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      Cradle Will Rock

      1999, History/Drama, 2h 13m

      74 Reviews 5,000+ Ratings

      What to know

      Critics Consensus

      Witty and provocative. Read critic reviews

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      Movie Info

      As labor strikes break out throughout the country, New York is alive with cultural revolution. Nelson Rockefeller (John Cusack) commissions Mexican artist Diego Rivera (Ruben Blades) to paint the lobby of Rockefeller Center, while Italian propagandist Margherita Sarfatti (Susan Sarandon) sells Da Vincis to fund the Mussolini war effort.and Orson Welles (Angus Macfadyen) directs an infamous stage production of "The Cradle Will Rock," closed down on the eve of its opening by U.S. soldiers.

      • Rating: R

      • Genre: History, Drama

      • Original Language: English

      • Director: Tim Robbins

      • Producer: Lydia Dean Pilcher, Jon Kilik, Tim Robbins

      • Writer: Tim Robbins

      • Release Date (Theaters):  wide

      • Release Date (Streaming):

      • Box Office (Gross USA): $2.9M

      • Runtime:

      • Distributor: Touchstone Pictures, Buena Vista Pictures

      • Production Co: Touchstone Pictures, Cradle Productions, Inc., Havoc

      • Sound Mix: DTS, Surround, Dolby Digital, SDDS

      • Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

      Cast & Crew

      Hank Azaria
      Rubén Blades
      Joan Cusack
      John Cusack
      Cary Elwes
      Cherry Jones
      Angus Macfadyen
      Bill Murray
      Vanessa Redgrave
      Susan Sarandon
      John Turturro
      Emily Watson
      Bob Balaban
      Barnard Hughes
      Barbara Sukowa
      Tim Robbins
      Jon Kilik
      Louise Krakower
      Frank Beacham
      Allan F. Nicholls
      Allison R. Hebble
      Jean-Yves Escoffier
      David Robbins
      Ruth Myers

      Critic Reviews for Cradle Will Rock

      Audience Reviews for Cradle Will Rock

      • Apr 15, 2016
        In a word: "Disgusting". Not only is this film radically Marxist (even the Depression-era unions and FDR are depicted as selling out the workers as they march toward revolution!), but it's the most anti-Semitic film I ever recall seeing from a modern Hollywood production. Although the film's central hero, Marc Blitzstein, was of Jewish heritage as a matter of historical fact, that aspect of his heritage is never mentioned. The only references to Jews in "Cradle Will Rock" are a few gratuitous (i.e., completely unnecessary) mentions of Jews as friends of the lucripetous, rich characters and as friends of fascists, and in the person of Sarandon's character -- a sycophantic Jewish woman enamored with Mussolini who helps plunder Italy's cultural heritage (literally for bags of American cash!) and who implores Diego Rivera to compromise his art and Marxist ideology for Rockefeller cash. The apparent suggestion in "Cradle Will Rock" that Jews were complicit in their own persecution in the 1930's for the sake of money is disgusting, morally repugnant and wholly unworthy of the talent involved in this project. I am absolutely shocked and appalled at this film. Although I agree that the production values were better than average and the impressive all-star cast's acting was better than average (Caution: Sarandon's Italian accent and persona were of surprisingly low, street busking quality!), the film's radical Marxist and anti-Semitic messaging leave little option other than an extremely low score. Recommendation: Skip "Cradle Will Rock" unless you're a Marxist or neo-Nazi.
        Super Reviewer
      • May 18, 2012
        I would have appreciated a measure of subtlety at some point, as there are moments of "symbolism" that reach laughable proportions with their obviousness. However, since this film still pretty successfully deals with the political and social power of theatre (which is a notion that is very dear to me) I still enjoy the film for the simple fact that it so strongly appeals to my own sensibilities and biases.
        Super Reviewer
      • Jul 18, 2011
        to slow and drawn out. well acted but tough going
        brendan n Super Reviewer
      • Dec 10, 2008
        Huge cast made it fun to watch, along with the 30's atmosphere. Yet another example of how John and Joan Cusack cannot be apart in movies (much to my dismay). I had no idea the 30's had so much anti communist attacks. A neat piece of history. I especially liked Diego's painting.
        Super Reviewer

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