The Grapes of Wrath (1940)

 This film delivers Henry Fonda with his best role of Tom Joad, convicted of manslaughter, desperate to get back to his family and put his past behind him and make a life for himself. 

Filmed almost in a documentary style with tons of natural performances, realistic lightning with brilliant cinematography from Gregg Toland (who wasn't even nominated for an Oscar for his superb work here), this is a film that has actually managed to age well which is no small feat considering this film is now more than eighty years old, but with realistic characters only to have their hopes dashed and dashed again, but they refuse to give up or give in to death despite judgment coming from all around them by people who can't even begin to imagine their circumstances. 

And Tom Joad is a great protagonist, with flaws and unlucky chances which force him to abandon his family, as he refuses to drag them down with him. But he still wants to do good, wants to help the little guy. However, I feel that Ma Joad (Jane Darwell), who doesn't even get a first name, is also one of the heroes who may be down but not out, knowing that she will have to keep going because 'they're the people'. 

Despite the bleak ending (though not as bleak as the book apparently), this film is a classic for a reason and Fonda should have won his Oscar for this role and Darwell fully deserved her win. I can't believe this film didn't win more awards as it is a timeless classic. Grade: A

Side Notes:

-It is unclear how many siblings Tom actually has, though by my guess, I'd say four: Rose of Sharon, Al, Ruth and Winfield.

-It is odd seeing vehicles pass through so many inspections as they travel through several states to get to California. 

-I can't believe that the Joads managed to fit all their belongings and themselves into that rickety old truck, which cost only $75 dollars. 

-The trip is a tragic one, both of the Joad grandparents pass away before making it to their final destination.

-It is shocking at how drastic labor prices can drop due to the demand of labor.

-The police treat the innocent bystander with cool indifference, which is just wretched. 

-Rose of Sharon (Dorris Bowden) is pregnant though they never say it nor does ever even appear pregnant though it is referenced several times throughout the film. That is probably the only part that doesn't treated with the realism of the rest of the film, but again, the Hays code is to blame.