F.I.S.T.

PG

1978

2h 25m

Drama

List

67%

Tomatometer

12 Reviews

56%

Audience Score

1,000+ Ratings

Johnny Kovak (Sylvester Stallone) works in a warehouse and grows tired of the unfair policies in place, leading him to start a riot. Though Kovak is fired, his spirit wins him the admiration of others, and he becomes a new recruit for a labor union known as the Federation of Interstate Truckers. As the union becomes more powerful, Kovak's influence grows and eventually his ambitions result in a partnership with the mob. However, as Kovak deepens his criminal ties, his life grows more dangerous.

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Noel Murray

The Dissolve

F.I.S.T. is another in a long line of well-made films that excel in their particulars, even if they fall a little short as complete, complex pieces of cinema.

Rated: 3/5

Feb 9, 2015

Full Review

Richard Schickel

TIME Magazine

F.I.S.T. stands for nearly 2 1/2 hours of almost unmitigated boredom-a misfired would-be proletarian epic with Sylvester Stallone misplaying the Jimmy Hoffa part with a self-confidence that borders on the sublime.

Mar 25, 2013

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

F.I.S.T. is to the labor movement in the United States what All the King's Men was to an era in American politics.

Mar 25, 2013

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

For an admirer of good Hollywood cinema, leaving it unwatched is unforgivable, because the initials of the film could also spell: Failure, Interesting, Spunky, and Traitorous. [full review in Spanish]

Jan 18, 2024

Full Review

Jesús Fernández Santos

El Pais (Spain)

The analysis lacks rigor and it's more interested in exploiting the previous hits of Sylvester Stallone than to delve deeper into any kind of social problem. [Full Review in Spanish]

Jul 31, 2019

Full Review

TV Guide

Stallone likes to depart from his customary muscle image from time to time. Often it fails, but sometimes he succeeds, as in this interesting (albeit somewhat flawed) drama of a Hoffa-like trade union leader.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 25, 2013

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Giorgos A

One of the greatest movies ever made!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/20/23

Full Review

matthias s

F.I.S.T. delivers a gripping tale of ambition and labor struggles with decent acting and a great soundtrack. However, its long runtime and uneven pacing may test viewers' patience. Still, the film's exploration of the human spirit and determination make it a worthwhile watch for those interested in compelling dramas.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/11/23

Full Review

Petar P

Excellent film, this is a great, well acted story.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/07/23

Full Review

Gonzo g

VERY UNDERRATED STALLONE PIC Right after Rocky …STALLONE starred in this movie …he also rewrote the script…its loosely based on The Rise n Fall of Jimmy Hoffa. It was not a hit but it doesn't mean its not good …it really gives him a chance to show he wasnt just Rocky but a pretty damn good actor …its hard to find but u can get it on DVD on Amazon…I also recommend PARADISE ALLEY

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/08/23

Full Review

Audience Member

an old favourite. starting a search online to watch again 10+ times

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I saw this in the theater when it first came out and not since. It has stuck with me all these years as the only movie with Mr. Stallone at the center of things that I have ever enjoyed. Not a perfect film but a very good attempt that has some real depth to it and should inspire some thought afterwards.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

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Norman Jewison

Director

Sylvester Stallone

Johnny Kovak

Rod Steiger

Senator Madison

Peter Boyle

Max Graham

Melinda Dillon

Anna Zarinkas

David Huffman

Abe Belkin

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Synopsis

Johnny Kovak (Sylvester Stallone) works in a warehouse and grows tired of the unfair policies in place, leading him to start a riot. Though Kovak is fired, his spirit wins him the admiration of others, and he becomes a new recruit for a labor union known as the Federation of Interstate Truckers. As the union becomes more powerful, Kovak's influence grows and eventually his ambitions result in a partnership with the mob. However, as Kovak deepens his criminal ties, his life grows more dangerous.

Director: Norman Jewison
Producer: Norman Jewison
Screenwriter: Joe Eszterhas, Sylvester Stallone, Norman Jewison
Production Co: United Artists
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (DVD): Dec 13, 2005
Runtime: 2h 25m