Gena Rowlands is excellent as the tired woman who decides to take her chances for the boy. The kid is a right blend of understanding and childish tantrums.
Gloria (1980)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:20
Fresh:19
Rotten:1
Average Rating:7.1/10
Runtime: 2 hrs 1 min
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: Writer-director John Cassavetes presents one of his most touching motion pictures with this story of the unlikely bond between a cynical New Yorker and a young boy. Gloria (Gena Rowlands), the... Writer-director John Cassavetes presents one of his most touching motion pictures with this story of the unlikely bond between a cynical New Yorker and a young boy. Gloria (Gena Rowlands), the quintessential "tough-talkin' dame"--complete with time in prison and ties to the mob--has put those days behind her, now living a quiet, solitary life. That changes when the Mafia marks her neighbors for death and Gloria is asked to care for their young son, Phil (John Adames). She reluctantly agrees, but because the boy knows incriminating information, they must immediately go into hiding, which takes them on a journey through New York City and ends up sparking a mother-son bond that neither could have ever expected. Cassavetes creates an empowering female role with Gloria, and Rowlands (his real-life wife) runs with it, making her transformation from bitter ex-criminal to overprotective, yet still tough, mother figure seem honest and believable. It is this budding maternal relationship that gives the film a sweetness even amid the gun smoke. [More]
Starring: Gena Rowlands, Buck Henry, Julie Carmen, John Adames
Starring: Gena Rowlands, Buck Henry, Julie Carmen, John Adames, Edward Wilson
Director: John Cassavetes
Director: John Cassavetes
Screenwriter: John Cassavetes
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Reviews for Gloria
John Cassavetes clearly set out to make a commercial film, but, intransigent personality that he was, he turned in a slice of pure avant-garde.
Under the masterful direction of husband John Cassavetes, Gena Rowlands delivers a gutsy, spellbinding performance in this excellent crime film.
It's clear from the opening montage that we're in the hands of a master.
More than any other recent film I can think of, Gloria is a movie that depends on the mood you're in when you see it.
John Cassavetes made some iffy movies during his career, but none is worse than the original Gloria.
Rowlands's gutsy portrayal of the woman who takes a redemptive and life-threatening plunge, and Adames as the brat who grows up fast in the pressurized situation.
Indie godfather John Cassavetes transforms Gena Rowlands into his own little Pam Grier in this oddly sweet-and-sour, PG-rated mob melodrama.
Gloria boasts a tough and tender performance by Gina Rowlands as an ex-gun moll and showgirl whose nurturing instincts come to the fore when she is called upon to protect a little boy in jeopardy.
Latest News for Gloria
February 27, 2006:
"Ultraviolet" Photo Update!
Navigate your way over to the "Ultraviolet" movie page to see stills from the futuristic actioner starring Milla Jovovich, opening this week! More...
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