True Grit (2010) is a masterful Western remake from the Coen brothers that rides high on poetic dialogue, moral reckoning, and unforgettable performances. Jeff Bridges stars as the grizzled U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn, hired by a determined young girl named Mattie Ross to hunt down her father’s killer. What unfolds is a journey through loyalty, justice, and frontier hardship.
Think you’ve got what it takes to ride with Rooster and Mattie? Test your mettle with this 10-question trivia challenge and prove your aim is as sharp as your memory.
True Grit (2010) Trivia Questions & Answers
1) Who plays U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn in True Grit (2010)?
Correct Answer: Jeff Bridges
Jeff Bridges delivers a memorable performance as the grizzled, alcoholic Marshal with a sense of justice buried beneath sarcasm and grit. His version of Rooster balances humor, menace, and pathos, offering a compelling interpretation of the iconic Western figure.
2) What is the name of the 14-year-old girl who hires Rooster Cogburn?
Correct Answer: Mattie Ross
Mattie Ross is the film’s true protagonist — a headstrong, articulate teenager seeking justice for her father. Her intelligence and resolve set her apart from the adults around her, and her unwavering pursuit becomes the heart of the story.
3) Why does Mattie Ross hire Rooster?
Correct Answer: To track down her father’s killer
Driven by a strong sense of justice, Mattie hires Rooster to find and capture Tom Chaney, the man who murdered her father. Her moral clarity and determination drive the story forward and challenge Rooster’s cynical worldview.
4) What is the name of the man Mattie is seeking revenge on?
Correct Answer: Tom Chaney
Tom Chaney is more pathetic than villainous — a drifter whose crime sets the story in motion. His weakness and cowardice provide a realistic contrast to the larger-than-life personalities of the heroes pursuing him.
5) What does the term “true grit” refer to in the context of the film?
Correct Answer: Unshakable courage and determination
“True grit” isn’t just about Rooster’s ruggedness — it’s embodied in Mattie’s perseverance and moral resolve. All three main characters display grit in their own ways, but it’s Mattie’s that proves the most enduring.
6) Which actor plays Texas Ranger LaBoeuf?
Correct Answer: Matt Damon
Matt Damon plays LaBoeuf, a Texas Ranger whose vanity masks real bravery. Initially a comic foil, he evolves into a key ally, adding depth and unexpected camaraderie to the central trio’s journey.
7) What injury does Mattie suffer near the end of the film?
Correct Answer: Snakebite
Mattie is bitten by a rattlesnake after falling into a pit. The injury nearly kills her, and the frantic race to save her life is one of the most emotional sequences, underlining the cost of her quest for justice.
8) Who directed True Grit (2010)?
Correct Answer: Joel and Ethan Coen
The Coen brothers brought their signature blend of dark humor, poetic dialogue, and philosophical undertones to this adaptation. Their film honors the original novel while offering a more grounded and mature vision than the 1969 version.
9) What notable stylistic choice sets the film apart?
Correct Answer: It uses period-accurate dialogue and tone
The formal, antiquated speech patterns give the film a unique texture. The Coens’ commitment to linguistic authenticity helps immerse the audience in the 19th-century setting and adds a distinct literary flavor.
10) What happens to Rooster Cogburn at the end of the film?
Correct Answer: He dies off-screen and is buried by Mattie
The film closes with adult Mattie recounting Rooster’s fate. Though they never reunite, her act of moving his remains to her family’s plot speaks volumes about their bond. The ending is understated yet deeply affecting, reflecting the film’s emotional restraint and narrative maturity.
