Watch F.I.S.T.

F.I.S.T. is a 1978 American drama film directed by Norman Jewison and starring Sylvester Stallone, Rod Steiger, and Peter Boyle. The film tells the story of Johnny Kovak, a truck driver who becomes involved in the unionization of his industry and rises to become the boss of one of the largest labor unions in America. Set in the 1930s and 1940s, the film begins with Johnny Kovak working as a truck driver in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a hard worker but is constantly being taken advantage of by his employers, who pay him low wages and force him to work long hours in unsafe conditions. Johnny becomes involved in the labor movement after his friend, Abe Belkin, is killed by a company thug during a strike.

Johnny starts attending union meetings and quickly rises through the ranks due to his charisma and natural leadership abilities. He becomes close friends with Mike Monahan, a veteran labor organizer, and becomes involved in a number of successful strikes. However, he soon realizes that the union leaders are corrupt and only interested in enriching themselves.

While on a trip to Chicago, Johnny meets Anna Zarinkas, the daughter of a prominent labor lawyer. The two fall in love and get married, but Johnny's involvement in the labor movement puts strain on their relationship.

As Johnny rises through the ranks of the union, he becomes more ruthless and begins to compromise his principles in order to maintain his power. He begins to associate with organized crime figures and becomes embroiled in a number of shady business deals.

The film climaxes with a violent confrontation between the union and the government, as Johnny tries to protect his members from being crushed by federal agents. In the end, Johnny is forced to make a difficult decision about his future and the future of the union.

F.I.S.T. is a riveting drama that explores the themes of power, corruption, and the American labor movement. The film is notable for its realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by working-class Americans during the Great Depression and the World War II era. Sylvester Stallone gives a strong performance as Johnny Kovak, bringing depth and complexity to the character. Rod Steiger and Peter Boyle also excel in their roles as the corrupt union bosses.

Overall, F.I.S.T. is a powerful and thought-provoking film that is sure to resonate with viewers who are interested in the history of the labor movement and the challenges faced by workers in America.