Save your money for something good and enjoyable

Sadly Over-hyped

best movie i've ever seen.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

MGM was in a slump in 1982, and nobody knew how to market this episodic, whimsical adaptation of two plot-light John Steinbeck novels. So a lot of people were deprived of a life-affirming, atmospheric wartime romance that preserves the democratic, people-loving tone of the Steinbeck originals. Shot partly on an elaborate sound stage and partly on or near Monterey seaside locations, it's a leisurely collection of likable losers and near-losers inhabiting the titular sardine- canning center that's seen better days. Nick Nolte as Doc, a marine biologist with a not-too-secret past, is perfection, as is Debra Winger as Suzy, a combative but yearning drifter--the movie captures the character's mercurial, changeable nature far better than Rodgers and Hammerstein did in their own adaptation, "Pipe Dream." We'd like to see more of the gang, and don't really get to know Mac (M. Emmett Walsh) and his cohorts very well. But Frank McRae's a wonderful Hazel, and John Huston's narration, much of it verbatim Steinbeck, ties things together neatly. A bit slow, and a bit fanciful, it's nonetheless a wonderful date movie, best experienced with a good California wine.

Could this be the most underrated film of all time? I have seen lukewarm responses by critics that remind me of the limited usefulness of critics. I loved this film 30 years ago and watching it again today I see that it is timeless. If you ever feel despairing of life watch this film and see how a crew of lovable misfits can enjoy life and one another. Ebert didn't see it as a realistic portrayal of drunks. He didn't hate the film but didn't love it the way you'd think he would. But he didn't love Silence of the Lambs either. Look, even Michael Jordan missed shots, like half of them.I have known drunks, well pot-heads actually, old washed up ones from the sixties. And they could go about life with humor and disheveled dignity just like the characters in this film. Sometimes artists bring out the dignity that people don't even know they have. That's what Steinbeck did and this wonderful film is a dutiful tribute to him. A classic film. And let us not fail to mention the one of a kind narration by John Huston.

When this film was released, it was under-marketed and for studio-based political reasons, all but buried. Additionally, some critics tried to frame it as a failed attempt at "art-house" cinema. However, this simply is one of the best films ever made of a Steinbeck work, and one of the best films of the 1980s. Poignant, masterfully photographed, funny and sweet, brilliantly acted and directed, it is a must see for anyone who loathes mainstream American film making and yearns for literate cinema. Nolte is at his best, acting with a magnificent range. Winger is perfect as Suzy. The adaptation of Steinbeck's "Sweet Thursday" is spot on. The ensemble acting of the tramps led by one of the greatest character actors of all time, M. Emmett Walsh and Frank McRae and the soundtrack including Doctor John's piano stylings, make this a film of metaphor and wonderful enchantment. If you haven't seen this film, turn off your phone, light a fire, and settle in for the ride of your life, emotionally and artistically.

I have watched this movie numerous times and have noted or heard something new each time. It has been several years since I last viewed it and according to a friend of mine I have been trying to recall the movie's name for over 8 months. He told me about this website so I could obtain the movie title again. This movie brought to the surface feelings of hopefulness and reminders of the priorities in life. I enjoyed the performances of the actors and and believe that the cast contributed much to the impact of the movie. Mentally I think of the movie as more closely resembling a theatrical performance than a theater movie. I am not one who will watch a movie over and over usually. I had a copy but it was lost or destroyed several years back. This movie is one that I intend to try to obtain another copy of for myself so I can view it every time I get the urge.