Overview"Purgatory" is a 1999 made-for-television western dream film that aired on the TNT Network. It's directed by Uli Edel with a movie script by Gordon T. Dawson. The movie stars a renowned ensemble cast featuring Sam Shepard, Eric Roberts, Randy Quaid, Peter Stormare, Brad Rowe, and Donnie Wahlberg. The film blends elements of the western genre with supernatural themes, providing an unique twist on standard western narratives.
Plot Summary"Purgatory" depicts the story of a mystical town nestled in the heart of the Wild West. This seemingly quiet and common place is actually Purgatory, a sort of waystation between paradise and hell, populated by departed outlaws attempting to redeem themselves prior to reaching their final spiritual location.
The movie begins with a gang of criminals led by Blackjack Britton (Eric Roberts) who, after a bank robbery fails, flees authorities and finds sanctuary in an isolated town, Refuge. Remarkably, the town does not have a cemetery, church, jail, or perhaps guns, where citizens apparently ignore the potential hazard presented by the bandits.
What Britton's gang doesn't understand is that Refuge is actually Purgatory, where the townsfolk are all departed wild west outlaws trying to clear their slate by renouncing their old, violent methods. Constable Forrest (Sam Shepard), the town's dignified and considerate leader, was as soon as Wild Bill Hickok. Others in the town consist of Doc Holliday (Randy Quaid), Billy the Kid (Donnie Wahlberg), and Jesse James (Peter Stormare), all expect salvation and a ticket to paradise.
Conflict and Resolution The tranquility of the town is shattered when Britton's gang begins causing havoc, pressing the residents to their limitations. The townsfolk now deal with a challenging ordeal. If they resort back to their violet ways to challenge the outlaws, they risk losing their opportunity at redemption and heaven.
Despite this, Sheriff Forrest pleads their case with the town's unseen 'Judges'. He convinces them to let the townsfolk protect themselves without losing their chance at redemption as this was a test of their ethical compass and proof of their outright improvement. In an explosive face-off, the departed criminals restore their lost skills for one final standoff.
In the end, they handle to beat the gang without losing any residents, thereby passing their genuine test of character and dedication to their reformed selves. After the success, each citizen, including Forrest, gradually disappears, having effectively redeemed their sins, heading towards their final resting place - Heaven.
Conclusion"Purgatory" offers a distinct blend of the timeless western genre with supernatural components. Its inventive property, engaging movie script, efficient plot twists, and a gifted cast provide a fresh analysis of post-mortem possibilities. The film carries a hidden message about redemption, change, and the opportunity to rectify past wrongs, making it a standout among other films in the genre. It can be seen as a morality play wrapped in a western dream, dealing with styles of forgiveness, repentance, and eventually, redemption.
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