Wyoming, 1890s. When the Stock Growers’ Association wages war against European settlers, Sheriff Jim offers the immigrant community his protection. But as mercenaries charge on Johnson County, a love triangle—between Jim, brothel madam Ella, and hired gun Nate—becomes a desperate fight for survival.

While the film’s runaway budget contributed to a studio’s collapse, Michael Cimino’s ambitious epic remains a stunning work of novelistic filmmaking. Thronging with stars of 1970s cinema, Heaven’s Gate may be quintessentially American, but achieves the sweep and detail of great Russian literature.