Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid is a classic Western film released in 1969, directed by George Roy Hill and written by William Goldman. Starring Paul Newman as Butch Cassidy and Robert Redford as the Sundance Kid, the movie tells an epic tale of two outlaws who form a partnership to rob banks and trains in the American Wild West. The film opens with Butch and Sundance on the run from a group of police officers, who are led by a relentless lawman, hired by the railroad companies to stop the duo from successful bank robberies. Butch is a charismatic leader, able to charm almost any woman and convince people to see his side of things. On the other hand, Sundance is quiet and deadly with a gun, a perfect sidekick to Butch's charm and wit.
As the two of them plan their next heist, their trajectory takes a sudden turn when they meet Etta Place, played by Katherine Ross. Etta is a schoolteacher who, after falling for Sundance, decides to join the duo in their criminal activity. The three of them head to Bolivia, where they plan to retire wealthy, but things don't go as planned.
The story is told through a combination of flashbacks, comedic interludes, and dramatic scenes that keep the audience engaged and entertained from start to finish. Butch and Sundance's complex relationship is the heart of the film, with their friendship and loyalty being tested on multiple occasions as they face jail time, confrontations with the Bolivian authorities, and a growing sense of fear that they might not make it out alive.
The script is witty and clever, with memorable one-liners that have become part of American pop culture. The movie's famous opening scene, where Butch and Sundance have a humorous exchange before engaging in a shootout, sets the tone for the rest of the film.
The film's technical aspects are also noteworthy, with beautiful cinematography capturing the stunning Western landscapes and the vibrant colors of the Bolivian villages. The final chase sequence through the Bolivian mountains is one of the most iconic scenes in the history of cinema, with the film's theme song "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" by B.J. Thomas playing in the background, adding a touch of irony to the violent chase.
Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid is not just a film about outlaws and lawmen; it is a character study of two complex men who find themselves in a world that's changing rapidly. Butch and Sundance's way of life is becoming obsolete, as technology and the law-enforcement methods are advancing. The movie shows the moral struggle of the duo, as they are forced to confront the consequences of their actions and the fact that their days of freedom might be coming to an end.
In conclusion, Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid is a must-watch movie for anyone who appreciates good storytelling and memorable performances. Paul Newman and Robert Redford's chemistry is unparalleled, with the two actors creating a friendship that feels authentic and genuine. The film is a classic example of the Western genre, but it is also a movie that transcends its genre, making us care about the characters and their plight.
Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid is a 1996 history movie with a runtime of 45 minutes.
