8) Shane (1953)
Starring: Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Van Heflin and Brandon De Wilde
Directed by: George Stevens
“Shane” epitomizes how a western should be made with its storytelling through subtle subtext and moral complexity. For example, it’s never explained that Shane was a gunfighter; you just assume that’s the case. The relationship between Shane and Marian is deeply rooted in intimacy and sexual attraction.
It contains outstanding cinematography and the performances made this an instant classic — from the various cultures of the farmers bonding together through the harshness of farming life.
It follows evil cattleman Ryker threatening happy families in their unwillingness to share the common land. That’s when Shane and fellow gunslinger Joe Starretttake on the whole gang with an ambiguous ending for the ages.
The banter over Torrey’s rebel background, the bond amongst the children and the affection shown towards all the families is an unprecedented quality of writing and acting that was rare for the time.