Purgatory - Movie Details

Purgatory

1999 1h 34m English 6.8

Action, Drama, Fantasy, Western

The TV movie "Purgatory" is a Western-fantasy film that explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of one's actions. It tells the story of a group of outlaws who find themselves in a mysterious town called Refuge, where time seems to stand still, and they must confront their past sins and face the possibility of either finding redemption or eternal damnation. The movie begins with a violent shootout between the outlaws and a group of lawmen. As the outlaws flee, they stumble upon the town of Refuge, which appears to be a peaceful and idyllic place. However, they soon discover that something is amiss when they notice that the town's residents are all from different time periods and seem to be trapped in a cycle of eternal purgatory. The leader of the outlaws, Blackjack Britton, played by Eric Roberts, is a cold-blooded killer who has spent his life committing heinous crimes. Upon arriving in Refuge, he meets a mysterious preacher named Brother Joseph, played by Sam Shepard, who seems to have supernatural powers and claims to be the gatekeeper of the afterlife. As the outlaws spend time in Refuge, they are forced to confront their past actions and the consequences they have on their souls. Each character goes through a personal journey of self-discovery and redemption. They are confronted with their victims and given a chance to repent for their sins. Throughout the film, the outlaws interact with the town's residents, who act as mirrors reflecting their past actions. They encounter a young girl, Amelia, who represents innocence and serves as a reminder of the lives they have destroyed. The outlaws also face off against a group of demonic horsemen, led by a character named Wild Bill Hickok, played by Peter Stormare, who symbolize their own inner demons and the darkness they carry within. As the outlaws navigate their way through the enigmatic town, they must make choices that will determine their ultimate fate. Some characters, like Blackjack Britton, struggle with the idea of redemption and cling to their violent ways, while others, like the outlaw Doc Woods, played by Donnie Wahlberg, seek forgiveness and strive to change their path. The climax of the film occurs when the outlaws are confronted by the demonic horsemen and must engage in a final battle between good and evil. It is during this confrontation that their true nature and the choices they have made are revealed. In the end, "Purgatory" explores the concept of redemption and the power of forgiveness. It raises questions about the nature of good and evil, and the possibility of finding salvation even for those who have committed terrible acts. The film offers a thought-provoking exploration of morality and the consequences of one's actions, all set within the backdrop of a Western-fantasy tale.—elwarts