1883

"Where she dies is where we stay." A riveting standalone prequel to the Sheridan-Verse. Two decades after the end of the Civil War, a rough journey of a few pilgrims in search of the dream of a new home or beginning. A journey through a captivating inhospitable landscape where dog eats dog, where uncrossable predatory rivers or lack of resources are the lesser of the constant challenges and obstacles. An uncompromising western of a journey through the wilderness. So excellent that it is all the more disappointing that almost every episode has superfluous filler. Watchable, solid, but useless and not deepening or serving anything. If it was condensed into seven or eight episodes, there would be no reservations. Anyway, everything that we like (or dislike) about Sheridan is here by the handful. (26.04.2023)

A love letter to the American western. Taylor Sheridan does with cowboys and untamed nature something similar to what Christopher Nolan did with Batman: he gives it a third dimension – the human dimension – making him flesh and blood, vulnerable, mortal. Sheridan works in a similar way with the heroes here. It's not just about gunslingers in cool clothes and classic shootouts in saloons, or in the streets in front of them, as we know from most gunslinger flicks, save a few honourable exceptions. 1883 goes much deeper, and is much more visceral, and sensitive, than it first appears. Fans of Yellowstone will love this one, but all the attributes and directorial touches suggest that this miniseries will appeal to everyone in general. A uniquely blended collage of fragility, poetics (voice-overs), and uncompromising wilderness survival with a yet-to-be-formed society. (21.11.2023)

Taylor Sheridan has truly mastered his craft! Sure, there are a few missteps in his work (like Those Who Wish Me Dead with Angelina Jolie), but overall, I rank this American creator highly on my list of favorites. He has a remarkable talent for making deeply human films that delve into a wide range of emotions. The series 1883 doesn’t deviate at all from this well-established and proven system. The story managed to hook me in an incredible way. The period atmosphere is perfect, and while watching, you realize you wouldn’t want to experience such a challenging time in the US firsthand. The acting is also a masterpiece; initially, I was worried because the narrator is the main character’s daughter, but after a few episodes, my fears dissipated (her inner monologues were truly written by a genius). The entire journey across America, filled with numerous dangers (bandits, Indians, food shortages, adverse weather including tornadoes, and not to mention dangerous representatives of the animal kingdom), has a lot to offer. I am simply blown away by the result. And one more thing... The ending left a scar on my heart. Such an intense rush of emotions. I need to catch my breath. 9/10. P.S. Brian Tyler's soundtrack is phenomenal. The opening credits always gave me real chills. (31.08.2022)