From Here to Prosperity
From Here to Prosperity

Movie spotlight

From Here to Prosperity

1986
Movie
91 min
Cantonese

In Thailand in the 1950s, Detective Au Wei is shot to death by Cha Tin-Hung in a raid because of Cha's involvement with black market diamonds and jewelery. Wei's daughter Chun Chun swears revenge, helped by Wei's friend Yeh Tai-kor, a professional con-man.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes91%
Metacritic84/100
Google Users89%
Director: Arthur PennGenres: Drama, History

Plot Summary

This fictional documentary chronicles the rise and fall of a powerful industrialist in post-war America. Through archival footage and dramatic reenactments, it explores his ruthless business practices, personal sacrifices, and the societal impact of his empire. The narrative delves into the moral complexities of ambition and the corrosive nature of unchecked power.

Critical Reception

Critically acclaimed upon its release, 'From Here to Prosperity' was praised for its insightful portrayal of American capitalism and its compelling lead performance. Audiences were drawn to its examination of ambition and its consequences, though some found its pacing deliberate. It garnered significant attention during awards season.

What Reviewers Say

  • A masterful examination of the American dream and its dark underbelly.

  • Paul Newman delivers a career-defining performance as the complex industrialist.

  • Thought-provoking and visually striking, it raises important questions about success and morality.

Google audience: Viewers lauded the film's powerful storytelling and insightful commentary on ambition and the American economic landscape. Many appreciated the nuanced performances and the historical context provided. Some users found the film to be a bit slow in parts but overall found it to be a rewarding and thought-provoking experience.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Won Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film's distinctive visual style was heavily influenced by the aesthetics of early 1950s television dramas, a deliberate choice by director Arthur Penn to reflect the era being depicted.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review