Giant
Wealthy rancher Bick Benedict and dirt-poor cowboy Jett Rink both woo Leslie Lynnton, a beautiful young woman from Maryland who is new to Texas. She marries Benedict, but she is shocked by the racial bigotry of the White Texans against the local people of Mexican descent. Rink discovers oil on a small plot of land, and while he uses his vast, new wealth to buy all the land surrounding the Benedict ranch, the Benedict's disagreement over prejudice fuels conflict that runs across generations.
Critics Sentiment
Bick fights the racist diner owner Sarge defending his family
Leslie takes the children to Maryland during marital tensions
The film builds dramatically from Jett's racist hotel outburst to Bick's principled diner fight, rising from 8.7 to 9.0 as Hudson's character completes his transformation.
Giant maintains consistently strong critical reception throughout its epic scope, with reviewers particularly praising James Dean's complex performance and the film's handling of social themes. The sentiment peaks during the climactic sequences where characters confront their prejudices, especially Bick's final stand against racism. Critics consistently noted the film's ambitious scale and strong performances, though some found certain middle sections slower-paced.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 44
Elizabeth Taylor
Leslie Lynnton Benedict
Rock Hudson
Jordan "Bick" Benedict Jr.
James Dean
Jett Rink
Carroll Baker
Luz Benedict II
Jane Withers
Vashti Synthe
Chill Wills
Uncle Bawley
Mercedes McCambridge
Luz Benedict
Dennis Hopper
Jordan "Jordy" Benedict III
Sal Mineo
Angel Obregón II
Rod Taylor
Sir David Karfrey
Judith Evelyn
Mrs. Nancy Lynnton
Earl Holliman
'Bob' Dace
Robert Nichols
Mort 'Pinky' Snythe
Paul Fix
Dr. Horace Lynnton
Alexander Scourby
Old Polo
Charles Watts
Judge Oliver Whiteside
Elsa Cárdenas
Juana Guerra Benedict
Carolyn Craig
Lacey Lynnton
Monte Hale
Bale Clinch
Sheb Wooley
Gabe Target
Crew
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