Heaven's Gate
Seen it?1980 | 217 min | Drama, Western, History
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
People are still talking about it, though it had a box office loss. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved The Power of the Dog or High Plains Drifter, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Unhurried and epic, at 3 hr 37 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- It's long: 3 hr 37 min.
- It picked up 2 Razzies, the "worst of the year" awards.
Harvard graduate James Averill serves as the sheriff of prosperous Jackson County, Wyoming, standing at the center of a conflict between impoverished immigrants and affluent cattle farmers. Politically connected ranchers enlist mercenary Nathan Champion—who is also vying for the affections of local madam Ella Watson—to combat the immigrant uprising. As tensions escalate, both Averill and Champion start to question their decisions.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
57% on Rotten Tomatoes, 57 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.7 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar and 1 Cannes award.. Plus: "Won" 2 Razzies, the "worst of the year" awards.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$3 million worldwide on a $44 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 417K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Power of the Dog
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
High Plains Drifter
Saturday SpecialAnother western, and a Saturday Special.
The Hateful Eight Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
Hostiles Sunday Safe BetAnother historical drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1
Weeknight WatchAnother western, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Michael Cimino
- Kris KristoffersonJames Averill
- Christopher WalkenNathan D. Champion
- John HurtBilly Irvine
- Sam WaterstonFrank Canton
- Brad DourifMr. Eggleston
- Isabelle HuppertElla Watson
- Joseph CottenThe Reverend Doctor
- Jeff BridgesJohn L. Bridges
- Ronnie HawkinsMajor Wolcott
- Paul KosloMayor Charlie Lezak