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Young Guns
1988 107 min United States of America R 16+
★6.3
Western, Action, Adventure
Director: Christopher Cain
Trailers
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Teaser
Description
A group of young gunmen, led by Billy the Kid, become deputies to avenge the murder of the rancher who became their benefactor. But when Billy takes their authority too far, they become the hunted.
Budget:
$13M
US Gross:
$45.66M
Worldwide:
$44.7M
Starring
Emilio Estevez
Actor
Kiefer Sutherland
Actor
Lou Diamond Phillips
Actor
Awards
1 win & 2 nominations total
Key opinion
Young Guns is widely regarded as a high-energy, pop-culture-infused reimagining of the Western genre that effectively leverages its iconic ensemble cast. While some appreciate its successful blend of traditional motifs with an 80s aesthetic, others criticize it for sacrificing narrative gravitas and historical accuracy in favor of a flashy, commercial style.
| Acting | The ensemble cast, led by Emilio Estevez, delivers engaging performances that capture the reckless spirit of the young outlaws. | |
| Originality | The film succeeds in reinvigorating the stagnant Western genre by injecting it with contemporary 80s energy and a fast-paced narrative. | |
| Production | Production design and cinematography provide an authentic, atmospheric backdrop that grounds the film's stylized approach to history. | |
| Score | The score is a divisive element, split between those who enjoy its modern 80s pop-rock influence and those who find its anachronistic nature jarring against the Western setting. | |
| Adaptation | Opinions on historical accuracy are conflicted; some view the film as a grounded retelling of the Lincoln County War, while others dismiss it as a romanticized, frivolous departure from actual events. |