Writer-director John Cassavetes presents one of his most touching motion pictures with this story of the unlikely bond between a cynical New Yorker and a young boy. Gloria (Gena Rowlands), the quintessential "tough-talkin' dame"--complete with time in prison and ties to the mob--has put those days behind her, now living a quiet, solitary life. That changes when the Mafia marks her neighbors for death and Gloria is asked to care for their young son, Phil (John Adames). She reluctantly agrees, but because the boy knows incriminating information, they must immediately go into hiding, which takes them on a journey through New York City and ends up sparking a mother-son bond that neither could have ever expected. Cassavetes creates an empowering female role with Gloria, and Rowlands (his real-life wife) runs with it, making her transformation from bitter ex-criminal to overprotective, yet still tough, mother figure seem honest and believable. It is this budding maternal relationship that gives the film a sweetness even amid the gun smoke.
John Cassavetes's GLORIA is an affecting story about a bitter woman who learns to embrace her maternal instincts. When her neighbors convince her to take in their 8-year-old son, tragedy strikes and and she is left behind to protect him. Her criminal past emerges when it becomes known that she once worked for the Mafia men from whom she must now flee. Rowlands (Cassavetes's wife and regular in his films) delivers an unforgettable performance as the trigger-happy cynic who learns to let love into her heart.
GLORIA was filmed in New York City.
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 1980, where Gena Rowlands was nominated for Best Actress.
Approximate budget: $4 million.
GLORIA was remade in 1998 by Sidney Lumet, with Sharon Stone in the title role.
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Letterbox - 1.85
Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital Mono - English
Additional Release Material:
Trailers
Interactive Features:
Scene Selection
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Review 1:
"...Rowlands has a lot of talent and realizes it with gusto in GLORIA..."
Source: New York Times
p.C19 10/01/1980
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