The Grapes of Wrath
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Movie Reviews of The Grapes of Wrath
Movie Review: Steinbeck's Story Faithfully Filmed
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't recall how old I was when I first saw the film version of "The Grapes of Wrath," John Steinbeck's novel of the desperate plight of the "Okies" during the Dust Bowl era -- I know I'd read the book after graduating high school and before entering college -- but on second viewing, I was impressed by how closely the film followed the book. Certainly, a fully realized cinematic treatment would have overtaxed Hollywood budgets and the average moviegoer of 1940, and the novel's final scene would never have been okayed by the censors, but the overall emotional pull of the film is about as close to that of the book in a way that few literature-as-film productions ever are. (Of recent note in this respect are Peter Jackson's fine films of J. R. R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy --although I still haven't forgiven him for leaving out Tom Bombadil.) Of course, the genius lay in the casting of Henry Fonda as Tom Joad, though to be honest, none of the casting choices were faulty. I'm teaching the novel for the first time for a literature class this semester, and I would be quite comfortable allowing non-readers to substitute viewing this film in place of reading the entire book. I can think of no better tribute to a first-rate movie than that.Movie Review: An Important Film to Watch - Then Read the Book
Summary: 5 Stars
We all know the Depression was awful. There were people starving, families collapsing. It's hard to really get a sense of just how powerful it was, though. John Steinbeck's articles and books on the topic led to this award winning (AFI #21) movie by John Ford. What's ironic is that some people felt the movie was too extremist about the conditions - but research has shown that it actually was tame compared to situations that really went on.
We begin with a family in Oklahoma who is literally kicked out of their home, with nowhere to go. Flyers are being passed around about a ton of work being available in California. So they pile their entire household of goods and head out. Unfortunately, so does pretty much every starving person - and California is innundated with workers. The Okies are treated poorly, given dirt poor wages and run out of town.
It's amazing that the books are banned in schools - especially in the midwest! I definitely recommend watching this movie as an important history lesson about what our ancestors struggled through - and a reminder not to let this happen again. Once you get started with the movie, pick up the books to get an even more full story.
Movie Review: seeing "Grapes of Wrath" is reliving my family's past !
Summary: 5 Stars
I've seen "Grapes of Wrath" many many times, and I bought the DVD to show my grandchildren what life was like and still is for many farmworkers. The Mexican farmworkers also went thru alot of hardships trying to survive and barely exist on what little they earned by harvesting the crops in California, Texas, Idaho, etc. etc. I show my Grandchildren this film to show the importance of getting an education, so as to break the cycle of living impoverished by working in the fields. Also, the more education you have, then you can do more to bring about justice to the lives of FarmWorkers by getting involved in making changes, and sometimes taking risks. I lived that life, so I know what I am talking about when I mentioned the hardhsips one had to endure in order to survive! and I enjoyed the way the film is told and Henry Fonda has always been one of my favorite Actors , as well as his daughter Jane Fonda. I recommend this movie to anyone that wishes to understand the plight of the Farmworker, whether they be "Oakies","Mexican",Filipinos", etc.
Its a great !! Movie. This Movie will open your eyes.
Movie Review: Deserves Its Reputation.
Summary: 5 Stars
Well, I have always been told this movie was a classic but this is the first time I have ever sat down to watch it. I was taken aback by just how compelling it was. I must say that its reputation is well-deserved. Yes, Henry Fonda is outstanding, but John Carradine's Jim Casey was the most unforgettable character. This is allegory at its finest and its practice may be something that the average is incapable of nowadays. The Grapes of Wrath is considered Steinbeck's most important novel, but, even if it wasn't, the plot fits the big screen in the manner of building size saran wrap. All of the emotion the author intended us to feel is conveyed by this magnificent John Ford production. Its qualities, like those of Gone with the Wind and Casablanca, are truly timeless. The people onscreen are people as opposed to ideological constructs. Here is humanity and that is why this film continues to resonate. This is one of those movies that most kids would never consent to watch, but, if they did, there is no question they would appreciate it. Bravo!Movie Review: New Orleans and the Dust Bowl are the same thing
Summary: 5 Stars
It is defined still today as one of the most socialists film to come out from mainstream Hollywood. Contains scenes of authoritarian brutality and the awakening of proletarian consciousness. A film like this would be impossible in today's political context, and for sure it will not win Oscars (nowadays some throwaway things like "Crash" get the golden uncle). Despite a populist epilogue added by master producer Zanuk the events depicted in the film remain as the strongest warning against capitalism that I ever seen from an American movie. Greg Tolland's photography and the sweeping force of the story will blow you away.
DVD Extras: Shame on Fox. Instead of receiving interesting documentaries about the Depression, its worldwide effects (Hitler) and how the country got out of it we get a love letter to John Ford boss, the big shot producer Zanuk. Exactly the opposite of the message of 'Grapes', this extra is a promo for the way of making business that took the States well inside the biggest slump in its history.