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Emperor of the North: An Epic Tale of Survival and Redemption
Emperor of the North is a thrilling action movie directed by Robert Aldrich that tells the story of a fearless hobo during the Great Depression who takes on an evil train conductor in a brutal battle for survival. The film stars two legendary actors, Lee Marvin and Ernest Borgnine, as well as Keith Carradine in a memorable supporting role.
The Storyline: A Battle Against All Odds
The plot follows A-No. 1, a drifter who jumps from one train to another in search of adventure and freedom. His path crosses with Shack, a ruthless railroad man who takes pride in stopping hobos from boarding his train. A-No. 1 decides to challenge Shack’s authority by climbing onto his train and surviving until he arrives at his destination, which proves to be easier said than done.
The two men engage in an intense battle that includes fists, knives, chains, and even a fireman’s ax. Along the way, A-No. 1 meets Cigarette, a young boy who serves as his sidekick and witness to his heroic feats. The movie builds up to a climactic showdown between A-No. 1 and Shack on top of the moving train that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Acting and Characters: Larger Than Life
Marvin delivers a remarkable performance as A-No. 1, a man who exudes charisma and toughness while also showing vulnerability and compassion. Borgnine is equally impressive as Shack, creating a villain who is both terrifying and fascinating to watch. Carradine adds a touch of humanity to the film as Cigarette, portraying a child who learns about honor, courage, and survival from A-No. 1.
The History: An Accurate Depiction of the Great Depression
The movie captures the harsh reality of life during the Great Depression, when thousands of people were forced to take to the roads and rails in search of work and shelter. It shows how hobos had to fight for every scrap of food, clothing, or bedding they could find while facing constant danger from both law enforcement and other drifters. The film also highlights some of the slang, codes, and customs that hobos used to communicate with each other and survive on their journeys.
The Score and Popularity: An Underrated Classic
Although Emperor of the North received mixed reviews upon its release in 1973, it has since gained a cult following and a reputation as an underappreciated gem. The movie features a rousing score by Frank DeVol that perfectly captures the mood and tempo of the action. The soundtrack includes classic songs such as “Ain’t We Crazy” and “Big Rock Candy Mountain,” which add to the nostalgic and rebellious atmosphere of the film.
The Evaluation: A Memorable Experience
In my opinion, Emperor of the North is an electrifying movie that combines thrilling action, memorable characters, and powerful themes into a unique and unforgettable experience. The film showcases some of the best work from its talented director and cast, who bring their characters to life with energy, wit, and heart. It also offers a glimpse into a fascinating period of American history that is rarely explored in movies or TV shows. I highly recommend watching this movie if you haven’t already done so. Just be prepared for some intense moments and rough language.
The Cinematography: A Stunning Display of Technique
The cinematography on display here is nothing short of breathtaking. There are several scenes where you can see how much thought went into every frame. The wide shots of the trains traveling through the vast landscapes, as well as the close-up shots during the fight scenes, are particularly impressive. The use of natural lighting also adds to the realism and grittiness of the film.
The Opinion: A Must-See Movie
Overall, Emperor of the North is a fantastic movie that deserves more recognition than it currently receives. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer along with its characters. It’s a tribute to a time in America that was both difficult and fascinating, and it shows how even in the darkest moments, people can find ways to survive and thrive. So go ahead and give it a chance. You won’t regret it.
The Scenes: Memorable Moments That Last Forever
There are so many great scenes in this movie that it’s hard to choose just a few. However, some of my favorites include A-No. 1 teaching Cigarette about hobo codes and tricks; Shack terrorizing his colleagues and passengers with his brutal methods; A-No. 1 fighting off an army of railroad bulls armed only with a chain; and A-No. 1 finally confronting Shack on top of the engine in a showdown for the ages.
The Gossip: Anecdotes and Trivia
Did you know that Lee Marvin did most of his own stunts in the movie, including jumping from a moving train onto a pile of boxes? Or that Ernest Borgnine was so convincing as Shack that some hobos mistook him for a real railroad man and threatened to beat him up? Also, Keith Carradine’s character was inspired by a real-life 12-year-old hobo named Cigaret who rode the rails during the Depression.
The Soundtracks: Memorable Tunes That Fit Perfectly
The soundtrack of the film is notable for its use of classic hobo songs such as “Big Rock Candy Mountain” and “Ain’t We Crazy.” The songs were chosen to reflect the spirit and mood of the story, which revolves around people who live on the margins of society but refuse to give up their dreams of freedom and adventure. The soundtrack also features original compositions by Frank DeVol, who did an excellent job capturing the tension and excitement of the action scenes.
The Analysis: Themes and Symbols
Emperor of the North is a movie that is rich in themes and symbols. One of the most prominent themes is the struggle for survival, both physical and emotional. The characters in the film face constant challenges and obstacles but never lose their determination to stay alive and free. Another theme is the power of camaraderie and mutual support, as seen in the relationship between A-No. 1 and Cigarette or in the code of honor among hobos.
The movie also uses several symbols to convey its message, such as the train as a metaphor for progress and conformity, or the knife as a tool of violence but also of skill and pride. Even Shack’s name can be seen as a symbol of his oppressive role in society, while A-No. 1’s name represents his status as a top hobo who has “beat” every conductor on every train route.
The Special Effects: Simple But Effective
Although Emperor of the North was made before the era of computer-generated effects, it still manages to create some impressive visuals through practical means. The fight scenes are choreographed with realism and intensity, using props such as chains, axes, and fists to great effect. The scenes on top of moving trains are also done with skillful editing and camera work that make them look dangerous and exciting without resorting to CGI gimmicks.
The Dialogue: Memorable Lines That Stay With You
Emperor of the North is full of great lines that are both quotable and meaningful. Some examples include A-No. 1’s advice to Cigarette: “The difference between bums and hobos is hobos work and bums don’t”; Shack’s warning to his underlings: “There’s a couple of things you gotta remember in this life. Always take care of number one, and don’t forget to watch your own ass”; or A-No. 1’s challenge to Shack: “I’m A-No. 1, and you’re gonna have to kill me to prove otherwise.”
The Crews: Behind the Scenes
Emperor of the North was directed by Robert Aldrich, who was also known for such classics as The Dirty Dozen and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?. The movie was produced by Kenneth Hyman, who had previously worked with Aldrich on several films. The screenplay was written by Christopher Knopf, who based it on a story by Jack London called The Road.
The Criticism: Flaws and Weaknesses
Although Emperor of the North is a great movie in many respects, it does have some flaws and weaknesses that detract from its overall impact. Some viewers may find the violence and language too intense or excessive, while others may feel that the plot is too simplistic or predictable. The movie also suffers from some pacing issues, especially in the middle section when A-No. 1 and Cigarette are hiding from Shack’s pursuit.
The Production: Challenges and Accomplishments
The making of Emperor of the North was not without its challenges. The movie was shot on location in Oregon and California, which required the crew to work in difficult terrain and weather conditions. The fight scenes were also dangerous to film, requiring careful choreography and coordination between the actors and stunt performers. Nevertheless, the production team managed to create a convincing world of hobos and trains that looks authentic and immersive.
The Editing: A Seamless Narrative
The editing in Emperor of the North is expertly done, creating a seamless narrative that flows smoothly from scene to scene. The transitions between wide shots and close-ups are well-timed and add variety to the visuals. The use of sound effects, such as the screeching brakes or chugging engines of the trains, adds to the realism of the environment. The editing also enhances the tension and excitement of the action scenes by cutting quickly between different angles and perspectives.
The Conclusion: An Epic and Memorable Movie
In conclusion, Emperor of the North is a truly epic and memorable movie that deserves to be more widely appreciated. It offers a thrilling adventure that is both exciting and thought-provoking, with great acting, cinematography, music, and editing. It also has deep themes and symbols that resonate with audiences even today. Whether you’re a fan of action movies, history buffs, or just looking for a unique movie experience, Emperor of the North is definitely worth watching.