Red River Christian Review
When it comes to Westerns, there’s something almost mythic about Red River. Howard Hawks’ 1948 epic, a story set against the sprawling landscape of the Chisholm Trail, offers more than just a rugged tale of cattle drives and gunfights. It’s a movie about life itself—about human ambition, father-son conflict, and the messy business of pride, authority, and redemption. As Christians, when we sit down to watch a film like this, we’re drawn to the deeper questions it raises: what drives us forward in life? What happens when pride gets in the way? And how do we reconcile with those we love when everything seems broken?
The Road to Somewhere—or Nowhere
Red River tells the story of Thomas Dunson, played by John Wayne, a tough, determined rancher leading a massive cattle drive from Texas to Missouri. His adopted son, Matthew Garth (Montgomery Clift), follows along as the tension between them grows like a storm on the horizon. Dunson is obsessed with reaching his destination, but in the grander sense, this destination is never really specific. “Somewheres,” as it’s referred to, might as well be a metaphor for how we often go through life—heading somewhere, anywhere, but never quite sure if we’re on the right path.
From a Christian perspective, this uncertainty resonates. The Bible tells us that life is a journey, a race of endurance (Hebrews 12:1), but not just any race. It’s not about reaching worldly goals but about walking in faith, knowing that the destination—heaven—is sure, even if the path isn’t always clear. Dunson’s relentless drive for success reflects what happens when our focus becomes so locked on earthly achievements that we lose sight of the relationships and values that matter most. This echoes Jesus’ words in Mark 8:36: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Dunson’s journey, while heroic in its scope, is a cautionary tale about ambition that goes unchecked.
Father-Son Tension: Echoes of the Prodigal Son
Much of Red River revolves around the strained relationship between Dunson and his adopted son, Matthew. This dynamic strikes a familiar chord with the biblical story of the Prodigal Son, though inverted in some ways. Instead of a son who wanders off in rebellion, it’s Dunson, the father figure, who becomes increasingly tyrannical and controlling. Matthew, initially loyal, begins to question his father’s harsh leadership and eventually takes control of the cattle drive himself.
This tension between father and son is timeless, and from a Christian point of view, it reminds us of how pride can tear relationships apart. Dunson’s inability to let go, to forgive, and to recognize the wisdom in his son’s decisions leads to a tragic division. In the Bible, the father in the Prodigal Son parable embraces his son with open arms, welcoming him home with grace. But in Red River, the reconciliation is more complicated. There’s an undercurrent of anger and resentment that lingers, even when the two finally come to terms.
As believers, we know that true reconciliation requires humility and forgiveness. It’s not enough to simply patch things up on the surface—real healing comes when we acknowledge our wrongs, ask for forgiveness, and seek to restore relationships with a heart of grace (Ephesians 4:32). Red River shows just how difficult that can be when pride gets in the way.
Leadership and Authority: The Struggle Between Control and Compassion
One of the most compelling aspects of Red River is its portrayal of leadership. Dunson leads his men with an iron fist, demanding obedience and punishing any sign of dissent. His idea of leadership is rooted in power, control, and fear. In contrast, Matthew’s leadership is more balanced, grounded in compassion and mutual respect. As he takes over the cattle drive, we see a shift from Dunson’s rigid authority to a more human, relational approach.
This contrast offers a powerful lesson for Christians about what true leadership looks like. In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus teaches that leadership in His kingdom is not about lording power over others but about serving them. “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,” He says. In Red River, Dunson’s downfall is rooted in his refusal to serve; he’s more concerned with controlling others than with guiding them. Matthew, on the other hand, earns the respect of the men through shared struggle and understanding, reflecting a Christ-like model of servant leadership.
For believers, this theme of leadership hits home. Whether in our families, workplaces, or churches, we’re called to lead by example, to serve others with humility, and to put their needs above our own. Red River reminds us that leadership rooted in fear and control will ultimately fail, but leadership grounded in love and respect can inspire and unite.
The Beauty of Creation: God’s Hand in the Western Landscape
While the human drama of Red River is compelling, the film’s visuals are equally striking. Shot by Russell Harlan, the film captures the vast, untamed beauty of the American West—the endless plains, towering mountains, and wide-open skies that stretch as far as the eye can see. There’s something almost divine about the way these landscapes are portrayed, reminding us of the majesty and grandeur of God’s creation.
Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” In Red River, the natural world serves as a backdrop to the human struggle, offering a silent reminder that, no matter how intense our personal conflicts, the world God created remains vast, timeless, and beautiful. The film invites us to pause, to take in the wonder of creation, and to remember that we are just small parts of a much larger story.
A Flawed Ending, but a Timeless Message
Perhaps one of the most debated aspects of Red River is its ending. After all the tension, conflict, and emotional build-up, the resolution feels rushed and unsatisfying. The rivalry between Dunson and Matthew is so intense that when they finally reconcile, it feels too sudden, almost as if the filmmakers ran out of time. Yet, even with this flawed ending, the film’s message remains powerful.
As Christians, we understand that life doesn’t always wrap up neatly. Our relationships don’t always get a perfect resolution, and sometimes the wounds we carry are too deep to heal quickly. But that’s where grace comes in. Even when the ending isn’t perfect, there’s hope for redemption. Dunson’s eventual softening, though imperfect, reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. And while Red River may stumble in its final moments, it still offers a message of hope, forgiveness, and the possibility of change.
Final Thoughts: A Western with a Deeper Meaning
Red River is more than just a cattle-drive Western. It’s a story about pride, ambition, and the complicated journey of life. For Christian viewers, it offers rich themes to reflect on: the dangers of pride, the importance of forgiveness, the challenge of leading with humility, and the beauty of God’s creation. While the film may not provide all the answers, it invites us to wrestle with the big questions and to see our own journeys in the light of faith.
Final Rating: 8/10
A visually stunning, emotionally complex Western that grapples with timeless themes, but with an ending that leaves some threads unresolved. Worth watching for its rich exploration of pride, leadership, and the power of reconciliation.
