Russell Crowe is Ben Wade, an outlaw who is captured with the assistance of rancher, Dan Evans, played by Christian Bale. Evans is then enticed into serving as a deputy to get Wade onto the train to Yuma prison. He desperately needs money to buy water rights for his ranch and save his drought stricken cattle and hopefully win a little respect from his wife and son. The desire for respect is even greater when both Dan's wife and his son are captivated by the smooth talking Wade. Realizing his peril but unwilling to back down Evans goes through with taking Wade to the train. Wades' gang attacks and just after getting Wade to the station, Evans is killed. In an unexpected show of respect, Wade shoots the members of his own gang and puts himself on the train to Yuma to complete the job undertaken by Evans. Evans has earned the respect of Wade by showing real courage in doing what he must in spite of his fear.
This is a real western and fun to watch. Russell Crowe and Christian Bale are both excellent in their respective roles.