Rose Hill

Rose Hill is a western drama film from 1997 directed by Christopher Cain, known for his work on Young Guns and The Principal. The movie is set in the late 1800s and follows a group of African American cowboys who leave their home state of Texas in search of better opportunities and a new life in Kansas.

The main character of the story is Daniel (Jeffrey D. Sams), one of the cowboys who moves to Kansas with his wife Sarah (Jennifer Garner) and son Jacob. The small family makes their way to the town of Rose Hill, a sleepy settlement with a tight-knit community that's initially hostile to outsiders. However, the arrival of the cowboys ends up changing the town's dynamic, as the newcomers prove to be skilled and hardworking.

The cowboys quickly find employment in the town, working as ranch hands and doing odd jobs for the various businesses in the area. They also attract the attention of some of the town's women, including the town doctor's daughter, Anna (Kimberly Elise). Anna befriends Sarah and Jacob, and helps Daniel navigate the social and political challenges of living in a predominantly white town.

Despite the success of the cowboys, tensions begin to simmer as the local ranchers and business owners start to see them as a threat. Some of the townspeople band together to try and force the cowboys out, citing concerns about their race and the impact they might have on the town's social structure.

While Daniel tries to keep the peace and find a peaceful resolution, others in the town become violent and aggressive towards the cowboys, leading to a climactic showdown between the two groups. As the situation worsens, Sarah fears for her family's safety and begins to question their decision to move to Rose Hill in the first place.

Throughout the movie, themes of racism, prejudice, and the struggle for acceptance and respect are explored. The movie also highlights the resilience and courage of the African American cowboys, who faced incredible challenges and discrimination during this time period.

The performances in the movie are strong, particularly from Jennifer Garner and Jeffrey D. Sams, who showcase a touching and believable chemistry as husband and wife. The supporting cast, which includes Zak Orth, David Newsom, and Bruce Boxleitner, also deliver solid performances and help to create a vivid sense of time and place.

Overall, Rose Hill is a well-made movie that explores important themes and showcases a group of trailblazing African American cowboys who often go overlooked in history. The movie provides an engaging and thought-provoking take on the western genre and is definitely worth a watch for fans of the genre, as well as those interested in exploring lesser-known stories of American history.