When it comes to Westerns, they really don't make them like they use to and a standout film in this genre, for me, remains Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hit the big screen here in the UK back in 1970 and kicked off one of cinema's greatest movie partnerships - of course, I am talking about Paul Newman and Robert Redford.
The partnership between Newman and Redford is what makes Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid such a special film and it's a shame that the duo didn't make more than two feature films together - the other was The Sting in 1973.
The movie saw Newman take on the role of Butch Cassidy, while Redford was the Sundance Kid, two robbers who flee to Bolivia when the law gets a little too close for comfort. Katharine Ross is also on board as Etta Place, the woman that both men are in love with.
Of course, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a traditional Western in the sense that there are gun fights, outlaws, and robberies - all the things that you really would expect from a movie in this genre. However, at its heart, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a movie about friendship.
It is this theme of friendship that makes it standout from all the other Westerns that hit the big screen around this time. It is a poignant tale between these two men, played perfectly by Newman and Redford. The chemistry between the pair is was really grabs and holds you attention - the duo remained good friends up until Newman's death back in 2008.
There is something so moving, real, and raw about this central relationship and it's what makes the ending even more powerful - you know that they are going to fight for each other until the bitter end.
Director George Roy Hill should also get a pack on the back as he has understood the relationship that formed between these two great actors and has captured absolutely perfect performances from them both.
The director has balanced elements of action, charm, and humour incredibly well, which has resulted in him delivering more than just your average Western. There was something fresh and new about this Western when it was released and it remains one of the greatest to have ever hit the big screen.
Upon release, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was a huge hit and went on to be nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Hill. The movie went on to win four; Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Original Son, and Best Music.
In 2015, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is celebrating its 45th anniversary and it remains as great a Western movie today as it was when it was first released. I am glad to say that no one has ever tried to remake this movie and I hope that it is one that is left well alone.