Reds Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Rich American journalist goes to Russia, falls in love with communism, then dies, proving that love really can kill you, especially when it’s for a political system.

🍿 Reds: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Activism

The film opens in 1915, introducing John Reed, a passionate American journalist and socialist, and Louise Bryant, a free-spirited writer. They meet in Portland, Oregon, and quickly become involved in left-wing politics, advocating for workers’ rights and opposing World War I. Their relationship is tumultuous but passionate, marked by intellectual debates and personal struggles.

The Russian Revolution

Inspired by the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, Reed travels to Russia to document the events firsthand. Bryant later joins him, and they both become deeply immersed in the revolutionary fervor. Reed witnesses the rise of the Bolsheviks and becomes a fervent supporter of their cause, believing it represents a new era of social justice and equality.

Return to America and Political Struggles

Returning to the United States, Reed and Bryant attempt to bring the spirit of the Russian Revolution to America, facing significant opposition and internal conflicts within the American socialist movement. Reed becomes involved in forming the Communist Labor Party of America, but his health deteriorates as he struggles to reconcile his ideals with the realities of political organizing.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• John Reed (Warren Beatty): An American journalist and socialist who becomes deeply involved in the Russian Revolution and its ideals.
• Louise Bryant (Diane Keaton): A feminist writer and activist who embarks on a tumultuous relationship with John Reed and becomes involved in his political pursuits.
• Eugene O’Neill (Jack Nicholson): A cynical playwright who forms a complex love triangle with John Reed and Louise Bryant.
• Emma Goldman (Maureen Stapleton): An anarchist activist and influential figure in the radical movement who provides a critical perspective on the revolution.
• Max Eastman (Edward Herrmann): A writer and activist who is a friend of John and Louise, and a fellow intellectual sparring partner within the socialist movement.
• Grigory Zinoviev (Jerzy Kosinski): A Bolshevik revolutionary and Soviet politician.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Eugene O’Neill: “If you were mine, I wouldn’t share you with anybody or anything. It’d be just you and me. We’d be the center of it all.” – O’Neill expresses his possessive love for Louise Bryant, highlighting the complexities of their relationship and her feelings for both him and John Reed.
• Emma Goldman: “It doesn’t work, Jack. It just doesn’t work.” – Emma Goldman expresses her disillusionment with the Bolshevik Revolution and its deviation from true socialist ideals, foreshadowing the failures of the communist experiment.
• John Reed: “What was the war all about?” – John Reed responds to being questioned about what war is all about during his time in Russia.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $32,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $40,382,659
• Worldwide Gross: $40,382,788

💥 Reds Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, Reds is a LOT. I was expecting a historical drama, but it’s so much more than that. I was completely drawn into the world of John Reed and Louise Bryant, feeling their passion and struggles. The scenes in Russia were breathtaking and made me think about history differently. The film resonated with me and made me feel the thrill of revolution and love. The intimate moments between Beatty and Keaton made the film memorable. Definitely worth the time and attention!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “History buffs”
  • “Political drama enthusiasts”
  • “Fans of Warren Beatty and Diane Keaton”
  • “Viewers interested in early 20th-century social movements”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scenes of war and political violence”
  • “Mature themes and discussions of sexuality”
  • “Brief language”

Professional Reviews

• Hollywood Reporter: “Warren Beatty’s ambitious epic is a sprawling, thought-provoking look at love, politics, and the allure of revolution. While its length can be daunting, the performances and historical scope are undeniably captivating, and provides insights into the spirit of the times.
• New York Times: “Reds is a visually stunning and intellectually engaging film that attempts to grapple with complex political ideologies and personal relationships. Beatty’s direction is confident, and the performances from Keaton and Nicholson elevate the film beyond a simple historical drama.
• Variety: “A sweeping historical romance that manages to balance grand political themes with intimate character studies. Beatty’s passion project is a testament to his vision and commitment, creating a memorable cinematic experience.

Audience Reactions

The love story between Reed and Bryant was deeply moving and believable.: Viewers praised the film’s ability to bring historical events to life, especially those who admired the performances.

Jack Nicholson’s performance as Eugene O’Neill added a layer of complexity and cynicism to the romantic triangle.: Many viewers highlighted the strong performances, particularly by the supporting cast, and the film’s exploration of complex themes.

Overall Consensus: Reds is a sweeping historical drama that blends romance, politics, and personal struggles into a captivating cinematic experience. The performances are strong, the direction is ambitious, and the film offers a thought-provoking look at a pivotal period in history.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Director)- 1982
2. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 1982
3. Academy Award (Best Cinematography)- 1982

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Warren Beatty spent over a decade developing ‘Reds’, facing numerous setbacks in securing funding and studio support due to the film’s controversial subject matter.”
• “To give the film a sense of authenticity, Beatty included interviews with real-life individuals who knew John Reed and Louise Bryant or were involved in the political movements of the time.”
• “Reportedly, Warren Beatty reshot some scenes up to 35 times. Paul Sorvino said he did as many as 70 takes for one scene, and Maureen Stapleton said she did as many as 80 takes for another. Reportedly, of this, she famously once said to Warren Beatty, “Are you out of your fucking mind?” This earned her a round of applause from the crew.”

🖥️ How to Watch Reds?

Reds is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can be purchased from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Reds, you might like these similar films:

• Doctor Zhivago (1965): Both films are sweeping romantic epics set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution, exploring the impact of political upheaval on personal lives.
• Gandhi (1982): Similar in scope and ambition, ‘Gandhi’ chronicles the life of a revolutionary figure who fought for social change and faced complex moral dilemmas.
• The Revolution (1985): Another film about revolution, this one set during the American Revolutionary war

🛒 Reds Related Products

• Reds (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A high-quality Blu-ray edition of ‘Reds’ from The Criterion Collection, featuring restored visuals, audio, and exclusive bonus content like interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. It is perfect for collectors and film enthusiasts.
• Ten Days That Shook the World: John Reed’s firsthand account of the Bolshevik Revolution. Gain a deeper understanding of the events depicted in the movie through Reed’s own compelling narrative. Available in Kindle format for easy reading.
• Reds Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original movie poster for “Reds”. Available in various sizes and framing options. A stunning piece for any film buff’s collection, preserving the movie’s original artwork.
• Communist Propaganda Posters: A collection of authentic posters from the era in which “Reds” is set, offering insight into the visual culture of the time. Excellent for collectors, history enthusiasts, or those studying the Russian Revolution.

🎧 Soundtrack

Reds features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “You’re a Grand Old Flag” – performed by George M. Cohan
• “The Internationale” – performed by Various

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Warren Beatty ‪Wins Best Directing: 1982 Oscars

Check out Warren Beatty’s acceptance speech for Best Director at the Oscars for ‘Reds’! It’s so cool to see how much this movie was celebrated back then, and his speech is actually pretty inspiring.

Reds – train station scene

Ever wondered what it was *really* like on the set of ‘Reds’? Diane Keaton shares a hilarious story about filming the train station scene, and let’s just say she wasn’t making things easy for Warren Beatty. You have to see this!

Reds – Best Scene

I think I found the best scene! Watch Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton talk politics in ‘Reds’. Seriously, this scene is so well-acted and gives a good insight of their characters.

Why “Reds” is the Greatest Love Story Ever, According to Ethan Hawke | Screen Tests 2015

Ethan Hawke calling ‘Reds’ the greatest love story ever? I’m listening! Hear why this acclaimed actor is so passionate about this movie. Maybe he’s onto something, right?

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