I just watched the film after a few years and my only criticism of Open Range is it does go on a bit too long. Editing could have gone a long way to making this excellent film a classic. The message for me was the power of redemption. Charley admits that he had done many bad things in the past and does not feel worthy of the heroic label that would follow him after dealing with baxter's thugs. His humility is rewarded thru his friendship with boss his father figure who stops Charley from executing an injured defenseless member of the thugs and by the love of Sue who says she is not afraid of him and their subsequent marriage. In essence his "sins" are forgiven and he is spared further guilt and anguish. This of course echoes the theme of Chrstianity specifically the parable of the prodigal son that Jesus used in his teaching of the apostles and his followers. I know I've needed redemption quite a few times in the past and I'm sure I will in the future and it was satisfying to see it in OR.
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