Gabriel Byrne and Albert Finney star in this above average “Gangsters and Molls” tale.
With few of the Coen Bros usual quirks, it’s a story about gangland rivals battling for supremacy during prohibition America.
That’s not to say that the plot is simple, far from it. This film turns and twists back on itself time and time again and multiple viewings are highly recommend.
Easily one of the Coen’s more accessible films, it still displays some truly magnificent writing and cinematography. The opening scene between Albert Finney and Jon Polito is movie gold; as one up-and-coming mob boss (Polito) goes cap in hand to the current head (Finney) to ask him to ok a hit.
Gabriel Byrne really shines in his role as Tom Reagan, very much the power and guiding influence behind the Albert Finney throne. It’s his film and he carries the task admirably. His scene in the forest is another classic and it’s a credit to the actors and directors for delivering such a powerful moment.
That all being said, the film is still lacking something. It never entirely strikes the right balance between the larger than life characters and the grim and gritty reality of its subject matter. The viewer is left wondering exactly what sort of film they’re watching . While there are some truly fantastic scenes, taken as a whole, the movie isn’t completely convincing.
However, that’s just us nitpicking and I’m sure plenty of people will disagree, as overall this is a superb film, beautifully filmed, acted and written by all involved. If you’ve not seen it, go watch it now, then come back and tell us what you think!