Films About Gold: A Glimmering Exploration
Gold has long been a symbol of wealth, power, and sometimes greed, making it a captivating subject for filmmakers. Stories centered around gold often delve into themes of ambition, betrayal, adventure, and the lengths to which individuals will go to obtain it. Whether it's a quest for buried treasure, tales of prospectors in the wild west, or the impact of gold on society, these films encapsulate the allure and consequences of humanity's obsession with this precious metal.
Here’s a list of notable films about gold:
“Gold”, 2016
Director: Stephen Gaghan
This film follows Kenny Wells, a prospector desperate to find fortune in the Indonesian jungle. With the help of a geologist, he discovers a massive gold deposit, leading to a tale of greed and ambition that spirals out of control.
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Edgar Ramírez, Bryce Dallas Howard, Corey Stoll, Toby Kebbell, Bill Camp, Joshua Harto, Timothy Simons, Craig T. Nelson, Macon Blair, Adam LeFevre, Frank Wood, Michael Landes, Bhavesh Patel, Rachael Taylor, Stacy Keach, Bruce Greenwood, Vic Browder, Dylan Kenin, Ben Whitehair, Stafford Douglas, William Sterchi, Jacob Browne , Art Tedesco, Kristen DeVore Rakes, Stephen Bogardus, Nicole Brady, Tad Jones, Hank Rogerson, Frank Bond, Casey Messer, John Lawlor, Matthew Page, Joanne Camp, Lora Cunningham, Joe Berryman, Ramona King, Russ Dillen, Danny Winn, Bob Jesser, Catherine Haun, Christopher J. Buzzell, Marybeth Massett, John Pirkis, Jessica Cummings, Patrick Duggan, Ed Trucco, Jirayu Tantrakul, Yotin Maphobpan, Nophand Boonyai;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, crime, detective, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
“The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”, 1947
Director: John Huston
A classic film about two down-and-out Americans who join a prospector in search of gold in Mexico. The film explores the corrupting influence of gold and the descent into paranoia and greed.
Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, Tim Holt, Bruce Bennett, Barton MacLane, Alfonso Bedoya, Arturo Soto Rangel, Manuel Dondé, José Torvay, Margarito Luna, Robert Blake, Guillermo Calles, Roberto Cañedo, Spencer Chan, Jacqueline Dalya, Ralph Dunn, Ernesto Escoto, Pat Flaherty, Martin Garralaga, Jack Holt, Francisco Islas, Mario Mancilla, Julian Rivero, Ángela Rodríguez, Jay Silverheels, Ray Spiker, Valdespino, Ildefonso Vega, Harry J. Vejar, Ignacio Villalbazo, Clifton Young;
Production year: 1947;
Genre: drama, adventure, western, action;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
More information about the film “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” on the website imdb.com
“Goldfinger”, 1964
Director: Guy Hamilton
The third James Bond film features the iconic villain Auric Goldfinger, who plots to rob Fort Knox and increase the value of his own gold reserves. This film is a blend of action, espionage, and a commentary on greed.
Starring: Sean Connery, Gert Fröbe, Honor Blackman, Shirley Eaton, Tania Mallet, Harold Sakata, Bernard Lee, Martin Benson, Cec Linder, Austin Willis, Lois Maxwell, Bill Nagy, Michael Mellinger, Peter Cranwell, Nadja Regin, Richard Vernon, Burt Kwouk, Desmond Llewelyn, Mai Ling, Varley Thomas, Margaret Nolan, John McLaren, Robert MacLeod, Victor Brooks, Alf Joint, Gerry Duggan, Paul Beradi, Paul Berardi, Gloria Best, Peter Brace, Roland Brand, Bill Brandon, Terence Brook, Paul Carpenter, Norman Chancer, Cecil Cheng, Dennis Chin, Anthony Chinn, Marian Collins, Michael Collins, June Cooper, Denis Cowles, Alexandra Dane, Carmen Dene, Reg Dent, Mick Dillon, Dominique Don, Bill Edwards, Hal Galili, Caron Gardner;
Production year: 1964;
Genre: action, thriller, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Goldfinger” on the website imdb.com
“Blood Diamond”, 2006
Director: Edward Zwick
Set against the backdrop of civil war in Sierra Leone, this film follows a fisherman who finds a rare pink diamond and the lengths to which he, along with a journalist and mercenary, will go to secure it amidst the brutal conflict.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Connelly, Arnold Vosloo, Michael Sheen, Caruso Kuypers, David Harewood, Basil Wallace, Jimi Mistry, Antony Coleman, Benu Mabhena, Anointing Lukola, Marius Weyers, Stephen Collins, Ntare Mwine, Bouba Badiane, Ato Essandoh, Percy Matsemela, Ronnie Nyakale, Tony Kgoroge, Nick Reding, Klemens Becker, Akin Omotoso, Chiméne Costa, Dini Nondumo, Grant Swanby, Tau Maserumule, Adetokumboh M'Cormack, Martin Abdul-Jabbar, Gaurav Chopra, Karl McMillan, David S. Lee, Jonathan Pienaar, Sonni Chidiebere, Nnamdi Onyeiwu, Nhlanhla Mavimbela, Mfundo Pisani, Phado Bahola, Thabang Mothle, Buhle Seya, Sizwe Makapela, Tyrone Keogh, Winston Ntshona, Mduduzi Mabaso, Nathaniel Ramabulana, Zenzo Ngqobe, Mlungisi Hlophe, Carol Behane, Nigel Harman, Clare Holman;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: thriller, drama, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 143 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Blood Diamond” on the website imdb.com
“The Gold Rush”, 1925
Director: Charles Chaplin
A silent film classic by Charlie Chaplin, this comedy tells the story of a lone prospector who ventures into the Klondike in search of gold. It combines humor with the harsh realities of the gold rush era.
Starring: Charles Chaplin, Mack Swain, Tom Murray, Henry Bergman, Malcolm Waite, Georgia Hale, Jack Adams, Frank Aderias, Leona Aderias, Lillian Adrian, Sam Allen, Claude Anderson, Harry Arras, Albert Austin, Marta Belfort, William Bell, Francis Bernhardt, F.J. Beuaregard, E. Blumenthal, William Bradford, George Brock, Pete Brogan, John Brown, William Butler, Cecile Cameron, R. Campbell, Leland Carr, H.C. Chisholm, Harry Coleman, Heinie Conklin, Rebecca Conroy, Dorothy Crane, James Darby, Harry De More, Kay Deslys, Jimmy Dime, W.S. Dobson, John Eagown, Aaron Edward, E. Espinosa, Leon Farey, M. Farrell, Richard Foley, Charles Force, J.C. Fowler, Al Ernest Garcia, Inez Gomez, Sid Grauman, Lita Grey, Ray Grey;
Production year: 1925;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy, adventure, western;
Age: 0+;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “The Gold Rush” on the website imdb.com
“Gold Diggers of 1933”, 1933
Director: Mervyn LeRoy
This musical comedy revolves around a group of Broadway performers who plot to marry rich men. The film features a commentary on the Great Depression and the pursuit of wealth through gold.
Starring: Warren William, Joan Blondell, Aline MacMahon, Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell, Guy Kibbee, Ned Sparks, Ginger Rogers, Robert Agnew, Loretta Andrews, Monica Bannister, Bonnie Bannon, Joan Barclay, Billy Barty, Busby Berkeley, Bonnie Blackwood, Eric Blore, Audrene Brier, Tex Brodus, Lynn Browning, Edna Callahan, Maxine Cantway, Margaret Carthew, Margaret Cathew, Hobart Cavanaugh, Dorothy Coonan Wellman, Kathy Cunningham, Virginia Dabney, Dallas Dexter, Mildred Dixon, Patricia Douglas, Marlo Dwyer, Jay Eaton, Bill Elliott, Gloria Faythe, June Gittelson, June Glory, Sam Godfrey, Muriel Gordon, Ferdinand Gottschalk, Beatrice Hagen, Jane Hamilton, Theresa Harris, Grace Hayle, Sterling Holloway, Maynard Holmes, Ann Hovey, Amo Ingraham, Peaches Jackson, Alice Jans;
Production year: 1933;
Genre: musical, drama, comedy;
Age: 0+;
Duration: 97 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Gold Diggers of 1933” on the website imdb.com
“The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”, 2015
Director: Cal Evans
This iconic Western film follows three gunslingers competing to find a buried cache of gold. It’s a story of treachery, alliances, and the pursuit of wealth at any cost.
Starring: Troy Manning, Wolfgang Moser, Vidal Parker-Caldera, Mel Turner;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: animation, short film, science fiction, fantasy, action, western;
Duration: 6 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” on the website imdb.com
“The Great Gold Robbery”, 1913
Director: Maurice Elvey
A British comedy-drama based on the true story of a daring heist where a group of thieves plot to steal a gold shipment from a train, showcasing clever tactics and adventurous escapades.
Starring: Douglas Payne, Babs Neville, Sydney Smith;
Production year: 1913;
Genre: short film, crime;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
These films not only entertain but also provoke thought about the impact of gold on human nature and society, encapsulating the eternal struggle between desire and morality.
In conclusion, films about gold often serve as a captivating lens through which we explore the complexities of human ambition, greed, and the pursuit of wealth. From classic adventures like “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” to modern thrillers such as “Gold,” these narratives unravel the moral dilemmas faced by characters as they navigate the allure of gold and its transformative power. Whether highlighting the exhilarating chase for riches or the destructive consequences of avarice, these films remind us that while gold may shimmer with promise, it often conceals deeper truths about our desires and vulnerabilities. Ultimately, they challenge viewers to reflect on what truly holds value in life beyond material wealth.
