One of the greatest westerns in the history of cinema is, in fact, a remake with better reviews than the original.

One of the most critically acclaimed Westerns , impeccably crafted and deeply emotionally charged, isn't actually an original story. It's a remake that, against all odds, has managed to surpass the original version . Its success hasn't just been commercial: it has also won over genre experts, the most discerning cinephiles, and the general public.

We're talking about True Grit ( 2010), directed by brothers Joel and Ethan Coen (directors of Fargo and No Country for Old Men ). This modern version faithfully reinterprets Charles Portis' novel of the same name and, according to international critics, strengthens the original 1969 adaptation starring John Wayne .

The film, starring Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon and Josh Brolin, garnered no fewer than ten Academy Award nominations and an impressive 95% score on the specialist website Rotten Tomatoes , surpassing the classic film in all its metrics.

A story of revenge

The story takes place in the years following the American Civil War . Mattie Ross, a determined 14-year-old, seeks justice for her father's murder and hires the gruff but effective veteran sheriff Rooster Cogburn.

They are joined by a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf, and together they embark on a dangerous chase through Indian country. This film skillfully blends classic Western elements with a tougher, more introspective narrative approach that echoes the tone of the original book.

With a less ironic tone than other Coen films, this adaptation was praised by critics for its faithfulness to the novel, its character development, and its restrained yet powerful staging. Jeff Bridges moves away from John Wayne's shadow with a nuanced Rooster Cogburn, while Hailee Steinfeld surprised the world with a debut performance, on par with established actresses. True Grit is available on the streaming platforms SkyShowtime and Movistar Plus+ .