The Young Lions

Watch The Young Lions

"Irwin Shaw's monumental best-seller"
  • NR
  • 1958
  • 2 hr 47 min
  • 7.1  (8,711)

The Young Lions is a 1958 war drama film directed by Edward Dmytryk and based on the novel of the same name by Irwin Shaw. The movie stars Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, and Dean Martin in lead roles. The Young Lions tells the story of three soldiers from different backgrounds and nationalities who are brought together by the Second World War. Marlon Brando plays Christian Diestl, a German officer who believes in the ideals of the Nazi regime but is forced to confront the harsh reality of war. Montgomery Clift portrays Noah Ackerman, a Jewish American who faces discrimination in his own country and is forced to confront the prejudice of his fellow soldiers. Dean Martin is Michael Whiteacre, a Broadway performer who is drafted into the army and struggles with the idea of killing other human beings.

The movie follows the lives of the three soldiers as they navigate through the war and their personal lives. Christian Diestl, a loyal Nazi officer, joins the army with a sense of duty and pride for his country. However, as the war progresses and he witnesses the cruelty and inhumanity of the Nazi regime, Christian begins to question his loyalty and beliefs.

Noah Ackerman, on the other hand, faces discrimination from his fellow soldiers who do not accept him because of his Jewish background. He meets a young French woman named Monique (played by Liliane Montevecchi), who helps him understand the importance of human connection and the need for empathy in a world torn apart by war.

Michael Whiteacre, a performer from Broadway, finds it hard to adjust to the harsh realities of war, and his outlook on killing and death is challenged. But it is his relationship with Noah that helps him come to terms with the sacrifices he has to make.

The storyline is woven around the lives of these three characters, their personal growth, their struggles, and their journey through the war. As each of them learns to understand and appreciate each other's perspectives, their bond becomes stronger.

The cinematography of the movie is outstanding, capturing the war-torn era beautifully. The film was shot in a mixture of black and white, and color, with the color scenes featuring mainly in the war battles. The performances of the three lead actors, Brando, Clift, and Martin, are exceptional, with each of them portraying their respective characters with utmost conviction and depth.

The movie beautifully captures the harsh realities of war and the toll it takes on the human psyche. The war sequences are realistic and depict the battle scenes in all their carnage and destruction. The sound effects used in the movie add to the reality of the battle scenes, making the viewer feel like they are in the thick of battle.

The Young Lions was nominated for three Academy Awards, one for Best Sound, one for Best Cinematography, and one for Best Supporting Actor (for Montgomery Clift). The movie was a box office success, grossing $6.5 million in North America alone.

In conclusion, The Young Lions is a gripping war drama that showcases the struggles of soldiers from different backgrounds and nationalities. The movie is well-directed, with outstanding performances from the lead actors and features a gripping and realistic storyline that keeps the viewers engrossed throughout. A must-watch for war movie lovers and fans of Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, and Dean Martin.

The Young Lions is a 1958 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.

The Young Lions
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Where to Watch The Young Lions
The Young Lions is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent The Young Lions for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1958
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    2 hr 47 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.1  (8,711)