Truce (2005)

It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.

It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

I found this movie to be a heart warming and sensitive story. I come from an agricultural community myself, and can identify with the struggles that many small ranchers and farmers go through to survive. The strength of the rancher, Buck Taylor, to keep his ranch against difficult odds gave him a realistic portrayal of the grit of these people. Also, his devotion to his granddaughter touched my heart, and put family at the top of priorities. The cinematography authentically captured the essence of this film. In addition, the cattle drive scene, with the downpour, reflected the endurance, dedication and magnitude that ranchers must face to survive.

Before seeing the movie Truce, I had been told by a friend that I would truly enjoy it and that I would relate to the story line as I am a grandmother to four. My friend's comments were an understatement! While watching Truce, I was drawn to Buck Taylor's character from the beginning to the end. Watching Taylor work through the pain of previous mistakes, trying to make better choices with his granddaughter is something that most can relate. Touching scenes, Taylor as he works through his broken heart and as he fights to save his land, brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. Truce is not a fast-paced western; the story unfolds beautifully under the direction of Matt Marconi. Truce is a film of dedication, passion, forgiveness, and love. I would recommend this film as a wonderful family film.

What a refreshing look at ranch life and family relationships. Buck Taylor is great in his portrayal of an aging rancher trying his best to come to grips with his past, while at the same time caring for his granddaughter and his land, both of which he loves dearly. Beautifully written and directed by Matthew Marconi, "Truce" is a well-told story of determination, forgiveness, and perseverance. The story unfolds gradually, drawing the viewer in to the lives of Harry Dodds and his granddaughter, Jenny, with interesting flashbacks giving insight into Harry's current struggles and dilemmas. Beautifully shot and edited, "Truce" speaks to our basic human desire for community and home, and the need we have for self-acceptance and hope.

Truce is a wholesome movie that any family can see without excessive violence or profanity. It portrays the modern American rancher in an authentic manner. In the story, Harry Dodds played by the great Buck Taylor(Gunsmoke, Tombstone) struggles to hold onto his modest Northern California cattle ranch and raise the granddaughter, Samantha Droke, that he hardly knows. Buck Taylor gives a nuanced and layered performance that taps into the human condition. Samantha Droke is equally good as Jenny. Their relationship evolves throughout the film as they deal with personal tragedy and hardship. Truce has an excellent supporting cast that includes Barry Tubb(Top Gun, Grand Champion), Brad Johnson(The Rough Riders) and Academy Award Winner, George Kennedy. The cinematography is stunning as it reflects the landscape as another character in the film. The music is original and it falls right into place with the story and characters. This film will hold the audience's interest from start to finish.