While many people I know do not care for the western genre of movies, this one bears watching. It has all of the components a good movie should have: a unique and interesting plot; realistic characters; and finally a blend of good vs evil with notable consequences. The unexpected twists make this a surprisingly enjoyable movie with a moral message.
In order to understand the context of the movie, we must consider the setting. This movie takes place in a small western town called Refuge. Refuge is unique in that it's residents are deceased outlaws hoping to get to heaven. The townsfolk stay in Refuge, existing in peace and atoning for their murderous lives. This peaceful existence would be easy if it were not for the rowdy band of cowboys that arrive. Furthermore, heaven is depicted by a stagecoach that comes to collect those individuals who have successfully completed their stay. Hell, on the other hand is just a few short steps away in the fog shrouded graveyard. .
One of the ways in which the movie is made realistic, is by the residents. We meet outlaws such as Doc Holiday, Jesse James and Billy the Kid, all infamous for the lives they led. The twist in the plot is that these outlaws are living peaceful lives. No gun toting, no shooting and no vulgar behavior, even the sheriff does not carry a gun. One may begin to wonder just what kind of a western movie this is.
Another way in which this movie is made interesting is by the arrival of a band of rowdy cowboys. They persist in antagonizing the locals by actions ranging from drinking and cursing to shooting up the saloon. When the cowboys realize that neither the sheriff nor the townsfolk will defend themselves or retaliate, their actions become more aggressive. They don't realize that with each deed they place themselves either closer to heaven or hell. The townsfolk understand the grave consequences and take great care not to move toward the graveyard and what lies within.
