83
Metascore
17 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertOne of the glories of True Grit is that it recognizes Wayne's special presence. It was not directed by Ford (who in any event probably couldn't have been objective enough about Wayne), but it was directed by another old Western hand, Hathaway, who has made the movie of his lifetime and given us a masterpiece. This is the sort of film you call a movie, instead of the kind of movie you call a film.
- 100The New York TimesVincent CanbyThe New York TimesVincent CanbyA marvelously rambling frontier fable packed with extraordinary incidents, amazing encounters, noble characters and virtuous rewards.
- 100TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineAn enormously entertaining adventure that is as much about John Wayne's image as it is about a girl seeking revenge for her father's murder.
- 80The GuardianScott TobiasThe GuardianScott TobiasThe film has much more sophistication than the average throwback, but the search for justice across Indian Territory is uncomplicated and righteous, and the half-contentious/half-sentimental relationship between a plucky teenager and an irascible old coot grounds it in the tried-and-true.
- 80The TelegraphThe TelegraphJohn Wayne gives an imposing and vivid performance. [07 Nov 2014, p.37]
- 75LarsenOnFilmJosh LarsenLarsenOnFilmJosh LarsenOne of Hollywood’s true curiosities. At times a charming, kiddie Western, this John Wayne vehicle also has a real nasty streak.
- 70Village VoiceAndrew SarrisVillage VoiceAndrew SarrisTrue Grit is well worth seeing, but it is hardly a monument either to Wayne or to the western. [21 Aug 1969, p.37]
- 50Chicago ReaderDave KehrChicago ReaderDave KehrThe director, Henry Hathaway, is another old veteran, and the cinematographer is the great Lucien Ballard, but somehow it comes off like a TV celebrity roast.