Watch Hoffa
- R
- 1992
- 2 hr 20 min
-
6.6 (25,087)
Hoffa is a biographical crime drama film directed by Danny DeVito and released in 1992. The film stars Nicholson as James R. Hoffa, the iconic American labor leader who served as the President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union for 14 years. The movie follows the life of Hoffa, from his beginnings in the union to his rise to power, his corruption, and his eventual disappearance.
The film begins with Hoffa's release from prison in 1971, after serving four years for fraud and jury tampering. He returns to the union he once led with renewed vigor, and the movie explores his complicated relationship with his colleagues and family members. He works closely with Bobby Ciaro (Assante), his right-hand man and loyal supporter, and the two of them clash with the powerful Mafia bosses who have long infiltrated the labor movement.
DeVito plays the role of Bobby O'Bannon, a fictional character who worships Hoffa and serves as the film's narrator. Bobby provides an outsider's perspective on the events unfolding around him, and he offers occasional commentary on the actions and motivations of the other characters.
As the story progresses, Hoffa becomes increasingly embroiled in corruption and controversy. He cuts deals with organized crime figures, defies government investigations, and manipulates union elections to maintain his power. All the while, he struggles to protect his family and friends from the dangerous forces that seek to bring him down.
One of the film's most memorable scenes is a heated argument between Hoffa and his longtime friend and ally Tony Provenzano (played by Chuckie Vine). The two men have a falling out, and their heated exchange of insults turns into a physical brawl in the middle of a restaurant. The scene is a powerful representation of the intense emotions and interpersonal conflicts that shaped Hoffa's life and career.
The movie ends with an ambiguous depiction of Hoffa's disappearance in 1975. Though no one knows for sure what happened to him, the film suggests that he was murdered by the Mafia as punishment for his outspoken criticisms of their influence in the Teamsters.
Overall, Hoffa is a compelling and complex portrait of a legendary American figure. Nicholson's performance as Hoffa is gripping and nuanced, capturing both the man's charisma and his darker impulses. DeVito's direction is equally impressive, balancing the drama and intensity of the story with moments of humor and levity. With its sharp writing, strong performances, and evocative visuals, Hoffa is a powerful and unforgettable film that offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of organized labor and the people who helped shape it.
Hoffa is a 1992 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 50.