The Pawnbroker (1964) Review in 2025
The Pawnbroker is a 1964 drama film that tells the story of Sol Nazerman, a Holocaust survivor who becomes a pawnbroker in New York City, struggling to cope with his past.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to mature themes, strong language, and some violence.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for its thought-provoking themes, strong performances, and masterful direction. However, it may not be suitable for all audiences due to mature themes and some violence.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film explores the inner turmoil of Sol Nazerman, a Holocaust survivor who becomes a pawnbroker in New York City, as he tries to come to terms with his past and find redemption, but his dark past continues to haunt him, leading to a tragic confrontation.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and thought-provoking, exploring themes of trauma, redemption, and the human condition. However, the pacing can be slow at times, and some plot points feel a bit contrived.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Rod Steiger delivering a tour-de-force performance as Sol Nazerman. The supporting cast is also impressive, with standout performances from Geraldine Fitzgerald and Thelma Ritter.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, particularly Sol Nazerman, who is portrayed with nuance and depth by Rod Steiger. The supporting cast is also impressive, with standout performances from Geraldine Fitzgerald and Thelma Ritter.
direction8.50/10
Sidney Lumet's direction is masterful, using long takes and close-ups to create a sense of intimacy and tension. The cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the gritty, urban landscape of 1960s New York City.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, using natural lighting and long takes to create a sense of realism. The color palette is muted, reflecting the bleakness of the characters' lives.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Pawnbroker is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of trauma, redemption, and the human condition. The performances are superb, particularly Rod Steiger's tour-de-force turn as Sol Nazerman.
Cons
The pacing can be slow at times, and some plot points feel a bit contrived. The film's bleakness can also be overwhelming at times.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a man, I'm a machine."
"I'm not a pawnbroker, I'm a historian."
"You can't escape the past, but you can try to make a new life."
