The Grapes of Wrath

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: March 15, 1940

DVD Release Date: April 6, 2004

Plot 411: An Oklahoma family travels out west in search of work and a better life when their farm is taken from them.

Review: I've never read John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, but I really enjoyed this film. It was a testament to the human spirit, power of one's will and determination and highlights the strength of family. Set in the days following the Great Depression, the Joad family journeys to California in search of work. The family experiences many setbacks along the arduous cross-country trek but remain steady in their course. No matter what happens, the family, especially Ma, is ardent that they stick together. While the conditions are hard and poverty is great, the tone of the film is optimistic. Henry Fonda plays Tom Joad, the eldest son in the family, who sets off to right the wrongs of the world. It is inspirational.

Watch It: For what seems more like a documentary about this time in America's history than a fictional account of one family's journey.

Skip It: If you want to full-strength version of the story as the script has apparently left out a lot of Steinbeck's political references and more controversial scenes.

Trailer: