This is a 1980's classic to say the least. And for me at least one of the movies that defined the financial era of that decade.
Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) is an up and coming stock broker who dreams of getting that big account. He works at a firm, calling people and trying to get customers. Then suddenly it happens. He manages to catch the big fish that everyone wants to catch. Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) is a big-shot in the business and soon Bud Fox is treated to the wonders of big finance, but also to it's less flattering sides.
I would not call this movie a masterpiece (like some people do). But it is certainly an entertaining ride. Michael Douglas does one of his best performances ever as the stone cold Gordon Gekko. Charlie Sheen also does one of his better parts as Bud Fox who tries to keep up. Terence Stamp on the other hand is quite silly as the benevolent stock broker who thinks about the little man... And here is also the biggest problem with the movie. The set-up is that you are supposed to think Gordon Gekko is a bastard. He buys companies, cuts them up, fires everyone and walks away with the money. But still, for me at least, Gordon Gekko was the hero while watching the movie. He was the immortal "cool" guy who got the job done, had the private jet and the fancy cars. So who should i idolize? Who do i want to BE? Not the snotty Englishman with his outdated views on morality that's for sure.
Therefore, as a morality tale this movie fails quite miserably. But as a look into the greedy and fast-moving 1980's it's highly entertaining. And if that's what you're after this is highly recommended.
Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) is an up and coming stock broker who dreams of getting that big account. He works at a firm, calling people and trying to get customers. Then suddenly it happens. He manages to catch the big fish that everyone wants to catch. Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) is a big-shot in the business and soon Bud Fox is treated to the wonders of big finance, but also to it's less flattering sides.
I would not call this movie a masterpiece (like some people do). But it is certainly an entertaining ride. Michael Douglas does one of his best performances ever as the stone cold Gordon Gekko. Charlie Sheen also does one of his better parts as Bud Fox who tries to keep up. Terence Stamp on the other hand is quite silly as the benevolent stock broker who thinks about the little man... And here is also the biggest problem with the movie. The set-up is that you are supposed to think Gordon Gekko is a bastard. He buys companies, cuts them up, fires everyone and walks away with the money. But still, for me at least, Gordon Gekko was the hero while watching the movie. He was the immortal "cool" guy who got the job done, had the private jet and the fancy cars. So who should i idolize? Who do i want to BE? Not the snotty Englishman with his outdated views on morality that's for sure.
Therefore, as a morality tale this movie fails quite miserably. But as a look into the greedy and fast-moving 1980's it's highly entertaining. And if that's what you're after this is highly recommended.