Forgotten Western film hailed as 'masterpiece' was 'robbed of an Oscar'

A 'forgotten' Western film has been hailed as one of cinema's finest by fans who believe the film was "robbed of an Oscar".

The 2010 version of True Grit, a reimagining of the 1969 classic starring screen legend John Wayne, is from the novel of the same name. This contemporary take was crafted by the distinguished Coen Brothers, with the intent to deliver a rendition more loyal to the literary source than its predecessor.

Assuming the robust lead is Jeff Bridges, who embodies the gruff US Marshall Rooster Cogburn in this hard-edged Western. Engaged by young Mattie Ross, age 14, he embarks on a quest to solve the brutal slaying of her father at the hands of the treacherous Tom Chenny.

Joining Bridges is joined by Matt Damon and Josh Brolin, with Hailee Steinfeld making her screen debut as the young protagonist Mattie - performances that garnered critical acclaim upon release.

The Guardian said: "In 1969, it was all about Mattie and Rooster's comic father-daughter relationship and LaBoeuf was a minor figure. Now it is an emotional triangle, and Damon gives a really outstanding performance as the prickly Texan Ranger, unsure whether to dislike Mattie or fall in love with her, and whose relationship with Mattie finally becomes poignant and tender, a gallant brotherly concern. Damon comes close, very close, to upstaging Bridges.", reports the Mirror US.

"This True Grit is a very impressive piece of work, beautifully photographed by Roger Deakins, and if you had never seen the original, it might be getting even higher praise.

"Its final moments have an exquisite sadness and gentleness that the Coen Brothers have never quite achieved before."

The film didn't just garner critical praise, it was also a box office juggernaut, raking in a mammoth £252million. Audiences loved with its stirring narrative laced with dark undertones, and many voiced their displeasure at its Oscar snub.

One impressed Rotten Tomatoes user said: "Holy moly, the performances are amazing. Bridges is oscar-worthy here."

Echoing the sentiment, another commenter added: "Bridges should have won Best Actor for his amazing performance."

A critic claimed True Grit was the best Western in two decades: "I would go as far to say as it's an excellent, albeit very fannish piece of filmmaking and the best western of the last twenty years."

Another added: "True Grit is a masterpiece that should win over the most dedicated Duke die-hards and introduce a new generation of boys (and girls) to the gritty thrills of the Wild West."

One review said: "The sharp humour of the film and flashes of eccentricity, such as a henchman who only communicates using animal noises, show the Coens' unique personality, but as a whole True Grit is beautifully, simply classic."

True Grit is streaming now on Paramount and available to rent on Amazon Prime or Apple TV.