A savage Western set in Australia's Outback; The Proposition is relentless in its intensity and bloody imagery. Set in the late 19th century; the film tells the brutal story of a gang of brothers that kills not out of desperation; but because they can. Arthur Burns (Danny Huston) is the mastermind who shares little in common (other than total disregard for human life) with his younger brother Charlie (Guy Pearce; L.A. Confidential; Memento). When Charlie and their baby brother Mike (Richard Wilson) are captured; Charlie is offered a proposition to save their necks from the gallows. "Suppose; Mr. Burns; I was to give both you and your young brother Mikey; here; a pardon;" offers Captain Stanley (Ray Winstone). "Suppose I said that I could give you the chance to expunge the guilt beneath which you so clearly labor.... Now; suppose you tell me what it is I want from you." Without blinking; Charlie says; "You want me to kill my brother." For most people; this would be an unthinkable proposition. For Charlie; the answer's obvious. He'll do whatever he has to spare his own life; even if that means trading his for Arthur's. The Proposition at times is a difficult film to watch. But thanks to a compelling story by rocker Nick Cave and a supporting cast (including Emily Watson as the Captain's gentle wife); the film is a classic in the making. --Jae-Ha Kim