Gloria
Gloria

Gloria

1980Movie121 minEnglish

When a young boy's family is killed by the mob, their tough neighbor Gloria becomes his reluctant guardian. In possession of a book that the gangsters want, the pair go on the run in New York.

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Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes73%
Metacritic75/100
Google Users85%
Director: John CassavetesGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

Gloria Swenson, a tough mob's moll with a heart of gold, finds herself on the run after her neighbor entrusts her with his young son, Phil. The boy possesses incriminating information that a ruthless gang wants suppressed. Gloria, a former dancer with a no-nonsense attitude, must protect Phil from the mob's assassins while evading the police.

Critical Reception

Gloria received generally positive reviews from critics, with Gena Rowlands' performance being widely praised for its intensity and depth. While some critics found the plot somewhat predictable, the film's raw energy and Rowlands' compelling portrayal resonated strongly with audiences and reviewers alike.

What Reviewers Say

  • Gena Rowlands delivers a tour-de-force performance as the titular character.
  • The film is lauded for its gritty realism and Cassavetes' signature directorial style.
  • While the narrative has moments of predictability, the emotional core and suspense are highly effective.

Google audience: Audiences praised Gena Rowlands' powerful performance and the film's suspenseful, action-packed narrative. Some viewers found the plot to be a bit unbelievable at times, but the emotional impact and Rowlands' commanding presence were consistently highlighted as major strengths.

Awards & Accolades

Gena Rowlands was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Gloria.

Fun Fact

John Cassavetes originally intended to direct Gloria as a studio picture, but ultimately decided to make it independently, allowing him greater creative freedom.

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