Angels Hard as They Come

Angels Hard as They Come is an engaging action-packed film released in 1971 and impresses viewers with a fervor and flair from the beginning to the end. Showcasing the esteemed performances of Scott Glenn, Charles Dierkop, and James Iglehart, the heft and vibrancy of the characters make this film a cinematic experience to remember.

The movie places itself in the late '60s to early '70s biking subculture, adopting a gritty realism and a certain rough authenticity to portray this atmosphere. Directed by Joe Viola and produced by the renowned Jonathan Demme, the film transcends the archetypal biker movie, venturing into a deep and fraught narrative interspersed with action, suspense and drama. Penned down by Charles Griffith and Jonathan Demme, the plot engages its audience in an unparalleled narrative experience depicting the denouement of a world touched by cultural change and rebellion.

Scott Glenn portrays Long John, the charismatic yet gritty leader of a group of rebellious bikers known as the Angels. Long John's allure as a rough-around-the-edges leader is further validated by Glenn’s persuasive portrayal. His character coincidentally encounters another group, the Dragons, led by the enigmatic General, played skillfully by Charles Dierkop. The fervent chemistry between Glenn and Dierkop as biker gang leaders sets the tone for the movie and guides the narrative towards several suspenseful twists.

The plot begins as the Angels take to the road, initiated by an invitation to a hippie commune, where they get tangled up with the Dragons in an unfortunate event resulting in a murder. The commune gets beset by tension as suspicion and mistrust begin to circulate, and everyone seems to have an agenda. Amidst the tumultuous atmosphere emerges The General's partner, Juicer (James Iglehart), whose actions further complicate the narrative, turning the commune into a veritable powder keg waiting to explode.

What follows is a series of thrilling encounters and action sequences powered by the struggle between the Angels and the Dragons. Angels Hard as They Come excels in its exploration of this tumultuous relationship, focusing on themes of anarchic rebellion and the quest for autonomy. It portrays the societal disarray of the time effectively, while also dealing with the confrontations of cultural taboos, paradoxically combining freewheeling liberation with its concurrent dark side.

Not only does the movie deal with action and drama, it goes a step further by delving into the human spirit's struggle and its thirst for freedom. Yet, it also reflects upon the potential cost of such freedom, using the motorcycle gang subculture as a mirror to society's growing lack of morality and decency. It is this powerful representation of the dichotomy of freedom that provides a deeper meaning to the film and allows for a more profound connection with its audience.

The memorable performances from Scott Glenn, Charles Dierkop, and James Iglehart drive the film and intensify the dramatic suspense-filled atmosphere. These high-stakes performances, coupled with the cinematic genius of Viola and Demme's production, make Angels Hard as They Come a must-see.

The biker enthusiasts will undoubtedly be entranced by the intense motorbiking sequences and the authentic depiction of the biker lifestyle. However, Angels Hard as They Come has more to offer than just a popularity amongst the biking community; this early '70s film brings in its unique dialogues, a thought-provoking narrative, dynamic characters and even some unexpected comic relief, thereby making it a movie that appeals beyond just the biker-genre aficionados.

In conclusion, Angels Hard as They Come represents a time of shifting societal norms and values while interspersing it with an action-packed plot driven by charismatic characters. It stands out as a vivid portrait of a subculture and a cinematic achievement solidifying its place as a memorable film of its time.