This film features quite a cast. Three autoworkers, Zeke (Richard Pryor), Jerry (Harvey Keitel), and Smokey (Yaphet Kotto) struggle to support their families and pay their bills against a background of systemic injustices, corruption and harsh economic reality. The film touches on economic stratification, union connections to organized crime, racism, urban decay and the decline of American manufacturing.
The strength of "Blue Collar" is its unfiltered depiction of the characters and their lives. The trio of actors deliver powerful performances, capturing frustrations, hopes, and dreams with authenticity. Pryor, in particular, delivers a standout performance, balancing just a slight touch of humor with a deep-seated anger and disillusionment.
In desperation to cover everyday expenses the characters' decisde to rob their union office in hopes of getting a couple thousand dollars ahead. While the money doesn't pan out, they accidentally end up in possession of records of significant corruption. They quickly find themselves well over their heads in dealing with to powers that be.
Plot aside, "Blue Collar" is an outstanding portrayal of the American working class in the late 1970s, an era of double digit inflation and the dawn of preditory consumer credit. It can be a bit bleak at times.
The end is a little abrupt and not completely satisfying. But then again this is the point afterall. The system will prevail. They never stood a chance.
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