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The Grapes of Wrath

Play trailer 2:21 Poster for The Grapes of Wrath Released Mar 15, 1940 2h 9m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 51 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
The Joad clan, introduced to the world in John Steinbeck's iconic novel, is looking for a better life in California. After their drought-ridden farm is seized by the bank, the family -- led by just-paroled son Tom (Henry Fonda) -- loads up a truck and heads West. On the road, beset by hardships, the Joads meet dozens of other families making the same trek and holding onto the same dream. Once in California, however, the Joads soon realize that the promised land isn't quite what they hoped.
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The Grapes of Wrath

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Critics Consensus

A potent drama that is as socially important today as when it was made, The Grapes of Wrath is affecting, moving, and deservedly considered an American classic.

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Critics Reviews

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Otis Ferguson The New Republic Movies will probably go on improving and broadening themselves; but in any event, The Grapes of Wrath is the most mature picture story that has ever been made, in feeling, in purpose, and in the use of the medium. Aug 29, 2012 Full Review Nell Minow Common Sense Media Classic John Steinbeck adaptation is still powerful. Rated: 5/5 Dec 28, 2010 Full Review Chuck Bowen Slant Magazine The Grapes of Wrath is flawed, but it captures that shiver of panic that grips anyone for whom the money for the next meal is unknown. Rated: 4/4 Nov 22, 2010 Full Review Adrian Turner Radio Times In this magnificent adaptation of John Steinbeck's Depression-era novel, Henry Fonda plays the farmer who leads his family from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promised land of California. Rated: 5/5 Jul 22, 2024 Full Review Dilys Powell Sunday Times (UK) The Grapes of Wrath is not just a film, not just a tragedy, not just a social indictment even; it is an experience; it is history unfolding like a terrible fungus; it is America. Aug 9, 2022 Full Review Gil Perez Cine-Mundial Everyone who can will surely see this, as it will be the most talked about spectacle of the season, everywhere. [Full review in Spanish] Jul 8, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Stephen C Success in 2 hours and 9 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/09/25 Full Review William B Very good movie. Recommended for anyone going through a hard time. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/05/25 Full Review Ron W Other than the characteristic "overacting" so common in early films, this movie is basically perfect. The story rings as true today as when it was written. Beautiful story of human struggle. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/24/25 Full Review Andrew O This is one of the greatest American movies ever made. When I was younger Tom Joad was an inspiration, but as an adult the Ma character really is captivating. Watching her go from burning her last belongs to being the glue that holds the family together is an amazing transition. Her fear and loss are replaced by strength. The book has little hope, but the movie adaptation has more hope than most movies you will ever see. Ma tells a story about how men and women face adversity differently, but how "the people" are the ones who make this nation and the dreams of all a reality. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/05/24 Full Review David S Yes -John Ford delivers a tremendous portrait here of the great depression. Mesmerizing in many ways - stirs up real emotions. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/28/24 Full Review Joe F John Ford's The Grapes of Wrath (1940) is a cinematic adaptation of John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, capturing the essence of survival amidst the brutal realities of the Great Depression. Ford’s direction brings Steinbeck’s social commentary to life through powerful performances and striking visual storytelling, making it a standout in the era of American cinema. The film follows Tom Joad (Henry Fonda), recently released from prison, who returns home to find his family displaced due to drought and the economic devastation gripping the country. Together, the Joad family sets off on a grueling journey to California, hoping to find work and better opportunities. However, their hopes are quickly crushed as they encounter the harsh conditions faced by thousands of migrant workers struggling for survival. One of the film’s production highlights is its cinematography by Gregg Toland, whose use of light and shadow echoes the documentary style, providing stark visuals that emphasize the bleakness of the Joads' situation. The oppressive heat and barren landscapes become characters themselves, visually reinforcing the family’s suffering. In contrast, the quiet strength of the Joads, particularly Ma Joad (Jane Darwell), shines through the dust and hardship. Darwell’s performance earned her an Academy Award, and for good reason—her portrayal of a mother determined to keep her family together is heart-wrenching and inspirational. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to experience the slow grind of desperation the Joad family endures. While some may find the pacing sluggish, it mirrors the reality of their struggle, giving weight to every mile traveled and every hardship endured. Henry Fonda's portrayal of Tom Joad is iconic, especially in his climactic speech, which encapsulates the film's central theme of resilience in the face of injustice. My overall recommendation is that The Grapes of Wrath remains a must-see classic. Ford’s adaptation may not capture every nuance of Steinbeck’s novel, but it conveys the heart of the story—one of human dignity, suffering, and the will to persevere. Its message is timeless, resonating with viewers even today, as it tackles themes of poverty, displacement, and social injustice. In conclusion, The Grapes of Wrath is a haunting and poignant portrayal of the American experience during one of the darkest periods in its history. John Ford's masterful direction, combined with stellar performances and stunning cinematography, makes this film a significant piece of cinematic and cultural history. It leaves the audience with a sense of empathy for those struggling in the margins and a reminder of the power of collective human spirit. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/25/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis The Joad clan, introduced to the world in John Steinbeck's iconic novel, is looking for a better life in California. After their drought-ridden farm is seized by the bank, the family -- led by just-paroled son Tom (Henry Fonda) -- loads up a truck and heads West. On the road, beset by hardships, the Joads meet dozens of other families making the same trek and holding onto the same dream. Once in California, however, the Joads soon realize that the promised land isn't quite what they hoped.
Director
John Ford
Producer
Darryl F Zanuck
Screenwriter
Nunnally Johnson
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Production Co
20th Century Fox
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 15, 1940, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 30, 2016
Runtime
2h 9m
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