Overview
A poignant tale of hope and perseverance as one man's journey to America unfolds against a backdrop of hardship.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- somber
- harrowing
- melancholic
- historical cinema night
- classic film study
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a powerful, ambitious historical immigrant drama, though its reception is positive rather than uniformly acclaimed.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Stavros travels from Anatolia toward Constantinople and struggles persistently to earn passage to the United States.
The Greek and Armenian communities face repression and violence under the Ottoman majority, shaping Stavros’s desire to leave.
Elia Kazan adapts the story of his uncle into a broad account of migration, family obligation, and social violence.
Stavros idealizes America as a place where he can make his parents proud, but every step toward passage is precarious.
Films like America America, and why
The Emigrants
shared themes of migration, poverty, persecution, and an arduous search for a better life in a historical setting
The Godfather Part II
shared historical drama framework, immigrant experience, and emotionally grounded treatment of displacement
The Pianist
shared focus on ethnic persecution, survival, and the moral costs of pursuing freedom under oppressive conditions
The Immigrant
shared epic immigrant narrative, family sacrifice, and idealized yet difficult visions of America
Movie Details
- Director
- Elia Kazan
- Release Date
- 1963-12-15
- Runtime
- 174 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (101)
Cast
- Stathis Giallelis
- Frank Wolff
- Harry Davis
- Elena Karam
- Estelle Hemsley
- Gregory Rozakis
- Lou Antonio
- Salem Ludwig
- John Marley
- Joanna Frank
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is America America about?
- A determined young Greek in Ottoman Anatolia risks everything to escape persecution and reach the America he imagines as a promised land.
- What is America America like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of America America as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is America America violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in America America as moderate.
- What did critics think of America America?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a powerful, ambitious historical immigrant drama, though its reception is positive rather than uniformly acclaimed.
- Which films are like America America?
- Films with a similar feel include The Emigrants, The Godfather Part II, The Pianist, and The Immigrant.
- How long is America America?
- America America runs 174 minutes.
- Where can I watch America America?
- In United States, America America is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
