A classic western starring Robert Redford that’s hailed as one of the best films ever made is streaming now, as fans mourn the Hollywood icon’s death aged 89. Redford, who had a glittering acting and directing career in which he won an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and two Golden Globe Awards, among others, died on Tuesday at his home in Utah.
The big screen legend’s representative said in a statement that Redford died at his home at Sundance in the mountains in a “place he loved, surrounded by those he loved”. He will be remembered for a number of extraordinary performances, including in The Sting, and All the President’s Men.
Other fans point to 1969’s Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid as his standout work. The film is loosely based on the story of two infamous Wild West outlaws, Robert LeRoy Parker (played by Paul Newman), and his partner Harry Longabaugh (Redford).
One fan on Rotten Tomatoes called it a “beautiful film in every way”.
“The cinematography, characters, story and soundtrack, are all on another level. I simply can’t recommend enough,” they added.
Another called it: “One of the most influential westerns made, a must see for fans of the genre.”
A third said: “Absolute classic, though you feel it really has no right to be, with that strange, anachronistic Burt Bacharach song in the middle, followed by sepia postcards from the boat trip to south America.
“Proof in a way that you can hang almost anything on a brilliant script and characters … and the movie will still work.”
The film is critically acclaimed and Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 89% score on the site’s Tomatometer, which reflects the percentage of approved critics who have given it a positive review.
Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid is streaming now on Disney+ and is also available to rent or buy on other platforms, including Apple TV and Amazon Prime.