Top 10 Western Films About Firing

Description: Marshal Will Kane is about to retire and leave town when he learns that a criminal he put away is coming back for revenge. The town's refusal to help him is a form of firing him from his duty.

Fact: The film was shot in real-time, with the entire story unfolding in the span of 85 minutes. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning four.

Description: A group of seven gunfighters are hired to protect a small Mexican village from bandits. The theme of firing comes into play as they are essentially "fired" from their previous lives to take on this new mission.

Fact: The film was a remake of Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai." It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Score.

Description: A senator returns to a Western town to attend the funeral of an old friend, recounting how he was once fired from his law practice and became a reluctant hero.

Fact: The film features a famous line, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend." It was John Ford's last great Western.

Description: Three men seek a fortune in buried gold during the American Civil War. The theme of firing is present as each character is essentially "fired" from their previous lives to pursue the treasure.

Fact: The film was originally released in Italy with the title "Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo." It was a major success and is often considered one of the greatest films ever made.

Description: A mysterious harmonica player seeks revenge on a ruthless land baron. The theme of firing is evident as characters are forced out of their roles or lives by the changing times.

Fact: The film was a homage to classic American Westerns, with Sergio Leone directing and Ennio Morricone composing the score.

Description: A young girl hires the tough U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn to track down her father's killer. The theme of firing is subtle but present as Cogburn is essentially "fired" from his usual law enforcement duties to take on this personal mission.

Fact: John Wayne won his only Oscar for Best Actor for his role as Rooster Cogburn.

Description: An aging group of outlaws, feeling obsolete in a changing world, plan one last heist. Their disbandment and the subsequent events reflect the theme of being fired from their outlaw lifestyle.

Fact: The film was highly controversial for its graphic violence. It was nominated for four Academy Awards.

Description: After his family is murdered by Union soldiers, Josey Wales joins a Confederate guerrilla band, only to be betrayed and left for dead. His journey is one of being fired from his previous life and seeking revenge.

Fact: The film was directed by and stars Clint Eastwood, who also co-wrote the screenplay. It was one of the first Westerns to explore the theme of revenge in such depth.

Description: This film features a retired gunslinger, William Munny, who is drawn back into his old life when a bounty is offered for killing two cowboys who disfigured a prostitute. The theme of firing is central as Munny is essentially "fired" from his peaceful life as a farmer.

Fact: Clint Eastwood won his first Best Director Oscar for this film. The film was also nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning four.

Description: This film explores the relationship between Jesse James and Robert Ford, culminating in Ford's betrayal and the subsequent firing of James from his life as an outlaw.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Canada, standing in for the American West. It received critical acclaim for its cinematography and performances.