5/5 Talk about a pounding!
  by Bt (Parts unknown)
People really didn't like this movie I see. Luckily I watched it despite the criticism. I like to think of these actors as my type of guys. Dwight, Billy Bob, Vince and hell, even Buck Owens had a hand in it. I thought it can't be that bad if all these dudes are involved. It isn't. Actually, it's a pretty darn good western (I gave it 5 stars to off-set the negative but I rate it 4). It's set in the early 1900's so it's the end of the cowboy era. The thing with this movie is that it has a ton of black comedy that many persons won't get. If taken seriously, you're out to lunch. Personally, I don't care why people hate it, I found it different on so many small levels that overall it made for a unique, and good movie.

4/5 Not in the majority
  by Gregorio Aguilera (chicago land)
I guess I'm not part of the majority here as i think this is a great character driven film. Yes it's not tombstone or the wild bunch, but it's not meant to be. This film is supposed very intelectual & that is probably why most people just don't get it. Oh well.

1/5 what an awful movie-do not waste your time
  by Mark L. Barnes (mustang, ok)
Has to be one of worst movies of all time. Dwight Yoakam is a worse actor than he is a singer. How he ever got the cast talked into this one is beyond me. How can any person rate this above a 1?? I realize that even sh-- looks good to some, and that is what this movie is.

5/5 south of heaven west of hell
  by Robinburton (mcmillan,Mi.)
I was very pleased with this dvd,Dwight Yoakam was awesome,as usual,this movie is a lot of Dwight. Dwight fans will want to purchase this one. Very good western.

4/5 "Spoiler" for you non-literary types
  by Dale Small (Silverton, Oregon United States)
This is a sickeningly violent and deeply intellectual movie. (Probably a bad idea if one is looking for broad appeal.) Having read the previous 50 reviews, it's obvious that very few pick up on the meaning of this movie's title: "South of Heaven, West of Hell". Just where (or what) would this be? PURGATORY, of course, as portrayed by the American South West. EVERYBODY in the movie is ALREADY DEAD! None of the characters in the movie realize this (with the probable exception of Billy Bob Thornton's character), however, some seem to suspect this may be the case.

As others have noted, the cast is very impressive, the cinematography is awesome, great music, fine acting etc. I think Dwight Yoakam was successful in accomplishing what he set out to do. The movie is not a mess but is probably too smart and subtle for most folks. I like this movie a lot but I can't say I "enjoyed" it; the violence is just too brutal and sickening. However, the violence is not gratuitous, it is essential to the plot. The movie DOES have a plot but if you don't get the title the plot will elude you as well.

I agree with both those that gave it one star as well as those who gave it five; this movie is far too smart for the general movie audience but excellent for those with the ability to "get it". I highly recommend this movie to the very few who have strong minds and stomachs, most of the rest of you are probably better off skipping this one.

BTW, avoid the over edited VHS version. Get the DVD.