I saw first saw GIANT in 1957 when my mother took me to see it when I was 11 years old. She thought I could handle it; she couldn’t have been more right. This movie, GIANT, stayed with me all my life, as well as remaining my top favorite film across all categories in terms of significance, historical impact, and sustained relatability across all categories. It remains the among the top 2,3 most influential films I’d ever seen … because its meaningfulness only increases with time. Its messages, re: classicism, sexism, ageism, racism, treatment of animals - instead of embracing differences across every level of human life - are just some of the lessons imbedded into the forever eternal themes GIANT ensures that we remember … with each viewing of this absolutely TOP-RANKED Movie which can never be improved upon because of the treasures each of its top 3,4,5 stars gave to this GIANT story Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean (who died at the very end of making this movie after his last lines were delivered but he hadn’t yet left California &/or Marfa Texas, to go back home to Indiana, but was driving on Rte. 66 to Salinas to a car racing event & was killed on the way there … GIANT is a Must-See Movie for ANYONE regardless of age, class or race: it has lessons for EVERYONE & after seeing it, your life is instantly enhanced and rewarded. Go see GIANT… especially with your kids, grandparents, family & friends from totally different neighborhoods. Everyone is left on ELEVATED LEVELS; everyone learns about everyone Else’s goodness without losing touch of their own. All of the top 3,4 characters are Amazingly Significant; They All Have Something to Say … I’ve seen it close to 8,9 times & will keep seeing it as long as I live whenever it comes around. Watching GIANT Just the Right Shot in the Arm needed when life in the post-DJT era makes you feel you’ve lost the sense of the goodness 3:27 of all people. “GIANT” has certainly stood the Test of All Time (1956)… it NEVER Grows Old … & it’s like a tonic, or a prayer, or an answer to a prayer. Maybe I just have to go out & buy a copy. You Will Love ❤️ this movie-: GIANT!
Excellent review….agree completely - “Giant” is among the greatest motion pictures ever made. One very small critique of your review - it’s “Reata”, not “Rialto”.
Thanks for the correction, Bruce; much appreciated. I am going to redo this film and give it the proper treatment and attention soon so stay tuned and God Bless!
The last scene in the burger parlor when he holds up the sign we reserve the right that the best symbol of how ungrateful American had become he kicked out the parents of the boy who died fighting for his right that’s why rock walks out he honors the young boy he saw grow up next to his son both Americans
What a fantastic review of one of the greatest movies ever made! I probably would have never seen it, but my mother named me LESLIE after Elizabeth Taylor's character in this movie. I have watched it probably 50 times (and that's a LOT since it is so long!!!!), and I enjoy it more every time! You did a fantastic job summing it up, but I wouldn't mind seeing a remake; if only to introduce it to a generation that has no idea of what a really GREAT movie is.
Thanks for the wonderful compliment Leslie believe it or not this video is an abbreviated version of the video that I really wanted to make to do this film proper justice, probably the greatest film ever made on racial injustice and bigotry James Dean was phenomenal as was Elizabeth Taylor and of course the Rock, Saw it again a couple days ago.
@Da Cashman HAAAHAAA!!! Since you put it that way, it is an enormous amount of time!!!!! I must admit, I fell asleep a few times, because I watch it when I go to bed pretty often. But it was NOT wasted time. One of the best movies EVER! And I'll watch it several more times, no doubt. Heck, if I ever get to retire I'll probably watch it once a week! ;-) It's one of the few things my mother and I can really TALK about without any friction! LOL!!! You'd think we'd get tired of it EVENTUALLY. Maybe we will, but no time soon. We'll quote this movie 'til we're dead!
That's great!!!! A few months ago I had to train a new guy at work and his name is Jordan. He's only about 25 years old, but when I told my mom she got a huge kick out of it. Our break reliever had to get "Jordan & Leslie" for lunch!
Greatly appreciated, Vintage! I will. While you're here, take a gander at my channel for longer reviews. I'd greatly appreciate it. Happy New Years! ruclips.net/channel/UCGecylw3kUwJHRbonSID5lg
TCM , your Liberal Analysis that you wrote on DIRECTV about the movie itself is so in accurate. Do you think that The part played by Elizabeth Taylor as Leslie Benedict was a (Spoiled ) Easterner who marries a wealthy cattle Baron from Texas. In this movie she is not a ( Spoiled ) Young Wife). at all but instead lives in a Male dominated society in Texas and fights against thee idea that only Men can help people or correct problems that becomes obvious when we see the Mexican population and the poverty that they are living in, as she terms scandalous and have been living and working on this ranch and not being taken care of as human beings.The concept that because Leslie Benedict is a strong character in this movie who takes charge and becomes basically the matriarch of the family is a spoiled woman, sets my blood on fire. I think that term is very biased and sexist and racist for women who are strong and take charge . Shame on you TCM it’s a great picture one of the absolute best pictures I’ve ever seen !
Hold on; I'm not TCM, I'm the Godfather. I agree with your perspective of Mrs. Benedict in this film as racism, sexism, and class (through Jett Rink) are the film's dominant themes. Thanks for watching the video!
Gosh, I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I just don't get it..Am I the only person that thinks this movie is absolutely terrible? My eyes were hurting from rolling from all the melodrama bereft of insight. I know it's an old movie, but so was rebel without a cause and east of eden, and those were deep, raw, and original. This was just like a cliche of a cliche. I cannot understand how this is considered a classic. I think if someone presented this screenplay today, it would be thrown out half-way through. It doesn't really have a hero's journey or a unifying central theme (though you do a really great job of summarizing the central theme between two of the characters -- but there are like 4 other half-baked side dramas). To me it felt like a mish mash of various "timely" theme. If you're going to defy the engaging aspects of tension set up by traditional narrative structure, then I would hope it's intentional, and with purpose. The only reason I would watch this again is to show clips of how destructive and simplistic "traditional masculinity" and patriarchy can be. Damn, I just thought this was so bad lol.
Thanks for watching my analysis, Zachary, and for taking the time to leave this intelligent, well-written, insightful comment. There are some movies that I watched because "everybody" says they are classics such as The Deerhunter that I hated when I saw it years ago. I remember seeing Birdman because everyone said it was "great" and left the theater telling anyone who'd listen that Birdman was THE worst film I ever saw and I am a big fan of A.I. Gonzales going back to his first movie Amores Perros. A couple of years after seeing Birdman in the theater, I saw it again on DVD and went from hating it to putting it among the best films of this millennium so far. The points I'm making is that not all "great" films will be liked by 100% of those who see them as I know people who hate all of Stanley Kubrick's films; the other thing is that sometimes seeing a movie a 2nd or 3rd time could change your opinion of it. In any case, I love this film and feel that it was ahead of its time in the issues it depicted regarding race and class. Thanks again, Zachary, and much much appreciated!!!
Zachary Bell. I totally get and even respect your opinion. But what blew me away about this film were the "moments" and how we get to know the characters in a personal way. The "moment" his son was so afraid to ride horses and cried intensely; the "moment" the James Dean character got completely drunk at the end and is lovesick over Rock Hudsons daughter (the character of course) and the moment Rock and his family go to a regular hamburger place and he gets into a fight with the owner over him discriminating Mexicans...yet Rock loses adding to the reality of it. Moments are experiences that we feel and learn from. Giant had so many memorable and unpredictable moments making it the classic it is. Of course just my opinion....I just wanted to explain how and why I personally thought it was great.
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I saw first saw GIANT in 1957 when my mother took me to see it when I was 11 years old. She thought I could handle it; she couldn’t have been more right. This movie, GIANT, stayed with me all my life, as well as remaining my top favorite film across all categories in terms of significance, historical impact, and sustained relatability across all categories. It remains the among the top 2,3 most influential films I’d ever seen … because its meaningfulness only increases with time. Its messages, re: classicism, sexism, ageism, racism, treatment of animals - instead of embracing differences across every level of human life - are just some of the lessons imbedded into the forever eternal themes GIANT ensures that we remember … with each viewing of this absolutely TOP-RANKED Movie which can never be improved upon because of the treasures each of its top 3,4,5 stars gave to this GIANT story Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean (who died at the very end of making this movie after his last lines were delivered but he hadn’t yet left California &/or Marfa Texas, to go back home to Indiana, but was driving on Rte. 66 to Salinas to a car racing event & was killed on the way there …
GIANT is a Must-See Movie for ANYONE regardless of age, class or race: it has lessons for EVERYONE & after seeing it, your life is instantly enhanced and rewarded.
Go see GIANT… especially with your kids, grandparents, family & friends
from totally different neighborhoods. Everyone is left on ELEVATED LEVELS; everyone learns about everyone Else’s goodness without losing touch of their own.
All of the top 3,4 characters are Amazingly Significant; They All Have Something to Say … I’ve seen it close to 8,9 times & will keep seeing it as long as I live whenever it comes around.
Watching GIANT Just the Right Shot in the Arm needed when life in the post-DJT era makes you feel you’ve lost the sense of the goodness 3:27 of all people.
“GIANT” has certainly stood the Test of All Time (1956)… it NEVER Grows Old … & it’s like a tonic, or a prayer, or an answer to a prayer. Maybe I just have to go out & buy a copy.
You Will Love ❤️ this movie-: GIANT!
I just watched it for the first time . What a superb and unusual movie.
I envy you. Glad you enjoyed it.
@@godfatherofcinema Ha..I know what you mean :)
Excellent review….agree completely - “Giant” is among the greatest motion pictures ever made.
One very small critique of your review - it’s “Reata”, not “Rialto”.
Thanks for the correction, Bruce; much appreciated. I am going to redo this film and give it the proper treatment and attention soon so stay tuned and God Bless!
I'm glad to see another Black man likes this film as much as me lol
One of my all-time favorites. Thanks for viewing!
The last scene in the burger parlor when he holds up the sign we reserve the right that the best symbol of how ungrateful American had become he kicked out the parents of the boy who died fighting for his right that’s why rock walks out he honors the young boy he saw grow up next to his son both Americans
Thanks great review I too am a Kazan fan
right on. much appreciated
What a fantastic review of one of the greatest movies ever made! I probably would have never seen it, but my mother named me LESLIE after Elizabeth Taylor's character in this movie. I have watched it probably 50 times (and that's a LOT since it is so long!!!!), and I enjoy it more every time! You did a fantastic job summing it up, but I wouldn't mind seeing a remake; if only to introduce it to a generation that has no idea of what a really GREAT movie is.
Thanks for the wonderful compliment Leslie believe it or not this video is an abbreviated version of the video that I really wanted to make to do this film proper justice, probably the greatest film ever made on racial injustice and bigotry James Dean was phenomenal as was Elizabeth Taylor and of course the Rock, Saw it again a couple days ago.
I love this movie but I would not remake it how could you replace the Rock Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean. no this was a one off thing
@Da Cashman HAAAHAAA!!! Since you put it that way, it is an enormous amount of time!!!!! I must admit, I fell asleep a few times, because I watch it when I go to bed pretty often. But it was NOT wasted time. One of the best movies EVER! And I'll watch it several more times, no doubt. Heck, if I ever get to retire I'll probably watch it once a week! ;-) It's one of the few things my mother and I can really TALK about without any friction! LOL!!! You'd think we'd get tired of it EVENTUALLY. Maybe we will, but no time soon. We'll quote this movie 'til we're dead!
Just watched it, great movie
I agree with you. Thanks for watching this video
Great review dude. I saw it for the first time on TCM tonight. Wow 👏...
Hey thanks a lot jokers wild I appreciate it glad you like the movie
I was named after Jordan Benedict
Lol. Famous name
That's great!!!! A few months ago I had to train a new guy at work and his name is Jordan. He's only about 25 years old, but when I told my mom she got a huge kick out of it. Our break reliever had to get "Jordan & Leslie" for lunch!
Nice review. But you made 1 mistake. Nicholas Ray directed Rebel Without A Cause, not Elia Kazan.
Shhhh. Don’t tell anybody. I didn’t realize I made that mistake until after I posted it thanks for watching the video and good looking out
Honestly, I didn't know why it was called "Giant" until now. Thanks
Right on, Chunk! Thanks for watching this video, and God Bless.
Great movie
much appreciated!
Nicely done..make longer
Greatly appreciated, Vintage! I will. While you're here, take a gander at my channel for longer reviews. I'd greatly appreciate it. Happy New Years! ruclips.net/channel/UCGecylw3kUwJHRbonSID5lg
Kazan only directed East of Eden. Nicholas Ray directed Rebel Without a Cause.
I know I made a mistake. Thanks for pointing that out.
TCM , your Liberal Analysis that you wrote on DIRECTV about the movie itself is so in accurate. Do you think that The part played by Elizabeth Taylor as Leslie Benedict was a (Spoiled ) Easterner who marries a wealthy cattle Baron from Texas. In this movie she is not a ( Spoiled ) Young Wife). at all but instead lives in a Male dominated society in Texas and fights against thee idea that only Men can help people or correct problems that becomes obvious when we see the Mexican population and the poverty that they are living in, as she terms scandalous and have been living and working on this ranch and not being taken care of as human beings.The concept that because Leslie Benedict is a strong character in this movie who takes charge and becomes basically the matriarch of the family is a spoiled woman, sets my blood on fire. I think that term is very biased and sexist and racist for women who are strong and take charge . Shame on you TCM it’s a great picture one of the absolute best pictures I’ve ever seen !
Hold on; I'm not TCM, I'm the Godfather. I agree with your perspective of Mrs. Benedict in this film as racism, sexism, and class (through Jett Rink) are the film's dominant themes. Thanks for watching the video!
my big problem with this : he should learn the name of the ranch. it throws me off.
Thank you
Nice points. Seriously. Not really a western though. And don't look like you are reading. ;-)
Thanks for the clarification and thanks for watching my video I really appreciate your comment. God bless
Gosh, I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I just don't get it..Am I the only person that thinks this movie is absolutely terrible? My eyes were hurting from rolling from all the melodrama bereft of insight. I know it's an old movie, but so was rebel without a cause and east of eden, and those were deep, raw, and original. This was just like a cliche of a cliche. I cannot understand how this is considered a classic. I think if someone presented this screenplay today, it would be thrown out half-way through. It doesn't really have a hero's journey or a unifying central theme (though you do a really great job of summarizing the central theme between two of the characters -- but there are like 4 other half-baked side dramas). To me it felt like a mish mash of various "timely" theme. If you're going to defy the engaging aspects of tension set up by traditional narrative structure, then I would hope it's intentional, and with purpose. The only reason I would watch this again is to show clips of how destructive and simplistic "traditional masculinity" and patriarchy can be. Damn, I just thought this was so bad lol.
Thanks for watching my analysis, Zachary, and for taking the time to leave this intelligent, well-written, insightful comment. There are some movies that I watched because "everybody" says they are classics such as The Deerhunter that I hated when I saw it years ago. I remember seeing Birdman because everyone said it was "great" and left the theater telling anyone who'd listen that Birdman was THE worst film I ever saw and I am a big fan of A.I. Gonzales going back to his first movie Amores Perros. A couple of years after seeing Birdman in the theater, I saw it again on DVD and went from hating it to putting it among the best films of this millennium so far. The points I'm making is that not all "great" films will be liked by 100% of those who see them as I know people who hate all of Stanley Kubrick's films; the other thing is that sometimes seeing a movie a 2nd or 3rd time could change your opinion of it. In any case, I love this film and feel that it was ahead of its time in the issues it depicted regarding race and class. Thanks again, Zachary, and much much appreciated!!!
Zachary Bell. I totally get and even respect your opinion. But what blew me away about this film were the "moments" and how we get to know the characters in a personal way. The "moment" his son was so afraid to ride horses and cried intensely; the "moment" the James Dean character got completely drunk at the end and is lovesick over Rock Hudsons daughter (the character of course) and the moment Rock and his family go to a regular hamburger place and he gets into a fight with the owner over him discriminating Mexicans...yet Rock loses adding to the reality of it. Moments are experiences that we feel and learn from. Giant had so many memorable and unpredictable moments making it the classic it is. Of course just my opinion....I just wanted to explain how and why I personally thought it was great.