The 61st Berlin Film
Festival saddled up Thursday and hit the Festival Trail with the opening film
“True Grit”, a Western directed by the Coen Brothers.

Actor Josh Brolin, directors Joel Coenn, his brother Ethan Coen, actors Hailee Steinfeld and Jeff Bridges (L-R) pose during a photocall to promote the movie “True Grit” at the 61st Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin February 10, 2011. The Berlinale International Film Festival runs from February 10 to 20, 2011. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Currently enjoying the
number one slot at the box office with 10 Oscar nominations, “True Grit” is sure
to be a crowd pleaser.

Although the film is
playing out of the competition, the international premiere of “True Grit” is
greatly anticipated at this year’s Festival, which will show around 400 films,
from 58 countries and regions.

Sixteen films will
officially compete for the coveted Golden and Silver Bears on Feb. 19.

“Joel and Ethan Coen stand
for first-rate American independent cinema. With their Penchant for irony, and
off-the-wall characters and stories they have repeatedly captivated audiences,”
commented Festival Director Dieter Kosslick in a statement. “True Grit is a
wonderful way to kick off the Berlinale 2011.”

True Grit tells the tale
of head strong Mattie (Hailee Steinfeld), a 14-year old girl seeking the revenge
of her father’s death. Jeff Bridges plays the hard living U.S. Marshall that
Mattie hires to capture the killer (Josh Brolin). Matt Damon plays the dashing
Texas Ranger who joins in the manhunt.

In a press conference
Thursday afternoon, both the filmmakers and their leading actors, except Matt
Damon, spoke about their estrangement from the 1969 film.

The filmmaking duo told
the press that their interest in making the film came from the 1968 novel by
Charles Portis and had little to do with the 1969 classic western starring John
Wayne.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet