Directed by John Huston in 1948 and starring Humphrey Bogart, “Key Largo” is a crime noir film that follows a group of people who are suddenly hostages in a hotel by a group of mobsters when a massive hurricane hits. This film explores the psychological and moral quandaries and the development of the people held hostage. 

As suggested by its name, this film takes place on Key Largo, the first of the Florida Keys, a string of small islands at the very tip of Florida. Humphrey Bogart’s character, Frank McCloud, an officer during the Second World War, visits the widow and father of one of the fallen men who fought alongside him during the war, a man by the name of George Temple. The father, James Temple, played by Lionel Barrymore, is the owner of the hotel who is bound to a wheelchair. Throughout the film, several characters seem to represent archetypes, and it was James who gave me that impression with his honest words and moral clarity. A kind and good soul who did not fear the gang members and tried his best to always help the Indians in the community. Despite his inability to walk, he seemed to fear the mobsters the least. He feared them less than the disillusioned and traumatized yet stoic war hero Frank. James focused only on the obtainment of justice, clear in how he prayed to God, “Make the big wave. Send it crashing down on us. Destroy us all, if need be. But punish him [referring to the gangster Rocco].” Johnny Rocco, played by Edward G. Robinson, on the other hand, was a corrupted man who cared only for his own hide, money, and reputation. He is thrilled to be feared, and he is the old-world gangster, with no moral objection to playing dirty to get what he wants. Nora Temple, played by Lauren Bacall, was the widow of George and stayed to help her father-in-law. She, too, shows a lot of moral clarity, but in a much quieter way compared to James, and although she initially judged Frank, the romantic tension between her and Frank was palpable and beautiful to watch.

 Key Largo is a wonderful post-World War Two film with phenomenal actors and a fascinating philosophical and psychological portrayal of the era. This film does have violence, and I would not recommend it for younger children or anyone who isn’t accustomed to mature themes and violent imagery. For additional information about maturity levels, the original poster warns that this film is only suitable for adults. It is an engrossing film, and I highly recommend it.