Yuma and Jesse James were both great films in the classic Western mould, with the former embodying the shoot-em-up style, and the latter embodying the quiet, contemplative style.

However, I'd argue that the two best films of 07 - TWBB and NCFOM - both had distinct elements of the Western in them, and helped the genre just as much as the other two films. They both took place in the southwest U.S., dealt with heavy themes and dark characters, and had a fair amount of action and violence. They may not be 'traditional' Westerns, but the influence was there.

I'm gonna be taking a class on the Western next year, which I'm very much looking forward to. I haven't seen much (if any) from before this recent hot period.

Agreed about TWBB and especially NCFOM. No Country didn't just have distinct elements. It was basically a modern anti-western. Blood certainly was influenced by westerns in style, but No Country, as I said, is essentially the closest you can get to a western without actually being one.

You should check out Seraphim Falls, trix, you might like this too.

As for the older westerns...have you seen igh Noon? If not, it's a must-see. Obviously, same goes for Leone flicks.

Another one on my list is The Wild Bunch.

Seraphim falls was great. I loved that film. Pierce Brosnan jumping out of a dead animal and killing people is an image that certainly stays with you.