It saddens me to see such an amazing book so poorly adapted.

One of the great film classics. James Dean establishes him self in this film. Based on the second half of the John Steinbeck novel of the same name. It does an excellent job of telling the story on film The supporting cast is outstanding, including Julie Harris, Raymond Massey, Brul Ives and JoVan Fleet, who won best supporting actress. The film was shot in the Monterey, California location, where the story takes place. A true 5 star rating. Don't miss this one. and some of the characters truly memorable. It was shot where the story took place in Monterey, California a wonderful setting. A true five star film that holds up well.

All Time Classic. James Dean carries this film with an amazing performance filled with angst, charisma, and pain. Harris is really good and his father and mother are excellent as well. The cinematography is exceptional and has plenty of epic shots, color, mood, and balances going between epic and intimiate beautifully. The editing is excellent always staying focused on Cal. The music is really good also and this is paced very well. If I had any real complaints it has to do with the more nuance things not getting as much focus. Like Cal and his brothers relationship and things like the German guy are well done but they feel hammed in at times. When we see Cal have drama sometimes it feels a little out of nowhere with Aron as we don't see much of it. And while I haven't read the book, I can tell some things were probably removed here and there at the expense of keeping this more focused probably. But the direction and performances are so strong it powers through that. Everyone should give this a try once.

NOTHING like the book !! It's a shameful adaptation. It starts like 2/3 the way through Steinbeck"s version . Those who ranked the movie high haven't read it . Two thumbs down

There can be no greater film. It was way ahead of its time emotionally and boasts some of the finest acting ever to behold on this planet. James Dean sealed his legacy within the first five minutes of this gloriously directed classic. A film like this, despite it not being an accurate representation of the masterful book, will live on forever. People often say James Dean made the film great, which is true to a degree. But the film also made James Dean a star, because of its dramatic content that was perfect for Dean. Raymond Massey and Richard Davelos also give performances for the ages. And then there is JoAnn Fleet who won an Oscar for the role. There can't be a better cast, nor creative team, nor soundtrack. For what the film is, it is perfect. It doesn't matter to me how much change they made from the book. It is done so well. If the ending doesn't make you weep, nothing much will. And you will be in tears a couple of times prior, all due to the script but mostly James Dean's acting. This film alone cemented a fan base for Dean. The two other films released AFTER his death are equal classics, but nothing quite matches the dramatic power of East of Eden. I've never seen its emotional equal, personally. And I've seen a lot of films.

East of Eden still holds up as one of the greats. The second part of John Steinbeck's novel is masterfully brought to life by Elia Kazan, anchored by remarkable performances from James Dean, Raymond Massey, and Jo Van Fleet. This is a film that will endure through time, with a heart-wrenching and relatable story of family, overcoming expectations, and finding your own path forward.

One of my all time favorites. James Dean is incredible in this beautiful and deep film.

Great dramatic performances from all involved. Awesome film. One of the classics.

I don't know the original book that served as the basis, but I would like to say that this film was one of those that made James Dean a legend, in the role of a young man who struggles to find his place in a puritanical society and, especially, in the heart from his strict father and estranged mother. A classic that does not show the years.

A movie about a son with both mommy and daddy issues and battles himself into becoming a dutiful son.

East of Eden was no doubt an impactful film when released back in the 50s, but age has not treated it well. It's still passable entertainment, but scenes that once had great dramatic impact are now more likely to elicit laughs or brow-furrowing than anything else. The story itself, based on John Steinbeck's classic novel, is timeless, a family drama filled with conflict and deception. James Dean plays Cal, the black sheep of the family, the misunderstood son trying to find his way in life. Dean is generally solid in the lead role, but sometimes plays out his anguish a little too enthusiastically – ditto for the rest of the cast. Another issue of the era, not unique to just this film, is the swelling music score, overpowering to the point of distraction. And the maudlin scenes follow one another from start to finish, including a cringe-worthy final scene that is typical of the era. Again, it's not bad…it's just not what it once was.

Probably would have been better if made by another studio; Warner Bros. under Jack Warner figured a good movie was one that made money. As usual - which is admittedly difficult to say about an actor who only appeared in three pictures - Dean overacts. I'd have to give Miss Harris the honors for best performance in the this, not Mr. Dean. Watching a movie requires "suspension of disbelief" but there's a lot here that ranges from laughable to absurd, from the opening where Cal rides atop a coal-fired train in white trousers and beige sweater and arrives without so much as a smudge on his rear end to a man with two able-bodied sons of draft age who sends other men's sons to their death while his remain at home. OK, the story wouldn't end the way it did but we know that in the real world a draft board member whose two sons are still civilians would be either an object of derision or strung up from the nearest lamppost. John Steinbeck's novels were held in high regard; I've never read them but I hope the source material was better than this Hollywood melodrama. It's not Mr. Kazan's best effort.

Even though he had uncredited roles in films prior to this one this is really James Dean's film debut, and it's about as good a debut as you can get. He was well supported but it's Dean's anguished performance that carries the film.

Good film. Dean still a rebel without a cause

Very good storyline, spectacular and authentic method acting and interpretation, mesmerizing dialogue... Flawless imperfection!

Far better than Dean’s other iconic role from ‘55. Better made, directed, acted and realistic. Beautiful score.

Great directing by Elia Kazan and a great performance by James Dean

James Dean's first starring role. He clearly demonstrates he had a lot of talent. The film mostly works. It is about a kid from a farmer's family seeking to figure out who he is and why his mother left the family, set in a small town during the beginning of World War 1.

A: 4/5 E: 3/5 R: 7.5/10

For the reputation that James Dean has, you would assume that he put out more than three movies before his untimely death. Apparently, this is the film that made him a star, but if I were watching it back then I probably wouldn't have jumped at the opportunity to see his next film. It's a very heavy-handed Cain and Abel allegory, transplanted into California at the eve of World War I; the Biblical themes probably went over much better in the ‘50s. He does give an emotional performance as the loner Cal, but the film on the whole is pretty uninspired. There's a reason this one is the least well-known of his output. (2.5/5)