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A peasant rises to fight the feudal system that harms the poor.
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The life and times of the legendary Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata are brought to the screen in this powerful production of John Steinbeck’s screenplay. Marlon Brando gives a stunning portrayal of the man who starts life as a peasant and grows to resent and reject the feudal system that harms the poor. Ultimately, in partnership with his brother (Anthony Quinn), he rises to fight it.
"Directed by the great Elia Kazan ("A Streetcar Named Desire"), "Viva Zapata!" recounts the story of Emiliano Zapata, one of the most prominent figures of the Mexican Revolution, although with many fictional elements that tend to idealize the real history and its protagonist. However, the movie has great virtues, such as the performances of the legendary Marlon Brando (nominated for an Oscar) and Anthony Quinn (Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actor). The production design and black-and-white photography are inspired by the work of Agustín Casasola, one of the most prominent photographers of the revolutionary period."