A gritty modern Western is hailed by fans as an underrated “masterpiece” and is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. The Proposition (2005) is set in 1880s Australia and tells the story of two outlaw brothers, Charlie Burns (played by Guy Pearce) and Mikey (Richard Wilson), who are apprehended during a deadly shootout with police.
Mikey is threatened with execution for his crimes, but police officer Captain Stanley (played by Ray Winstone) has his sights on a bigger prize and offers to hand them their freedom if they kill their notorious older brother, Arthur (Danny Huston), who is wanted for rape and murder. The film was directed by The Road director John Hillcoat, and written by celebrated musician and screenwriter Nick Cave. One Audience Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes called it: “Brutal and beautiful. The savagery of 19th century Australian outback is captured in this gritty and original western masterpiece.”
Another described it as a “very underrated hard brutal Western from Australia”.
A third said it is a “phenomenal film, no doubt”.
“With excellent performances, brutal realism, & an ending to remember, this film ranks with the best of the western genre. Highly recommended,” they added.
A fourth fan said the film “blew me away”. “I loved it. It’s one of the best westerns and frankly one of the best dramas I have ever seen.”
The film also confronts the Australia’s dark colonial past, and the brutal treatment of Aboriginal Australians.
The drama is rated 18 by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and contains strong language and strong bloody violence, so may not be for everyone.
It’s highly rated on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 86% score on the platform’s Tomatometer (which reflects the percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given it a positive review).
The Proposition is streaming now on BFI player.