Title: The Grapes of Wrath
Directed by: John Ford
Starring: Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, John Carradine
Number on the AFI list: 23
Year: 1940
There's no place like home...unless the man comes and takes it away from you. Thus began the long, arduous journey of moving an entire family West with a promise of work and wealth. Death, struggle, and lost dreams follow this family all the way to California, and the story ends with the hope that man will survive if he has the willpower to do so. I've heard the ending of the film is more hopeful than the ending in the book. I wouldn't know. I think I skipped the John Steinbeck classic in high school.
The movie, despite its depressing tone, was well acted and the story was captivating. I especially loved Jane Darwell as Ma Joad. She represents strength and compassion in the midst of struggle, feeding starving children and caring for her dying parents. She is a rock for her whole family, especially Tom Joad, played by Henry Fonda. His farewell speech at the end was one of my favorite moments of the film.
This movie depicts how easy it is to take advantage for those in poverty; if you have no where else to turn, you'll work for the smallest of wages. However, the hope at the end, which I'm sure inspired many of its original audience, is to keep fighting for what's right. Keep going, and eventually, the hope for tomorrow will turn into a better today.
Favorite moment: When the children see running water for the first time in the showers at the government-run camp.
Will I watch it again: Probably not.
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