Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1

Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1

Explore the lure of the Old West and how it was won—and lost—through the blood, sweat and tears of many. Spanning the four years of the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, embark on an emotional journey across a country at war with itself, experienced through the lens of families, friends and foes all attempting to discover what it truly means to be the United States of America.

  • Released:
  • Runtime: 181 minutes
  • Genre: Drama, Western
  • Stars: Dale Dickey, Kathleen Quinlan, Larry Bagby, James Landry Hébert, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jamie Campbell Bower, Luke Wilson, Thomas Haden Church, Jena Malone, Alejandro Edda, Tatanka Means, Isabelle Fuhrman, Michael Angarano, Abbey Lee, Tim Guinee, Scott Haze, Angus Macfadyen, Jon Beavers, Danny Huston
  • Director: Kevin Costner
 Comments
  • pritchettian - 4 July 2024
    Absolutely magnificent (no spoilers)
    When I heard Costner was making a 12 hour movie, I was thrilled. Then I read a bunch of hate on the movie, and was a wee bit concerned. Then I saw it, and now I'm just concerned about myself, for once again giving the tiniest eff what critics have to say.

    The movie is incredible. I kept reading it was "slow" which it is not at ALL. Didn't lag for a single minute. Multiple storylines, yes, but easy to follow. Stunning landscape and sets and costumes and cinematography and acting. When it was over I was quite surprised, didn't seem even close to 3 hours. I was also disappointed, I wanted more.

    I'm so happy I saw this in the theater, can't wait for the next chapter.

    If you like westerns, you'll Love this movie. If you don't like westerns, you should. They're great.
  • blake-blamar - 3 July 2024
    Just a little too much.
    I think it just felt like it was far too indulgent. Yes, I get that it is supposed to be an epic and it will wrap up in Horizon2 but it was just not interesting. It was a long slog from one expository scene to the next that was totally unrelated and showed no hope of connecting with the others. And then there was the challenge that there is not one redeeming character in the movie. You want to want to like the Costner character but he just doesn't have the magic. It is an awesome travelogue to inspire a visit to Wyoming and New Mexico with some stellar cinematography. I am iffy about going to see Part 2 but since I have invested this much time already and we got our tickets for half price since it was Tuesday. It would worth it.
  • slightlymad22 - 3 July 2024
    I Wanted To Watch Part 2 Straight Awat
    I just got out of Horizon, with my brother

    We both really enjoyed it. I honestly, do not know what the critics, who have criticised this movie watched.

    I get that it doesn't have traditional pacing or the usual character arcs (no traditional good or bad guys) and it ends with no conclusion or cliffhanger. It really is the beginning of a story, with multiple storylines. But the writing, acting, directing, cinematography (it's stunningly beautiful) and score are all superb.

    Kevin Costner doesn't give himself a lot of screen time; he doesn't even turn up until after an hour. He is just one of the many storylines. Jamie Campbell Bower is a real scene stealer, as is Georgia MacPhale, but really everyone is great, Abbey Lee (a really energised performance), Owen Crow Shoe, Sienna Miller, Jon Beavers, Luke Wilson, Isabelle Fuhrman, Ella Hunt, Tom Payne (Jesus in Walking Dead) Michael Rooker, Will Patton, Jena Malone, Danny Huston, Jeff Fehey and Kevin even managed to get a performance from Sam Worthington. An actor I have been very critical of in the past.

    There is a raid by the Native Americans at the beginning, that was very uncomfortable to watch, as was a shocking attack on the Native Americans. There is a great; really intense scene at a Trading Post, that had me on the edge of my seat.

    Honestly, we both said after a pee, we'd have quite happily went and watched Chapter 2, straight after it.

    This is so beautifully shot, it deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible. I'll certainly be going back to watch it, again.

    There were only 9 other people in the screening.

    My rating on this may go up, when I seen the story as a whole.
  • megalopolis - 23 May 2024
    An absolutely exciting and thrilling movie
    From the premiere in Cannes, it can be seen that director Kevin Costner loves some storytelling. In this film, a lot of subjective shots are used, KEVIN is a person who is very good at telling stories with camera and sound elements, as can be seen from the opening shot, giving me a strong visual experience.

    It is worth mentioning that in the end of this movie, a lot of shots were used to create a tense atmosphere, making the conflict very strong. It was also a lot of perspective shooting, and even pivot shots, that made the chaotic atmosphere extremely attractive, which should be considered a long montage. Make this story exceptionally exciting, of course, this is just the first movie, just a small part. Many events and character motivations still need to be fully displayed in the next few (maybe 3 or 4), with several clues going hand in hand and not messy at all. Although it may seem too long for some young audiences, the viewing experience is simply not too good, it can completely capture my emotions, Kevin Costner is undoubtedly a genius and a master of this type of Western cinema.

    I have a strong premonition that this movie is a rare masterpiece. I immediately want to watch the second part that follows. I heard it will be released in August this year, great!