Review of The Grapes of Wrath (1940) by Jon D — 16 May 2010

Based on the classic novel by John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath deals with an Oklahoma family pushed off their land during the Great Depression with the best possible taste. Focusing on the psychological and emotional cycle experienced by the displaced family, you cannot stop yourself from carrying their burden along with you (or even stopping yourself bursting into tears). The film makes a lasting impact and stays in the mind long after you have watched it.

With a sterling performance from Henry Fonda as Tom Joad, this all American classic earned director John Ford the second of four Academy Awards. Look out for Jane Darwell as Ma Joad, who picked up the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (which she undoubtedly deserved with her portrait as a woman brought to the edge by her tribulations).