Cool Hand Luke (1967) Review in 2025
Cool Hand Luke is a classic drama film about a prisoner who refuses to conform to the rules of the prison system, and his struggles with the corrupt and oppressive authorities.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for family viewing due to its mature themes, strong language, and some violence.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of drama and thriller genres. It's a classic film that has stood the test of time, and its themes and performances continue to resonate with audiences today. I highly recommend watching it on the big screen or streaming it on a high-quality platform.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film tells the story of Luke Jackson, a rebellious prisoner who challenges the authority of the prison warden, Captain, and his brutal methods. Luke's refusal to conform leads to a series of confrontations with the prison authorities, and ultimately, a tragic outcome.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and thought-provoking, exploring themes of rebellion, authority, and the human condition. The plot is well-structured and keeps the viewer invested in Luke's journey.
acting9.50/10
The acting is superb, with Paul Newman delivering a tour-de-force performance as Luke. The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from George Kennedy and Strother Martin.
characters9.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Luke being a particularly memorable and relatable protagonist. The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from George Kennedy and Strother Martin.
direction9.00/10
The direction is solid, with Stuart Rosenberg bringing a sense of realism and tension to the film. The pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of intense confrontations and quieter moments of introspection.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is decent, with some notable shots and a use of lighting that adds to the overall mood of the film. However, the film's visual style is not particularly memorable or groundbreaking.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's themes of rebellion and authority are timely and thought-provoking, and the performances from the cast are superb. The direction and cinematography are also well-done, adding to the overall mood and tension of the film.
Cons
The film's pacing can be a bit slow at times, and some viewers may find the themes and characters to be a bit heavy-handed. Additionally, the film's visual style is not particularly memorable or groundbreaking.
Notable Quotes
"I'm a lot of people."
"I'm not a lot of people."
"What we've got here is failure to communicate."
