor. western deyince akla gelen bir iskelet çıkarttığı kesin.
Rated 02 Jul 2017
70
57th
unhand me, white devil!
Rated 08 Jan 2017
95
98th
Possibly my favorite western. John Wayne, Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson (and of course Walter Brennan) are perfect in their roles, providing a consummate balance of moods, from lighthearted to serious while never reaching grim. It also has the best musical hiatus I have yet seen in cinema. Angie Dickenson, though, is petulant and off-putting. This brand of witty, seductive romance would be better for another type of film where perhaps it could have been developed more, hence -5 pts.
Rated 04 Jul 2016
66
74th
The plot feels almost like an after thought at times. The movie is really about the characters, Sheriff John T. Chance's friendship with his alcoholic former deputy, his romance with the gambler Feathers, and his easy rapport with Stumpy.
Rated 28 Feb 2016
17
93rd
Star Rating: ★★★★1/2
Rated 20 Dec 2015
39
53rd
surely, High Noon is a much much better film.
Rated 19 Jun 2015
3
30th
an unusually languid pace without much musical bombast for a western, which allows the characters room to breathe. unfortunately, because this is a western, these characters are uninteresting cardboard imitations, led by a typically stoic john wayne. the comic relief was awful.
Rated 19 May 2015
9
89th
Created to be the antithesis to the spectacular "High Noon", "Rio Bravo" manages to achieve greatness in its own way, using its running time to show off the fraternity between its characters and its tension and action to show off their bravado.
Rated 02 Jan 2015
50
0th
Howard Hawks #2
Rated 25 Dec 2014
76
77th
Well balanced story, harmonious mix of characters, and the plot has good pacing.
Rated 03 Dec 2014
95
98th
(2nd watch, 1st: 90)
Rated 06 Apr 2014
80
89th
Fun stuff. It hobbles along through the second act, but the characters are strong enough to carry it and the end is a nice blend of exciting and comical. Dean Martin is great, John Wayne is tolerable, and Ricky Nelson looks like he was plucked from a gay bar in the late 70's. I can't say I'm as much of a fan as Tarantino, but as far as traditional Westerns go, it's pretty good.
Rated 05 Mar 2014
47
25th
you either dig John Wayne or you don't.I'm in the latter camp. His films are boring as hell. "oooh ,look Dean Martin's in it" and "Angie Dickinson was hot" do not change that fact.
Rated 19 Feb 2014
89
91st
very entertaining & well written western classic. Really loved every scene with Dude & Stumpy in it. And Feathers. :)
Rated 09 Jan 2014
80
0th
2x
Rated 13 Aug 2013
84
92nd
dude reis .d
Rated 13 Apr 2013
91
96th
You simply won't find better camera placement and character development in western films than in this one, a fully accomplished Hawks' narrative both in terms of man-vs-woman affairs -- here, she's the one who turned Dude into a drunk and now seems to bother/change/ruin Chance's life for good -- and of reflections on different people getting together to solve a common issue. Martin delivers impressive acting -- and singing -- and Brennan is just hilarious.
Rated 22 Mar 2013
75
56th
It's certainly charming and good fun throughout, and I loved Angie Dickinson here who brought a nicely handled sexual tension to the love plot and most of the scenes are executed just as well as you could possibly ask for, though it all just rings of that whole invincible sheriff up against the doomed baddies thing. Also Walter Brennan really annoyed me.
Rated 18 Feb 2013
80
90th
I usually prefer my westerns a bit more gritty, but this was still a really good one. The cinematography was gorgeous - such nice colours. I'm not a big fan of John Wayne, but he did his job fine here. The supporting cast were really fun too. It was probably a bit too long, but I also quite liked the leisurely pace it had. I enjoyed the music; both the score and the actual songs performed in the movie. Recommended.
Rated 09 Feb 2013
1
0th
A great Western that shows John Wayne being actually charming instead of macho and irritating. I knew he had it somewhere! Score is not a grade.
Rated 08 Feb 2013
90
99th
90.000
Rated 29 Jan 2013
80
83rd
John Wayne in a familiar role as the western lawman. Dean Martin is an alcoholic former lawman and gunslinger. Some sappy singing from Martin. Funny performances from Walter Brennan. Angie Dickenson is sexy bar girl who tugs on the Sheriffs heart strings. John Wayne is his typical rough and tough character trying to keep the bad guy in jail until justice can be served. Ricky Nelson is the young buck gun hand who helps out. Fairly predictable but still enjoyable to watch.
Rated 18 Nov 2012
100
99th
Very good acting and plot. For the first few minutes actors don't say anything, yet you are perfectly able to understand what is going on.
Rated 15 Nov 2012
5
81st
I'm all over the place on this one. It's probably the movie I most enjoyed that has several minor things (really way too much) that grate my sensibilities.
Rated 29 Oct 2012
68
73rd
This movie is a pretty decent cat and mouse game between the good guys and the bad. It has a good mix of action, drama, romance, and comedy. The duet between Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson was a pleasant surprise. The romance plot was okay. Overall, the characters, both good and bad, were enjoyable. The only disappointment was that the end seemed rushed.
Rated 09 Sep 2012
80
66th
This is not exactly the West, but Illyria, or paradise. Time is there for the Dude to make his slow recovery from booze, for Colorado to act cool, for Feathers to talk John T. Chance into the ground, and so that Stumpy can grow old. So, it is 1959 and that dazzling moment when you can see Hollywood breaking up like old concrete, with beautiful new flowers creeping through the cracks. And this is Howard Hawks's last great film. Of course, Hawks's trick is to make it look easy, too.
Rated 09 Aug 2012
73
64th
This was a very family-friendly kind of western. There are a few shootouts, but maybe 3 people get shot in the entire movie, with barely a drop of blood to be seen. But it's definitely more about the story than the spectacle, and it does get that element right, even if it's carried out in a very reserved way.
Rated 01 Aug 2012
75
71st
One of the better westerns from the era. The acting is often sub-par but the plot is excellent, the action is thrilling, it's well shot and the score is good. Wayne, although not his worst performance, struggles to strike any chemistry with Dickinson which makes the romantic subplot cringe inducing. I'll never understand how he kept getting work.
Rated 26 Jul 2012
95
93rd
One awesome western. There's a reason why it has served as prototype and inspiration for so many different films. Plus, it's just really cool and has great performances from Dean Martin and Angie Dickinson.
Rated 06 Jul 2012
75
59th
Classic.
Rated 09 Apr 2012
90
86th
Pretty good classic American Western. I prefer my Westerns Spaghetti style but still it's pretty good.
Rated 10 Jan 2012
60
61st
Asking for help is for pussies; help will just gracefully present itself to you. And you probably won't even need it anyway since your problems will be easily overcome, much like the innocuous bad guys of Rio Bravo. The heroes are too strong and the villains too weak. Hawks' vision, Dean Martin, and his character all make it a worthwhile experience though. Angie Dickinson's face looks like one of those objectively perfect computer generated ones.
Rated 18 Dec 2011
85
84th
Just a great film in pretty much every respect. Everything just works- the dialogue, the music, and especially the tension that surrounds the plot and the sexual tension that comes from the acting and dialogue. The only thing that keeps this from possibly being the definitive Western is the lack of epic outdoor photography, but the claustrophobic indoor scenes work just as well.
Rated 06 Dec 2011
72
43rd
I'll freely admit to not being a big fan of Wayne, but a decent plot and some genuine laugh out loud moments make this one worth watching.
Rated 30 Nov 2011
97
94th
#59
Rated 16 Nov 2011
75
79th
funfun
Rated 30 Oct 2011
48
44th
I'm pretty sure I spoiled any potential appeal of John Wayne by watching most of Eastwood's westerns already. From what little I've seen there's no charisma whatsoever, surprising for such an icon. The singing scene was great though.
Rated 22 Oct 2011
45
41st
I'm not a big fan of westerns from this period, but I find this one pretty enjoyable. To me, a cast of John Wayne, Dean Martin & Ricky Nelson is not cause for optimism but Hawks makes it all work -- Wayne's performance seems more relaxed and his character more credible than usual; Nelson turns a rather wooden performance into a real asset, and even the Martin/Nelson vanity musical interlude is a high point.
Rated 16 Sep 2011
65
97th
Chance, Dude, Feathers, Stumpy, and Colorado. Great cast of characters. Great script. Just plain fun to watch!
Rated 16 Feb 2011
100
97th
Like Duke's custom made rifle, this film is something special
Rated 30 Dec 2010
48
36th
This very highly regarded western is actually a middling John Wayne vehicle populated by trite stereotypes for characters.
Rated 27 Dec 2010
93
97th
92.500
Rated 24 Jun 2010
100
96th
watched: 2010, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2024
Rated 05 May 2010
70
8th
This Hawks/Wayne western has received countless plaudits, however to me it was rather disappointing and run of the mill.
Rated 22 Mar 2010
9
91st
Character driven western that paces itself well. Engaging film that can be once again thanked by the cast. Howard Hanks of course deserves credit too. Such a variety of characters yet all of them are explored in what is a unique film.
Rated 13 Jan 2010
97
94th
58
Rated 21 Dec 2009
94
93rd
Not quite as good as the later Eldorado, but it does feature Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson singing together, and Walter Brennan doing a John Wayne impersonation. And of course Angie Dickinson's legs. How can you ask for more than that?
Rated 08 Nov 2009
89
90th
A great classic.
Rated 29 Oct 2009
100
99th
My favorite (non-spagetti) western !!!
Rated 01 Aug 2009
80
84th
High quality Western and one of Wayne's best.
Rated 19 Dec 2008
97
94th
63
Rated 01 Dec 2008
96
87th
Worth watching just to see the "Duke" kiss Walter Brennan on the head.
Rated 29 Sep 2008
95
92nd
Very well built characters ... I easily liked this one .... and Angie Dickinson was very charming and beautiful... Hard to forget...
Rated 15 May 2008
95
97th
Jolly, dynamic, and melancholic as hell.
Rated 01 Mar 2008
97
95th
# 58
Rated 16 Jan 2008
89
92nd
Classic Duke.
Rated 30 Nov 2007
89
77th
Despite being a "singing cowboy" movie (with Ricky Nelson at the mic, not John Wayne), this is a pretty good yarn. Seeing John Wayne basically trip down a flight of stairs was a bit silly however.
Rated 23 Oct 2007
92
93rd
A great film all around--the controlled, unhurried pace; the simple use of the camera, with a particular emphasis on groups of people rather than close-ups; and the way the story plays against the traditional hero story. In this case, Wayne requires the assistance of the drunk, the disabled, and the youth--without these "lesser" people, the hero would have no chance against the villain. The film is ultimately about the value and the need for others to establish a peaceable, livable community.

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