Search - Purgatory on DVD

A Surprisingly Good Western

Kali | United Kingdom | 08/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am not a huge fan of Western movies but I decided to watch Purgatory because there was nothing else on TV and it was better than doing the housework that was for sure! Boy am I glad I gave the housework a miss! What an excellent film! It wasn't just a western but it was a love story, a mystery, a thriller, a bit of horror and lots of good quality acting. The storyline was fairly simple. A group of rowdy cowboys come across a small town called Refuge and they think that their luck is in. It's run by a Sheriff who doesn't tote a gun, and the locals are wary of trouble to the point of paranoia. Enter Sonny portrayed by the delicious young Brad Rowe as an idealistic young cowboy who is the first to realise that the town of Refuge isn't quite what it seems. There are familiar faces in the town, faces that have been dead for many years and they're all pretending to be people that they aren't. Sonny goes looking for the truth and in doing so falls in love with Rose a Refuge local played by newcomer Amelia Heinle. In order to save Rose from the outlaws he has been travelling with Sonny must take on a band of vicious men, and make Wild Bill Hickok, Sam Shepherd at his best, pick up his guns once more even though it means a fate worse than death for him. This is a great film, with a great storyline that is made even better by a strong cast of actors. Look out for Donnie Wahlberg who plays Deputy Glen/Billy The Kid, he's an absolute cutie-pie! It's not too graphic in the horror department so those who are squeamish can watch it without too much hiding behind pillows, and it has enough suspense for those who want a film with a little bit of a bite here and there. All in all a really good film, and a western at that!!"

Classic and Profound

Mark Lahren | Bismarck, North Dakota USA | 10/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While the above information states the year 1999 for a release date, I believe that date is only for the release to video. I swear I saw this movie a year or two before then. Also, this movie is a TNT original, and I don't think it was ever in the theaters. But let me clarify, it could have done very well at theaters. This movie does not come across as 'made for television'. In fact, it is better than 95% of the movies currently on the big screen. I should state that, like many others here, I am not a big fan of westerns, and movies with religious undercurrents generally turn me right off. Thus, when my girlfriend wanted to watch this when it was first shown on TNT one night, I was not too excited by the idea. About 15 minutes into the film, my mind was totally changed and I was absolutely riveted to the screen. I was stunned by the subtle-but-immediate effect this movie was having on me. If my house would have started on fire, I don't think I'd have noticed. This movie is pretty much impossible to categorize. It looks and feels like a western, but it's not. It also feels a bit like sci-fi, but it's not. Its message is deep and profound, but easy to understand instinctively. I've seen hundreds of movies, but I've never seen casting done this well before. All characters come across beautifully. This is not a huge-budget movie, Hollywood style, but you'll never notice the difference. I'm sure a large amount of money was spent, but this movie makes it due to stellar storytelling, great acting and wonderful direction, not big special effects. A powerful movie that can be enjoyed by the whole family. No matter how old you are when you first see it, the story is likely to haunt you for years to come. A highly, highly recommended film."

Intriguing idea

N. Durham | Philadelphia, PA | 05/11/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When a few outlaws (led by Eric Roberts and Peter Stormare) enter upon a mysterious town, they get more than they bargained for in Purgatory: an intriguing allegory made for cable channel TNT. All the legendary names of the Wild West, including Billy the Kid (Donnie Wahlberg), Wild Bill (Sam Shepard), and Doc Holiday (Randy Quaid); all of whom attempting to redeem their souls for the acts committed while they were alive. Naturally, a conflict ensues, with the townsfolk reluctantly resorting to the violent means they have been trying to erase. Purgatory packs enough action for western enthusiasts, even though it may come off as too preachy for some, and while it wears thin towards the end, it still manages to be solid entertainment with an intriguing idea. If you dig westerns with a twist on redemption, check out Purgatory."

A Great Movie

Log Cabin Pat | Hinsdale, IL USA | 08/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If Rod Serling had written a Western, he might have come up with Purgatory. I won't describe the plot, which previous reviewers have already done, but let me say that I always feel my spirit soar at the end of this movie. It also has one of the most beautifully choreographed gunfights you'll ever see, and one of the most memorable lines: 'The Almighty may be strict, but He ain't blind.'

This movie is a keeper. I already had it in VHS format, but bought the DVD to have it in a more permanent media."