Why Did Ruth Kill The Cops In Unforgiven

Let's talk about Unforgiven. A classic, right? Clint Eastwood's grizzled William Munny delivers justice. Or... does he?

Everyone focuses on Munny's past. He was a killer! Boo hoo! But what about Ruth? She shot those cowboys! And then the cops show up. Things escalate quickly.

The Unpopular Opinion: Ruth's Actions Were Justified

Hear me out. This might sting a little for some of you traditionalists. But I think Ruth had a point. A very sharp, six-shooter-shaped point.

Let's Rewind

What started it all? A cowboy disfigured Delilah. A terrible crime that went unpunished. Where was justice then?

The Sheriff, Little Bill Daggett, turns a blind eye. He dishes out a ridiculous "fine". Basically, he's saying hurting a woman is cheap.

So, the prostitutes take matters into their own hands. They pool their money and hire someone to bring justice. It's a bounty, sure, but it's also a desperate cry for help.

Enter Ruth

The cowboys who committed the original crime are the real villains. But what about the cops? Little Bill and his posse? They're hardly paragons of virtue.

Little Bill is a brutal tyrant. He builds his own house with stolen lumber! He beats people senseless! He's not exactly upholding the law, is he?

So, when the cowboys are taken care of, and Little Bill comes sniffing around, demanding answers... well, Ruth defends herself and her friends. Simple as that.

Self-Defense or Cold-Blooded Murder?

I argue it's self-defense. The cops were coming in hot. Looking for blood. Was Ruth supposed to just politely surrender?

She saw what Little Bill was capable of. She knew what he would do to her and the other women. Waiting to be arrested wasn't an option; it was a death sentence.

Think of it this way: she took the law into her own hands because the law had already failed. Twice! Once with Delilah, and again with Little Bill's twisted version of justice.

A Modern Perspective

Maybe I'm projecting a bit here. But in a world where powerful people often get away with injustice, I can't help but sympathize with Ruth.

She stood up for herself and her community. She refused to be a victim. And yes, it was violent. But what other choice did she have?

Unforgiven is a complex film. There aren't really any good guys, are there? But if I had to pick a side, I'm siding with Ruth.

The Real Question...

Isn't whether she was "right" to kill the cops? But whether the system forced her into that position? I think the answer is a resounding yes.

So next time you watch Unforgiven, remember Ruth. She's not just a side character. She's a symbol of resistance. A reminder that sometimes, you have to fight for what's right, even when it's messy. And covered in gunpowder.

And, let’s be honest, Little Bill kind of had it coming.