The Grapes of Wrath, a motion picture based upon the novel written by John Steinbeck, follows the Joad family throughout their journey cross country from Oklahoma to California in search of new beginnings during the Great Depression. The film successfully depicts the societal conflicts that occurred during the 1930's and the unjust, unethical conditions that families were to live in to survive. Director, John Ford, was able to capture the depth of emotional trauma that the Joad family encountered and their longing to one day live the American Dream by combining creative cinematography, impressively accurate sound (for the time) as well as brilliant actors. This film showed that special effects and fancy film equipment is not necessary to create an impactful film.
Although the film follows the Joad family as a whole, Tom Joad (Henry Fonda) and Ma Joad (Jane Darwell) carry the film from start to finish. Ma Joad is not technically the main character of the film, but she takes her place strongly as the guiding force of the family throughout their journey. Her strength, wisdom and leadership gives the audience a sense of hope and comfort throughout the film. On the other hand the featured character Tom Joad starts the film as an ex-convict on parole with a quite self-centered attitude. Tom does make a turn around as grows more intuitive as they embark on their journey and his selfless acts towards the end of the film make him out to be an altruistic hero. Both actors filled the shoes of their roles with ease and passion.
As for the cinematic aspects of this film, although it is black and white, there were many beautiful depictions of American countryside in the 1930's. Powerful moments in the film where landscape shots were taken utilizing back lighting to create beautiful silhouettes of the characters throughout their strenuous journey had an emotional impact along with the film score. Although there were some moments where the lighting on the characters was quite dark, and faces weren't lit as well as one would prefer, the creative cinematic shots and angles quickly made up for the subtle error. I found personally that I enjoyed this film on many different levels and thought that John Ford and Producer Darryl F. Zanuck did an impressive job of making the words of John Steinbeck come to life. I would recommend this film to anyone who is looking to be drawn into a classic film with a storyline and cast that weave seamlessly as one. The Grapes of Wrath will continue to be a classic to this day, timeless, emotionally compelling and eye-opening.

Basic Info (Director, Writer, Key players, Producer): This movie, based off of the 1939 John Steinbeck novel, The Grapes of Wrath, written by Nunnally Johnson and producer by executive producer Darryl F. Zanuck, is set in Oklahoma during the Great Depression and subsequently the Dust Bowl. John Ford directs the film with Henry Fonda playing the protagonist, Tom Joad, Jane Darwell plays Tom's mother, Ma Joad, and many others. The production company behind this 1940 masterpiece in none other than Twentieth Century Fox.

Brief Story Description: **Spoiler Alert** This movie begins with Tom Joad hitching a ride back to his family's house once he is let out of jail after serving four years for homicide. Upon arrival of his home, Tom finds it abandoned, only to be inhabited by another member of the town who informs Tom about what has been going on while he was in the can. Tom finds out that the recent dust bowl has put his family of farmers and pickers out of work therefore forcing them off of their property. The family sets out West for California because of a handbill they received saying that there is work out there. On their journey West they encounter many obstacles including the death of Grandpa and grandma, people warning them that there is no work and prejudice against Okies like themselves. Eventually they do make it out west and find work only to have Tom running from the cops again. This forces the family to a community where police officers need a warrant to enter. The Joad family is safe there for a while until Tom sees cops snooping around forcing him to run, this time alone.

Production Highlights (Positive or Negative): Some positive highlights of this film are the sound quality and acting. I think that all the roles in this film were performed very well from Tom and Ma Joad all the way down to the gas station clerks. This made for a very well rounded film with few holes in it. This also allows the audience to connect with the characters on a higher level which makes for a better viewing experience.

Overall Recommendation: Would I recommend this film? Of course! I think this is a classic film that transcends time. It shows just how hard the times were back then and the type of mentality you needed to survive. It also shows the importance of family and always having their back, unconditionally.

Conclusion: This movie is a masterpiece that transcends time and although movie production technology has come a long way since then it is still great. The phenomenal acting and storyline shows vividly what it was like to struggle through the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. The journey out west for new work took a toll on the Joad family but it ultimately made them a stronger and more connected one.

In he 1940 rendition of The Grapes of Wrath, based on the famed novel by John Steinbeck, director John Ford and producer Darryl F. Zanuck illustrate a somber, yet heartfelt film that encompasses the hardships that plagued the Joad family, as well as many other American families in the wake of the Dust Bowl. Along with the misfortune and oppression imparted onto the Joad family, the group's collective heroism and devotedness to each other is an overwhelmingly apparent theme continuously expressed throughout the entirety of the two-hour film.

The film begins with the introduction of Tom Joad, who is portrayed as a brash young man, willing to sacrifice his own safety and well-being to defend his ego and uphold his own convictions. Upon being granted parole after being charged for manslaughter, Tom returns to his childhood home to find his family's property abandoned and dilapidated. Due to the isolation Tom experienced while in prison, he is unaware of the agricultural deprivation many Oklahoma farmers faced as a result of the Dust Bowl, along with the associated legal impositions being enforced by corporate landowners to evict many agricultural families. Once reuniting with his family and coming to accept the new normal, which he and his family would have to adapt to, Tom and the rest of the Joad family pack up their belongings, stuff themselves into a truck, and the family, along with an old friend and former teacher, Jim Casy, hit the road and head west. Thanks to handbills advertising agricultural work in California, the Joad family sets off with the hope of cultivating a new beginning for the family. The trek westward proves to be anything but easy and results tragically in the death of both Grandpa and Grandma Joad. During the trip the film introduces a theme of systematic oppression that remains prevalent throughout much of the film. Contrary to the Joads' preconceived notion of California and their hopes of cultural inclusion, the further they travel westward, the more rejected they become from society.

The harsh reality of capitalism is overwhelmingly prevalent, and despite society's greed and lack of concern for the Joad family and many in similar positions, the Joad's never lose sight of family, what they value most. Despite immense adversity and suffrage the Joad's face, Tom's mother (Ma) maintains complete and utter composure, acting as the glue that keeps the family bonded.

In a tragic yet heartwarming conclusion, Tom is forced to leave his family and not return due to the assault he inflicted on a police officer during an altercation that resulted in the death of Jim Casy. Ma and Tom have one last goodbye, and Tom makes his climactic exit. The movie ends with Ma sharing her sentiments of the family's endurance and her conviction that the family will go on forever.

Although the film is over 80 years old, the messages portrayed remain relevant and can likely be appreciated by most viewers. One particular detail from the film that exceeded my expectations was the audio. The dialogue, along with the music and background sound, are very prominent and help set a specific atmosphere and tempo for every scene. Despite being an older film, I was very impressed by the entirety of its composure, the attention to detail, and the captivating story. Overall, this film shattered my expectations, and after watching the movie, it is more than evident why the film continues to sustain its reputation and long-running success. I would highly recommend this film to anyone who appreciates the value of family, desires to learn about tenant farming and the Dust Bowl, or is interested in viewing an older film for its unique dialogue and historic motion picture styling.

Good movie

A must see to understand life during the Great Depression.