Blue Collar

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Blue Collar

R,

1978,

1h 54m,

Drama

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96%

46 Reviews

Tomatometer

88%

2,500+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

46 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

When Detroit autoworkers Zeke Brown (Richard Pryor), Jerry Bartowski (Harvey Keitel) and Smokey James (Yaphet Kotto) decide to rob their own union, they are initially disappointed by the relatively small haul. However, upon closer inspection, the three amateur thieves discover that they have made off with something potentially much more valuable than money: the union's ledger, filled with bogus figures and links to organized crime. Should they blackmail the union or go to the authorities?

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Critics Consensus

Paul Schrader's Blue Collar offers a searing, darkly funny indictment of labor exploitation and rampant consumerism that's fueled by the outstanding work of an excellent cast.

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Jesse Hassenger

AV Club

Aug 21, 2021

The pacing can feel a bit lax, but the movie's eclecticism is remarkable.

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K. Austin Collins

The Ringer

Aug 21, 2021

Blue Collar offers up the bitter, outrageous, and ultimately despairing vision of anti-union efforts that the subject deserves.

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Richard Brody

The New Yorker

Aug 21, 2021

Schrader depicts the exchange of labor for money as a kind of original sin, and not even those who honor its code-to the letter and in spirit-are innocent.

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Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

Jan 25, 2024

Blue Collar is the American Dream converted into a nightmare, or a drama about a man consumed by a society of consumerism. Who would want to voluntarily submit themselves to this torture? [Full review in Spanish]

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Mitchell Beaupre

Paste Magazine

Feb 12, 2023

10/10

Schrader keeps our interests rooted at all times with this trio of characters, and through them pushes important conversational topics around labor exploitation and the perpetual dehumanization of the workforce under capitalism.

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Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

Dec 1, 2022

A

A clenched, provocative drama, brilliantly acted.

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Anakin R

Dec 3, 2018

Paul Schrader's first film is an excellent debut for an underrated director.

Albus G

Aug 23, 2018

Searing drama about the dog eat dog world of blue collar factory workers. Compelling, gritty and touching all in the same turn. Truly a triumph of storytelling and filmmaking.

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Luke S

May 28, 2017

This is a great addition to American cinema, and contains one of the greatest, most original screenplays.

Theodore S

Apr 15, 2017

Underrated gritty drama by Paul Schrader with first class performances by Richard Pryor, Harvey Keitel and Yaphet Kotto. Under paid factory workers in Detroit make the mistake of stealing from their corrupt Union. 4/5

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Paul Schrader

Director

Richard Pryor

Zeke Brown

Harvey Keitel

Jerry Bartowski

Yaphet Kotto

Smokey James

Ed Begley Jr.

Bobby Joe

Harry Bellaver

Eddie Johnson Union President AAW Local 291

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Synopsis

When Detroit autoworkers Zeke Brown (Richard Pryor), Jerry Bartowski (Harvey Keitel) and Smokey James (Yaphet Kotto) decide to rob their own union, they are initially disappointed by the relatively small haul. However, upon closer inspection, the three amateur thieves discover that they have made off with something potentially much more valuable than money: the union's ledger, filled with bogus figures and links to organized crime. Should they blackmail the union or go to the authorities?

Director: Paul Schrader
Producer: Don Guest
Screenwriter: Sydney A. Glass, Leonard Schrader, Paul Schrader
Distributor: Anchor Bay Entertainment, Universal Pictures
Production Co: TAT Communications Company
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 10, 1978, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 20, 2010
Runtime: 1h 54m
Sound Mix: Mono

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