Defiant Ones

Year: 1958

Grade: B-

Country: USA

Director: Kramer

Review

one of afi’s 100 most inspiring films. poitier and curtis play convicts who are on the lam while chained together. it’s a very obvious conceit that serves its purpose fairly well. what sells the picture more than anything else is the acting. poitier in particular is quite good. overall i felt it was overly (and overtly) symbolic, but i can recognize the power and importance, especially given the context. a fine film, but not brilliant.