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Gloria is a gritty 1980 crime drama film directed by John Cassavetes and starring Gena Rowlands in the titular role. The movie begins as a young boy, Phil Dawn (John Adames), witnesses his family's brutal murder by the hands of the mob. Fleeing from the killers, he encounters a tough-talking woman named Gloria (Gena Rowlands) in his apartment building, who reluctantly agrees to shelter him from the mobsters who are after him.

Gloria, a former gangster's moll, is initially hesitant to get involved, but after seeing the terror on Phil's face, she feels obliged to help him out. With the mob hot on their trail, Gloria and Phil embark on a dangerous journey through the mean streets of New York City, with Gloria determined to keep the young boy safe at all costs.

As they navigate through the city, the unlikely duo faces a plethora of obstacles, including corrupt cops, kidnappers, and gangsters. Gloria's streetwise demeanor makes her an invaluable ally to Phil, who is forced to grow up fast in order to survive.

One of the film's key strengths is its ability to capture the seedy underbelly of New York City in the 1980s with its bustling streets, rundown apartments, and grimy alleys. The movie's harsh, unvarnished visuals are matched by the raw and powerful performances of the cast, particularly of Rowlands, who is at her commanding best in the leading role. The chemistry between her and John Adames as Phil is palpable and largely responsible for the story's emotional resonance.

Another standout performance in the movie is Buck Henry's portrayal of Jack Dawn, Phil's father, who we see in flashbacks throughout the film. His suave, yet menacing presence is felt even long after his character's death, further emphasizing the danger that Phil and Gloria face.

Despite the film's intense action sequences and gripping tension, there are also moments of introspection that elevate the film beyond a simple action thriller. Gloria's past as a gangster's moll and her complex relationship with the boy she is protecting provide glimpses into her character's inner turmoil and her transformation throughout the journey.

Overall, Gloria is a tense and thrilling crime drama that also brings heart and depth to its storytelling. With powerful performances and masterful direction, it remains a classic of its genre, a film that captures the essence of gritty, New York City noir.

Gloria is a 1980 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 68.