Grapes of Wrath

Strong John Ford film, with an excellent screenplay by the legendary Nunnally Johnson and some good performances by Henry Fonda, John Carradine and Russell Simpson, and movie stealing performance by Jane Darwell. My issues with the film is that it softens the great Steinbeck novel considerably, ending on a note of hope and optimism, whereas Steinbeck took a more cynical and realistic view of the effects of the Depression, and made no bones about the relentless and merciless personal disasters it caused. While I like Ford's interpretation, I think the latter part of the film is far weaker than the first half. I'd like to see this remade, in the hands of someone like the Coen Brothers. I think, after seeing "No Country For Old Men" that they could do a great job of this, going back to the original material.

A classic movie with a top performance by Henry Fonda. I was encouraged to watch this movie a few years ago, and I'm not sorry I did. I like this movie because it told a story of how things really were. Things are bad now, but I have a funny feeling not too many could have survived back then, including myself. I really recommend this story, especially if you're into the classics.

It seems to me that the so-called "reality" show is all the rage these days. Well, if you want a true reality show, try "Grapes of Wrath" -- it's about as real and as true to life as it gets. It gives the viewer a look at people facing what really can be called hard times. Find this on DVD, and play it one evening, and while you sit watching it in the comfort of your own home, there are some blessings to be counted -- as this era was far from comfortable.

A very well constructed film. About as good an interpretation of the book as can be done on film. The whole cast was terrific but Henry Fonda and the actress who plays his mother are the shining stars in this movie.

Loved the movie, for me it's like the hymn "Count your blessings". And after the movie I had to have the "Red river valley" song ("Come and sit by my side if you love me"). This scene (where they dance and Tom is singing this tune) is unique...

grapes of wrath is a classic movie. it follows steibecks novel and is very well acted. it stands the test of time.

This is one of the many movies in my DVD collection, and I could watch it everyday if I had to. It was a wonderful portrayal of the hardship of losing everything you own and being forced to venture to a place to make a new beginning thousands of miles from your home. The move proved to be too devastating to a few characters, namely Grandpa("I AINT goin' to California! This is my country and I belong here!"), Grandma, Noah and Connie, who all either died or deserted the family soon after leaving Oklahoma. It truly can be a heart-wrentching movie, as the Joads face such vehement opposition and persecution("We don't want any more Oakies in this town!"), and had to live in terrible conditions in the roadside camps, but I appreciated the glimpses of generosity that was given to the family, for instance the scene at the truck stop when the owner gave Pa the $0.15 loaf of bread for ten cents, and the waitress gave the kids two 5 cents a piece candy canes for a penny. Fine acting by Fonda, Dar... Read more

Very good film with an outstanding effort by Henry Fonda. You think you have it bad? This movie will make you happy with what you have.

Stark, stirring, and poignantly acted by a great cast featuring Henry Fonda and Jane Darwell in the lead roles as Tom and Ma Joad. Each of the supporting characters provide capable backing in a story that is heavy in it's somber mood as retold through director John Ford's interpretation of the Steinbeck classic. The characters are best captured through the expressions on their beleagured faces and director Ford's use of soundtrack and imagery. Fonda's sad, but determined farewll speech to Ma Joad near the end of the film and Ma's resolve upon it's climax provide two of the more memorable moments in film and are both rendered masterfully by these two fine actors.

Doesn't do Steinbeck's work justice. Like usual the book was better.

Henry Fonda and an ensemble of many of the ususal John Ford players did an outstanding job. Red River Valley as the theme song is heart-breaking.

A classic movie for the time, certainly, but as accomplished actor Robert Duvall recently remarked in an interview, this wasn't how Okies acted or talked; it was Hollywood's version of how Okies acted and talked. Also, major alterations have been made to Steinbeck's novel. Some of that's understandable; obviously, the Hollywood of 1940 wasn't going to show the breast-feeding scene that ended the book. Still, it's always good to be able to watch actors like Henry Fonda and John Carradine when they were in their prime, and as a cinematic craftsman, John Ford was without peer. Don't expect much historical accuracy though.

Without a doubt, John Steinbeck's 'The Grapes of Wrath' belongs in the national registry of culturally significant motion pictures. This movie, along with the great acting by Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell and John Carradine pulls no punches in showing its audience the deplorable, shattered lives of California-bound Okies during the Great Depression. The tragic quality of the movie is magnified by the individual characters who are engulfed in an ongoing misery. Yet, the movie inspires hope as Darwell's Ma Joad poignantly expresses a positive message at the conclusion. We're the people, Darwell concludes. And they were.

Good movie. Henry Fonda is great as Tom Joad a man who was just released from jail only to come home and find his family losing their home and having to move to California. this large extended famiy go to California with the hopes of jobs. they face tragedy along the way {the grandfather dies} and soon after the grandmother heartbroken also dies. The promised employment turns out to be a disappoinment.A lot of the movie is kind of depressing, I find myself wishing something good would happen to this family.After a fight that ends in someone dying. tom has no choice but to move on without his family. Henry Fonda gives the famous speech about all he wants to do to make this world a better place. A good movie but a sad one too. Well acted .

This is a great movie. It shows the hardship that Oklahomans went thru during the depression and the Dust Bowl.

This movie is a classic for all the reasons brought out by the other reviewers. What I most liked about it, however, is.. first, the almost dreamy mood created by the dialogue, lighting, and editing. You feel the quiet desperation of these people. And secondly, I like the stark, crisp beauty of the black & white photography.

The movie is slow and tedious, but the story is good and Henry Fonda is excellent as Tom Joad

Excellent cast and story, but is it ever sad. A family of Okies head out to California hoping for a better life, and it really flies back in their faces. Definitely a tear-jerker.

The mom holding up the earrings - great! Fonda - great! the Oakies - great! Very realistic, and very touching.

This is one of the all time greats John Ford need I say more? Not only are the actors in this movie intence, but you can actually feel there pain. To say this movie is a masterpeice would be an understatement. Depression era Oklohoma, the Joads' in the middle of the Dust Bowl, little food even less money get evicted from there land and move west to California in search of a better life.they have nothing exept willpower to keep them going.And they prove that willpower is enough.The Joads' are fighters, survivers and dreamers. Sort of the way we Americians think of ourselves today, all the bad that happens we manage to find the good.Times change, for bad or good. We must seek the good in the bad. And this is what this movie is about..

boring, very boring, but it has a good story.

This Steinbeck classic is perhaps my favorite movie. It is one of the best book-to-movie translations I have ever seen.

Gave me a great interest in the Depression era, the Dust Bowl, and President Roosevelt's New Deal. Simply a great novel, with historical significance, moving characters, and stuff.

Great book. As usual the movie falls short. The symbolism, when present at all, is too obvious.

Terrible version of the book. Finishes only 2/3 of the movie- cuts out all (or most of) Red Scare, fascism, police brutality and starvation. Cuts out last scene (very important scene!). Needs to be redone by Oliver Stone.

the most realistic of the classics.