Sanctified (2022) User Reviews

It's alright

[redban02 · 6/10 · 29 September 2023]

Not a bad movie, overall: the scenery is nice, the costumes look authentic and western, the acting and dialogue are done well, and the protagonists are likable, particularly the nun. The movie also has some intense scenes without getting gory. For those reasons alone, this movie can be worth it, especially if you're a big fan of Western movies.

The plot keeps this movie from reaching the next level from decent to excellent though. The movie is predictable, with a basic underlying premise of a hardened cowboy who expectedly softens up because of a kind-hearted nun. Some scenes feel so awkward and random, such as this one instance where a Native American guy interrupts their bonfire. And I don't quite grasp the relationship between the main protagonist Westin and the villain. Infact, about 75% through the film, we see a female villain all of a sudden

Decent movie. But not great.

Shoots and misses

[grybar · 4/10 · 25 April 2024]

Two major problems. First, the writing attempts to be profound but the dialogue leaves the impression that the characters are talking nonsense in their sleep. It's left to the audience to try to assemble some sort of message or moral from the random strings of phrases. Second, the characters seem based in inscrutability and fail to make contact with one another or with the audience. Weston's character arc is abrupt and unmotivated. Hildegard is so inconsistent that her character looses traction. The reveal of the McGuffin -- the monstrance -- falls flat. This is another "modern" western seeking meaning in the bleak. While the mileau may have been rooted in realism, the characters were not. Good scenics of North Dakota, though.

Much, much better than expected.

[vikingtales · 8/10 · 15 August 2023]

Found this movie on a streaming site I use a lot, and to be honest, having not heard of any of the players was a bit doubtful, if this was going to be yet another B movie let down, with little story or character depth.

Gladly I have to say I was very wrong, this is a very good movie, with some powerful performances from the actors in this, and not a B movie let down in the slightest.

It is pretty standard fair like so many movies of once bad guy meets a nun and she turns his head around and he comes good at the end, kills all his old compatriots into the bargain for killing his brother.

But the direction and acting more than makes up for the similar story, well worth a watch.

Wonderful

[eastwood975 · 10/10 · 29 August 2023]

I love westerns. All kinds of westerns. From Roy Rogers, to John Wayne and The Magnificent Seven to The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly. 3:10 to Yuma, either version and True Grit ... either version. So I'm pretty picky. And this one didn't disappoint. The story was engaging, the acting was above board, and the score was a delight. The story seemed familiar with, what I felt was a nodd to Two Mules For Sister Sarah (which I loved). If you want to watch a nice, character driven, fairly non-vulgar cowboy drama on a Saturday Night ... this is a good one to chose. You won't be disappointed in the least.

A really good Western!

[fahoischen · 9/10 · 17 December 2023]

This western is actually much better than its below-average rating makes it seem at first glance. It's not your typical western with cowboys, Indians, soldiers, bandits and sheriffs. But it is a western that has enough action, even if it develops slowly. But the special thing about this western is that it carries a good message. Because it shows that through the good example of a nun, even a selfish bandit can change into a good person. Because this nun doesn't talk empty religious stuff, she lives her faith and is prepared to sacrifice herself for it. And that makes the bandit become altruistic and do good things too.

Based on the previous reviews, I wasn't expecting such a good film. But I watched the whole film with joy and great interest.

Excellent Film

[threeducklings · 9/10 · 12 August 2023]

I ordered this movie after a recommendation from a friend of mine

Entertaining, high-quality western film with a great storyline

Features everything I enjoy about a classic western movie - nostalgia, beautiful scenery, a suspenseful plot, and memorable characters

Notably missing is the racism or graphic violence some western movies contain - a pleasant and refreshing surprise

I enjoyed the soundtrack and the ambient sounds. The campfire scenes stick out as some of the best in this film because the crackles of the fire burning make it sound as though I'm right there with the characters

Highly recommend seeing this film at least once.

Great and emotional movie

[nfpwhhnb · 9/10 · 20 September 2023]

I loved the acting. There were times that I felt emotion and tears due to the way some of the ones portrayed in the movie showed no mercy. I do wish someone at the end didn't wind up dying. I won't spoil that part of who it was. The main characters acting was excellent. The nun was also great. I was touched by the ending. Watch it and decide for yourself whether you like it or not. I for one was really engrossed in the movie from the beginning to the ending. I'd loved to see the main character in more western movies. Not sure how this wound up only having a 3 and a half star on here. But critiques will be critiques. :)