Originally published in Portuguese at The Magic Screen.
Times are tough for Dan Evans (Christian Bale) and his family, the drought has taken over his land and he’s in way over his head in debt, Glen Hollander (Lennie Loftin), the deed owner, with the intention of selling the land to the railroad, tries to force him out, one night, by burning down his barn. The next day, wanting to cut a deal with Hollander, Dan sets for Bisbee with his sons, on the way, they inadvertently witness a stagecoach robbery. The infamous Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) and his gang, are the criminals responsible for the Southern Pacific Railroad assault, and while emptying the stagecoach, they leave Dan and his sons without horses, in the attempt of buying some time from the law.
Later, in town, Ben Wade ends up being captured alone, and Dan, in exchange for $200, is one of the men who volunteers to escort him to the 3:10 train to Yuma, where he will stand trial. Money is indeed important to Dan, but after being chased by Wade’s gang and seeing his companions killed or deserting, escorting the bandit to the train becomes an honour issue and a way of making his sons proud of him.
If, like us, you get this movie thinking of watching an old western with lots of shooting, think again, what you’ll get with 3:10 to Yuma is a deep story where the line that separates the good guys from the bad guys is almost, if not completely, absent. Sure you’ve got your shootings and chases, but the focus of the story is on Dan and Wade’s growing relationship, two men from distinct worlds that end up not being so different after all, in another life they could have even become friends.
Russell Crowe is a fantastic Ben Wade, he charms us from the very start with his intelligent and witty remarks, that make us laugh out loud even in the most tense bits. Christian Bale once again dazzles us with his talent, giving life to an extremely complex and dark character, that despite being on the good guys’ side, makes us root for Ben Wade instead. This duo makes the whole movie come alive, erasing any other character or actor, almost to the point of obsolescence.
We recommend this movie even to people who aren’t western fans, anyone who likes a good drama will enjoy it immensely. And on a side note, if you like any of these two actors, it’s surely to be a feast for the eyes! 
Really loved this movie. Crowe was great, as was Bale.
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I love it love it love it love it !
Did I say I love it ?
I’m not a great Crowe fan, but based on this reveiw, I’ve added the movie to my MovieShack list!
Dee.
I was surprisingly impressed by this movie. I’m not a fan of Crowe, but I must admit that the acting and relationship of the actors are well-played. The story is much different than the typical western cliches. It focuses on the ideal that human nature is complex and that people aren’t simply good/bad, and many are also hypocrits. It is a rare few that are honest and pure of heart such as Bale’s character. Crowe’s character recognizes this purity, admires it and shows a depth to his own that makes him more than just a heartless criminal, but capable of redemption. In the end you feel that Crowe is not as bad as the ‘bad’ guys, and leaves the question did he choose redemption or to remain on his previous course in life.
best western movie i’ve seen