Rosamund Pike and Christian Bale star in a scene from the movie "Hostiles." The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. (CNS/Entertainment Studios Motion Pictures)

By Catholic News Service

Western, set in 1892, which works from the premise that not only were white soldiers at the time fully aware of their complicity in the decades-long genocide of Native Americans, they also could feel immense, paralyzing guilt about their actions.

Director-writer Scott Cooper wishes to make a strong moral case as he sets an Army officer (Christian Bale) on a long journey from New Mexico to Arizona as he escorts a dying Native American chief (Wes Studi) to a reservation.

Gun and physical violence, fleeting gore, some racist dialogue. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Click here for full reviews of this and other current movies by Catholic News Service.