The Proposition (2005)
Kernel Score: 79% · 695 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, Thriller, Western
Released: 2005-10-06
Runtime: 104 minutes
Where to watch The Proposition
- Stream: Prime Video
- Free with ads: The CW, Fandango at Home, Prime Video (free with ads), Xumo Play, Amazon MX Player
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In 1880s Australia, a lawman offers renegade Charlie Burns a difficult choice. In order to save his younger brother from the gallows, Charlie must hunt down and kill his older brother, who is wanted for rape and murder. Venturing into one of the Outback's most inhospitable regions, Charlie faces a terrible moral dilemma that can end only in violence.
The Proposition parents' guide: ages 16+
Parents need to know that The Proposition is a brutal R-rated Western with graphic violence including decapitation, whipping, and references to rape and murder.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Extremely graphic including decapitation, flogging, whipping, shootouts, and brutal retribution in the Australian outback.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — References to rape and murder of a victim are discussed as plot motivation, though not shown graphically per available signals.
- Language: Moderate — Rated R, consistent with harsh period-appropriate language throughout.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Proposition
If you liked The Proposition, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Nightingale (2018) — 80%
- High Plains Drifter (1973) — 84%
- Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973) — 80%
- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) — 93%
- 3:10 to Yuma (1957) — 80%
- Straw Dogs (1971) — 81%
- Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002) — 75%
- The Wild Bunch (1969) — 85%
Director
John Hillcoat
Cast
- Guy Pearce as Charlie Burns
- Ray Winstone as Captain Morris Stanley
- Danny Huston as Arthur Burns
- Emily Watson as Martha Stanley
- David Wenham as Eden Fletcher
- Richard Wilson as Mike Burns
- John Hurt as Jellon Lamb
- Noah Taylor as Brian O'Leary
- Robert Morgan as Sergeant Lawrence
- Jeremy Madrona as Asian Prostitute
The Proposition FAQ
Is The Proposition good?
The Proposition has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 695 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Proposition?
In the US you can stream The Proposition on Prime Video, watch it free with ads on The CW, Fandango at Home, Prime Video (free with ads), Xumo Play and Amazon MX Player and rent it from Prime Video and Apple TV.
Is The Proposition OK for kids?
The Proposition is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 16+. Parents need to know that The Proposition is a brutal R-rated Western with graphic violence including decapitation, whipping, and references to rape and murder.
What movies are like The Proposition?
If you liked The Proposition, try The Nightingale, High Plains Drifter, Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.