Synopsis: Elia Kazan's own words begin the saga of young Stavros (Stathis Giallelis), who leaves his war-torn homeland behind to begin a new life. With his family's meager fortune and his father's blessing, Stavros encounters both allies and adversaries on a dramatic trek. He ultimately achieves his dream through sheer determination and will, thereby earning his nickname: America America. Saluting the masses who sailed toward Miss Liberty's shining torch, Kazan (A Streetcar Named Desire) uses little-known talents here rather than stars. The results impress: Academy Award® nominations (1963) for Best Picture, Director and Screenplay, an Oscar® for Gene Callahan's vivid Art Direction, Golden Globes to Kazan (Best Director) and Giallelis (Most Promising Newcomer) and nomination to the National Film Registry for permanent preservation. Both epic and intimate, it's powerful moviemaking.

Review: In this era of post-911 intolerance a film like Elia Kazan's America America is long overdue.  This vintage feature is being pulled out of the archives for a nice DVD release.  Elia Kazan was responsible for other epic film work, such as a Streetcar Named Desire and East of Eden.  America America is decidedly heavier in content and wider in scope with a run time of over three hours.

This film touches on cultural and truly racial boundries and really delves deep into our emotions with fantastic character acting and a great and full story.  I never had the opportunity to see this film in the past, and I've quickly added it to the top list of vintage film.  Its heavy for most of the way through, but definately one of the best world-scope dramas out there.

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Interest Range: Vintage Film