SummaryThe unearthing of human bones and a rusty sheriff's badge on a rifle range in a Texas border town resurrects painful memories for a young lawman (Cooper), drawing him into an intricate, fascingatingly woven web of ethical, familial, and intercultural conflicts.
Directed By:John Sayles
Written By:John Sayles
Lone Star
Metascore
Generally Favorable
79
User score
Generally Favorable
7.1
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
83% Positive
19 Reviews
19 Reviews
13% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
4% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
100
A really absorbing and powerfully acted drama, guided with a distinctive kind of Zen wisdom by Sayles.
100
A richly textured and thoroughly engrossing drama that ranks with indie filmmaker John SaylesJohn Sayles' finest work.
User score
Generally Favorable
74% Positive
29 Ratings
29 Ratings
15% Mixed
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
10% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
Aug 30, 2021
10
This manages to be several movies in one: a murder mystery, a drama about fathers and sons, a romance, and a look at the evolving racial & cultural situation in South Texas. And it all works together nicely, even if things go a little too far at the very end imo. Sayles was never a great visual filmmaker but here at least he is an excellent storyteller. It is interesting to note that this could very well be Sayles's best flick, which is a little ironic, given that this is very much a Texas picture and he is very much a northerner. There are a number of excellent supporting performances here (e.g. Ron Canada), and keep an eye out for **** Frances McDormand(!)
Jul 18, 2016
9
Lone Star is an absolutely brilliant film that totally snuck up on me. I expected your typical crime mystery film, but I did not get that. Instead, I get a beautiful film that examines divisions, parental relationships, and the complexity of the individual. Incredibly written and directed by John Sayles, Lone Star is poetry in motion with numerous intertwining subplots that all connect and unite at one point: the death of the old sheriff. This death reveals many things and leads to changes for the town residents who must solve the mysteries of the past to fix themselves. With a terrific leading performance from Chris Cooper, the film has an incredibly strong supporting cast that really add to the feel of this Texas border town. Lone Star is so poetic and cinematic that even its setting reveals more of the film's thematic elements and really plays into what the film is attempting to communicate. Overall, Lone Star is far more than a crime film. Instead, it is a brilliantly poetic and moving examination of life, the past, and the future.
90
Sayles is a meditative storyteller, with a tendency to mute melodrama rather than letting it wail. But he is also one of the few filmmakers still ferreting out the strangeness and anxiety hidden beneath our poses of ordinariness. [22 July 1996, p.95]
88
Sayles cannily blends drama, romance, mystery, and social observation into a satisfying, if slightly overlong, whole. In the hands of a lesser film maker, this material could easily have degenerated into routine melodrama, but Sayles keeps it on a consistently high level.
75
John Sayles's offbeat western shows how public controversies often overlap with private grudges and conflicting memories.
63
[A] socially conscious sprawler... Sayles' latest never bores during its 21/4-hour unreeling. But neither does it soar, despite finessing a complex flashback narrative set in 1957 and present-day. [21 June 1996, p.3D]
30
Sayles speaks the language of cinematic formula so automatically -- his reunited lovers slow dance to a jukebox in a dark, deserted cafe and wait unannounced outside each other's workplaces when they want to talk -- that he's forgotten that real people don't do this stuff.
Nov 12, 2020
8
Lone Star, asks who did what to whom? John Sayles movie is best suited to people with good memories for names. Over the longish course of its 2hrs + run time it moves back and forth through two lifetimes (very smoothly done) as a Texan Sheriff attempts to ascertain if his father may have killed his corrupt lawman boss. The rather pensive script is quite good --a bit more accessible than some of Sayles other works-- give him credit where due, many other directors might have sensationalized various aspects of this tale but Mr Sayles has kept it in perspective and available to a broader audience. It features good performances from an interesting cast, classy location cinematography, and some enjoyable Tex/Mex songs, and should please patient viewers with mature tastes.
Sep 28, 2013
8
If anything I found this one a little too complex; there were several threads that seemed totally unrelated to the main thrust of the story. It’s also, I felt, a little too long; the filmmakers are asking quite a lot for an audience to concentrate for two hours and fifteen minutes. It is slow paced, but I didn’t particularly mind that; I’m used to the noir style and it is usually quite a slow burner. Some great performances with Chris Cooper coping well with the leading role and Kris Kristofferson playing the villain of the peace with gusto. Also we have Elizabeth Peña, who did an excellent job as the female lead and a small part for Matthew McConaughey as Buddy Deeds. Although it does have its problems I still found it an excellent watch; definitely one to look out for for all you noir fans out there. SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED My score: 7.5/10.
Jan 28, 2024
6
Textured slow paced mystery drama with dark undertones and occasional scenes of gun violence. The cast and screenplay are excellent. Production quality and direction were pretty underwhelming. The pacing wasn't Good in my opinion with a real slow drag to the finish line.
Nov 14, 2018
5
Hueva!!!! La historia se enreda mucho, sobran personajes, no se si deja mal o peor a los mexicanos. El final es una mamada
Jan 18, 2021
4
Mess of unwatchable subplots sloppily strung together featuring a lifeless ensemble. Literally facepalming by the 12th overused flashback transition. No efforts made to create interest in any of the characters. Title is indicative of rating.
Production Company:
- Castle Rock Entertainment
- Rio Dulce
Release Date:Jun 21, 1996
Duration:2 h 15 m
Rating:R
Tagline:John Sayles invites you to return to the scene of the crime.
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 1 Nomination
Golden Globes, USA
• 1 Nomination
Lone Star Film & Television Awards
• 6 Wins & 6 Nominations
