The Far Side of Jericho

The Far Side of Jericho is a captivating 2006 film that springs from the western genre. Starring Suzanne Andrews, Judith Burnett, and Lissa Negrin, the movie boasts a strong female ensemble that goes beyond the conventional norms of the western cinematic universe. The film is directed by the talented Tim Hunter and the script is elegantly drafted by Rob Sullivan and named after a pivotal town in the storyline.

The storyline of The Far Side of Jericho revolves around the trials and tribulations of three remarkable women—Vanessa, Claire, and Little Jemmy—played by Andrews, Burnett, and Negrin respectively, all widows of an outlaw gang. The narrative starts with their husbands' death caused by a forceful detonation planned to rob a stagecoach filled with gold.

The explosion leaves the wives in a precarious position, with an insurmountable debt on their shoulders as the authorities and debtors believe they have stashed away the fortune of their late outlaw husbands. Tottering between turmoil and despair, the widows find themselves embroiled in a dangerous pursuit as bounty hunters, lawmen, and lecherous men hound them relentless in order to lay hands on the alleged fortune.

The highly skilled actresses ensure that their characters are not mere caricatures but have depth and evolve throughout the journey. Vanessa (Suzanne Andrews), is sharp, edgy, and the closest to her late husband's lifestyle, living by her wits and quick reflexes. Claire (Judith Burnett), on the other hand, is the gang leader's widow, a compassionate soul who steers the other two towards resilience, constantly reminding them of the ramifications of their husband's deeds. Little Jemmy, played by Lissa Negrin, is the youngest and most vulnerable of the trio, dealing with an entirely different predicament as she faces the bitter aftermath of her husband's nefarious life.

The film's antagonist is excellently executed by James Gammon, playing the vengeful character of Van Damm, determined to pay back blood with blood.

The film cleverly utilizes the vast terrains, spectacular mountain ranges, and grim yet enchanting deserts of New Mexico, adding to the movie's authenticity. Through long and expressive shots, Tim Hunter manages to capture the essence of a raw and open land that serves as the perfect setting. There is an enticing play of thundering horses, chilling shootouts, and intense face-offs—an artistic stroke mastering the spirit of a true western.

The Far Side of Jericho succeeds in shaping its female characters into bonafide western heroines, standing tall amidst danger and often saving themselves through cunning and bravery, breaking the stereotypical damsel-in-distress chain linked with women in westerns. Andrews, Burnett, and Negrin have admirably played their characters, each stirring the viewer's attention with riveting performances.

The Far Side of Jericho is a breath of fresh air, blending the patriarchal classic western genre with a feminist approach that refreshingly empowers the female characters. While it upholds the suspense and fast-paced action sequences that are the trademark of westerns, it weaves these elements into a gradually revealed narrative and complex characters that are often missing from stereotypical representations.

Despite being intense, the movie manages to inject humor and wit through engaging dialogue and situations, amplifying the overall entertainment quotient. Particularly noteworthy is the film's commitment to portraying the grit, determination, and vulnerability of its female leads despite the odds stacked against them.

Overall, The Far Side of Jericho gives a fresh spin to the worn-out plots of the western genre. It's a film where women are not reduced to peripheral roles but take center stage, fighting their way through adversity, making choices, and proving to be as tough, if not tougher than their male counterparts. It tosses the traditional western templates yet keeps the compact basics intact to weave a tale of survival, womanhood, and morality.

With a promising cast, sterling performances, breathtaking scenery, a gripping narrative, and an unexpected twist of feminism in the heartlands of the western genre, The Far Side of Jericho is a must-watch movie with an aura of its own. It's an engaging, entertaining, and empowering film that masterfully explores the intersection of crime narratives and women's resilience in the challenging times of the wild west.