5/5 CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS GONE BAD--BUT WHO'S AT FAULT?
  by Harold Wolf (Wells, IN United States)
"Frank and Jesse" is a western, with historical significance, and plenty of shoot-em-up action. The story does not state that the killings and crime of the James Gang is acceptable, even though historically a great percentage of the public was sympathetic. That fact is presented in the movie script. What this movie does do, in a fine writing, acting, and filming experience, is explain how surviving through the conflict of the Civil War, and on the losing southern side, can change a man's outlook and ability to deal with life. Sometime in less than normal fashion. The methods some of the carpetbagger and money-venturists of the period used against the southern common people is presented as well. Not to mention the roles of politicians, the law, and capitalism in general.

So, the two young men trying to farm the James land, are attacked and turned again to killing and lawlessness, much like what they lived during the war (where that activity is condoned.) Who is guilty? Is it the James boys or is it the law, relentlessly forcing more and more killing. The film treads a fine line between murder, revenge, and self-defense.

Great acting by leads, Rob Lowe, Bill Paxton, and Randy Travis. Each presents a convincing rugged western man of the 1800's.

The historical aspect of the movie is perhaps embellished for the movie screen. What non-documentary film of historically famous characters is not changed for the entertainment of the public. The full amount of altered history is unknown, but this movie seems to show both sides of the James Gang vs Pinkerton and the railroad money boss conflict. It also shows the differences between the Frank and Jesse personalities.

It is interesting to relate the story of this movie centering around Frank and Jesse with another, "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford." That second movie staring Brad Pitt, highlights Jesse against a gang joiner, Robert Ford. Ford ultimately murdered Jesse. When is a murder not a murder? Enough of the facts correlate one film against the other to prove much of the history presented is legitimate. I recommend both DVDs, perhaps "Frank and Jesse" first, having more of the history of the James family provided.

If you don't mind a good bit of blood, and ruthless killings, then get this one, just for the historical demonstration of lawlessness and violence in the early life of this country. Then you'll have to take a side as to whether the James boys were justified, driven to the violence, born with it, or did they (as some believed) enjoy their life of crime? You will be presented the case. You will have to play judge and jury. Who is the guilty party? Or what is guilty? Or guilty OF what?

Plenty more in this movie than just a western. A timeless period-type story of the 1800's after the Civil War. Recommended even to the parson.

4/5 iide see it again
  by frog and toad (in a sunny pond)
It was a good movie. Their are many westerns out there but only few that deserve to be viewed again and this movie is one that deserves to be viewed again. young guns 1 and wyat erp were also great movies. it's worth buying.

5/5 Great Story of Two American Heroes, FREEDOM FIGHTERS
  by A. Donabed (Atascadero, CA USA)
A lot of reviewers have given this western a less-than-perfect rating due to its historical "in-accuracy". I have read the books and researched these two freedom fighters on the Internet for many years.

THIS MOVIE IS 99% ACCURATE.

They were NOT murderers, or "poor victims of society". They were merely seeking vengence and JUSTICE. They bravely continued the South's Great War for Freedom.

Pinkerton (the bad guy) WAS an @$$hole, as depicted in old manuscripts and letters.

The acting, storyline, plot, and everything are perfect. It starts with our heroes, after being released and swearing an oath to the loyalty of the yankees (United States), minding their own business and working on their farm.

Suddenly they (including their family) were terrorized by a villian represented by the Railroad of Chicago, Ill. Father was shot dead, brother (Frank James) wounded, and home torched.

These two gentlemen (Frank and Jesse) decide to start a gang and rob banks and railroads. As shown in the train scene, the gang "never takes money from the working man".

I won't give any more away but to just leave on a good note. This is a must-see for fans of the Old West. Along with John Wayne and Clint Eastwood.

4/5 Highly Entertaining Western!
  by Marcus X
There have been many movies made about Jesse James over the years. Frank and Jesse is one of the good ones! I enjoyed this very much. All Western fans should give it a look. I liked it so much that I bought it.

1/5 PU
  by kitchensinkblink
It stinks. The 2 mass murderers are depicted as poor victims of society. They're cocky and stupid in the show. The movie puts Pinkerton in bad light. Of course cocky and stupid people will enjoy loathing him. Bad acting all around.