

Movie spotlight
Gunpowder
At the end of September 1941, Soviet artillery troops in besieged Leningrad realize that pretty soon they will fire their last shot, and after that the defense of the city will be doomed. The film is based on a true event: a small group of fearless soldiers transported a large supply of gunpowder through enemy lines to Leningrad.
Insights
Plot Summary
A ruthless industrialist, played by Kirk Douglas, manipulates his way through business and personal relationships to build a vast empire. His cutthroat tactics and moral ambiguities lead to explosive confrontations and a dangerous game of power. As his empire grows, so does the scrutiny and the potential for self-destruction.
Critical Reception
Gunpowder (1985) was a made-for-television movie that received mixed reviews upon its release. While Kirk Douglas's performance was often praised for its intensity, the film's plot was sometimes criticized for being predictable and overly melodramatic. It was seen as a standard crime drama typical of television movies from the era.
What Reviewers Say
Kirk Douglas delivers a compelling performance as a powerful and morally compromised character.
The plot, while dramatic, follows a familiar trajectory for crime thrillers.
As a TV movie, it offers solid entertainment but doesn't break new ground.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'Gunpowder' (1985) is not widely documented through specific Google user reviews, making it difficult to summarize their specific likes or dislikes. However, general audience sentiment for similar made-for-TV crime dramas of the era often appreciated strong lead performances and engaging, albeit sometimes formulaic, plots.
Fun Fact
The role of the ruthless industrialist was a type of character Kirk Douglas often played, showcasing his ability to portray complex and morally ambiguous figures.
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