Lawless (2012) (Exclusive Steelbook) (Blu-ray)

Biblical brutalities, slit throats and not forgetting castrations. It's all just another day's work in the bootlegging business for the Bondurant brothers. Criminal honour dominates the core of this fact based story that's also based on Matt Bondurants book (The weestest county in the world), Jack (Shia LaBouf), Forrest (Tom Hardy) and Howard (Jason Clarke) are the Viginia Hillbilies makeing a killing while the Monnshine's good. That's until the outside world comes intruding. The film in parts echo's Casino, Lawless plays as the sympathetic study of a self contained criminal world before law and big business muscle in. This is a familiar world but the outstanding bluegrass music score and the woodland views add vivid old world life. The lead actors are brilliant Tom Hardy's gruff machoism, Garry Oldman (under used) Gang Boss and Guy Pearce (outstandingly nasty) psycho cop all leave a massive impact. It's a small gripe to say that Shi LaBeouf's moral arc and un-needed love story diminish his potency of being a very good actor. The women roles (Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska) are also underwritten but also give strong performances with what little material they have been given. But this is a grip as the steady pace of the film simmers with built up aggression leading to a blood splattered climax . In all apart from my minor niggles Lawless is an excellent movie that sticks in the memory long after watching. It's a film you'll appreciate more with repeated viewing.
See if you like.....
Gangster Squad.
The Untouchables.
Public Enemies.
L.A Confidential.
Last Man Standing.

Biblical brutalities, slit throats and not forgetting castrations. It's all just another day's work in the bootlegging business for the Bondurant brothers. Criminal honour dominates the core of this fact based story that's also based on Matt Bondurants book (The weestest county in the world), Jack (Shia LaBouf), Forrest (Tom Hardy) and Howard (Jason Clarke) are the Viginia Hillbilies makeing a killing while the Monnshine's good. That's until the outside world comes intruding. The film in parts echo's Casino, Lawless plays as the sympathetic study of a self contained criminal world before law and big business muscle in. This is a familiar world but the outstanding bluegrass music score and the woodland views add vivid old world life. The lead actors are brilliant Tom Hardy's gruff machoism, Garry Oldman (under used) Gang Boss and Guy Pearce (outstandingly nasty) psycho cop all leave a massive impact. It's a small gripe to say that Shi LaBeouf's moral arc and un-needed love story diminish his potency of being a very good actor. The women roles (Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska) are also underwritten but also give strong performances with what little material they have been given. But this is a grip as the steady pace of the film simmers with built up aggression leading to a blood splattered climax . In all apart from my minor niggles Lawless is an excellent movie that sticks in the memory long after watching. It's a film you'll appreciate more with repeated viewing.
See if you like.....
Gangster Squad.
The Untouchables.
Public Enemies.
L.A Confidential.
Last Man Standing.

A superb film, the less you know about it going in, the better. Tom Hardy proves why he's the hot ticket of the moment with a mesmerising performance. Gary Oldman, Shia LaBeouf and Guy Pearce all shine. It's brutal, it's violent but it sure is fun!
The steelbook edition is highly recommended, if you're in two minds about this - go for it, you'll be glad you did!

Good film, well researched, the sets,vehicles and costumes are excellent, has a really believable feel to it and it isn't blood and guts like so many Gangster films.

good ganster movie, shame theres not more of Gary Oldman