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Poster for The Wages of Fear

The Wages of Fear

Seen it?

1953 | 148 min | Drama, Thriller, Adventure

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences rate it highly (8.0 out of 10), it drew serious awards attention and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and adventure fans. If you loved Point Blank or The Poseidon Adventure, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Tense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 28 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG-13: peril. Probably too much for younger kids.
  • It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1953: an older pace and style.

In a run-down South American town, four men are paid to drive trucks loaded with nitroglycerin into the jungle through to the oil field. Friendships are tested and rivalries develop as they embark upon the perilous journey.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 85 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesStrong

    8.0 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 BAFTA: Best Film. Won 1 Cannes award: Palme d'Or. Won 1 Berlin award: Golden Bear.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $2K worldwide; spent 8 weeks in Netflix's global Top 10; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 133K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot

  • Yves MontandMario Livi
  • Charles VanelMr. Jo
  • Peter van EyckBimba
  • Folco LulliLuigi
  • Véra ClouzotLinda
  • Antonio CentaCamp Chief
  • Jo DestHans Smerloff
  • Darío MorenoPepito Hernandez
  • William TubbsBill O'Brien
  • Darling LégitimusRosa