Junior Bonner is considerably better than most of the reviews it has been receiving would lead you to believe.

| Jan 7, 2020

Brilliantly played by Steve McQueen.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 30, 2018

[Steve] McQueen's reticent personality and hypnotic physical grace are in perfect service, and the air of authenticity is stinging.

| May 30, 2018

There are broken dreams to tend to and long simmering antagonisms to manage, with Peckinpah keeping his distance, giving "Junior Bonner" a lived-in feel that's gentle on the senses but occasionally hard on the heart...

| May 30, 2018

The historical moment is precious, as its only constant is flux.

| Aug 9, 2015

... a gentle character study and a lyrical portrait of family, respect and integrity in the face of adversity.

| Jul 19, 2009

...the leisurely pace effectively prevents the viewer from wholeheartedly connecting with the material.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jul 9, 2009

Sam Peckinpah's reputation for violence is herein exorcised in the rodeo and brawl sequences. Audiences which consider such rough-and-tumble as innocuous, vicarious ventilation will get their fill, though others may perceive a bit more.

| Mar 26, 2009

Gravy.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 9, 2007

A trifle clumsy, but affecting nonetheless.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Aug 30, 2006

It's always clear though, that Peckinpah has an affinity for these people and their way of life, that he's celebrating it alongside them.

| Jun 24, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Oct 21, 2005

There's something essential about boys playing men in front of the women they love.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jun 28, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 27, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 24, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 6, 2005

A superior rodeo movie.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Jan 15, 2005

The movie simply never comes together and works as a whole. The material is terribly thin.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Oct 23, 2004

One of Peckinpah's loveliest films, simmering with family animosity but also brimming with terrific moments of graceless quiet.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Aug 7, 2004

Sam Peckinpah presents a sharp look at the "new west" in contrast with the fading frontier scene.

| Original Score: A- | Dec 1, 2003