Hostiles

Hostiles is a 2017 Western drama film directed by Scott Cooper and starring Christian Bale, Rosamund Pike, Wes Studi, and Jonathan Majors. Set in the 19th century, the story takes place in 1892, a time when the United States was still in the process of expanding its territories and dealing with the complexities of Native American relations. The film's protagonist, Captain Joseph J. Blocker (played by Christian Bale), is a seasoned soldier with a troubled past. A seasoned veteran of multiple skirmishes and raids, Blocker has become increasingly disillusioned with the harsh realities of serving in a war-torn nation. As one who has fought against the Cheyenne people, Blocker is not held in high esteem by Native American tribes. The character's backstory and experiences are slowly revealed throughout the film, offering a glimpse into his motivations and personal demons. Blocker is given a final mission by the military before his planned retirement: to escort a Cheyenne chief, Yellow Hawk (played by Wes Studi), and his family through treacherous territory back to their Montana reservation. The Cheyenne, who have lived in relative peace for several years, have been informed that their lands are to be relocated by the government due to agricultural interests. In despair, Yellow Hawk decides to take one final trip through the land he knows, to honor the spirits of his ancestors and to bring his ailing daughter, Isabelle, to her dying sister on the reservation. The complex situation that Blocker is now a part of is fraught with danger and tension. The film takes place during a time of great social change, as Native American tribes continue to resist the expansion of the United States. As the two groups - the Cheyenne people and the American military - begin their perilous journey, they are met with hostility from rival tribes, as well as from rogue soldiers who seek to exploit the situation for their own gain. The film's characters are multidimensional and often fraught with contradictions. Blocker, despite his past wrongdoings, is shown to have a compassionate side, particularly when interacting with Rosalie Quaid (played by Rosamund Pike), a schoolteacher who has been left to fend for herself in the wilderness after being widowed in a previous skirmish. Through their interactions, a romance blossoms between the two, and Rosalie's presence offers a humanizing influence on Blocker, forcing him to confront the brutal realities of the world around him. Throughout their journey, the two groups encounter a series of challenges, from hostile tribes to extreme weather conditions. The cinematography of the film beautifully captures the stark beauty of the American West, showcasing the vast expanses of uncharted territory and the rugged terrain that the characters must navigate. As the characters draw closer to their destination, their interactions with each other become increasingly complex and revealing. Blocker, who has always seen himself as a hero of the American military, begins to question his past actions and the true nature of his enemy. Through his interactions with Yellow Hawk and the rest of the Cheyenne tribe, Blocker comes to realize the humanity that existed beyond the confines of war. His relationships with Rosalie and the Cheyenne people challenge his perceptions of the world and force him to confront the complexities of the conflict he has been a part of for so long. The story takes a dramatic turn as Blocker and the Cheyenne people face a series of setbacks and challenges along the way. As tensions rise and the characters face danger, a series of pivotal moments test Blocker's resolve and willingness to confront the harsh realities of his past. Through his character development and his interactions with the other characters, Blocker comes to understand that his duty as a soldier goes beyond simply following orders - it extends to respecting the rights and dignity of the people he has sworn to protect. The film's climax finds Blocker, the Cheyenne people, and Rosalie facing their greatest challenge yet: a series of armed men who seek to do violence to the Cheyenne. The confrontation is intense and emotionally charged, as Blocker and the Cheyenne people must work together to protect each other from harm. The resolution of the conflict is both poignant and powerful, as Blocker, Yellow Hawk, and the rest of the tribe find a measure of peace and closure. In the end, Blocker is forced to confront the legacy of his past actions and the true nature of his enemy. The film suggests that even in the darkest of times, there is always a chance for redemption and forgiveness. As Blocker reflects on his time with the Cheyenne people and his relationships with Rosalie and Yellow Hawk, he comes to understand that the true meaning of a hero is not simply in victory or triumph, but in the humanity and compassion that we show each other in even the most difficult of circumstances. Overall, Hostiles is a powerful and thought-provoking film that challenges the viewer to confront the complexities of a tumultuous period in American history. Through its nuanced characters, complex situations, and beautiful cinematography, the film offers a rich and engaging portrayal of the clash between American military power and the resilience of the Native American people.