2010s, Reviews # - M
May 1, 2013 August 12, 2013 by Daniel Prinn
Director: John Hillcoat
Stars: Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Guy Pearce
Runtime: 116 min
Tagline: When the law became corrupt, outlaws became heroes.
Lawless is probably the most fun you'll have not understanding half the words that come out of the actors' mouths. They don't exactly master Southern accents; especially, Tom Hardy. The guy's a fantastic actor, but he's no Christian Bale in mastering any kind-of American accent. The actors are fantastic in their roles, but you might have to put on the subtitles when the Bondurant's are on-screen. And that's almost the whole time. The ensemble cast is one of the more memorable of 2012; composed of Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Guy Pearce, Jessica Chastain (she gets nude!), Dane DeHaan, Jason Clarke, Mia Wasikowska, and a very small role from the always-fantastic Gary Oldman.
The story follows a bootlegging gang (the Bondurant family) who get threatened by a new deputy and other authorities who want a cut of their profits. It's a slow story at that, but it's gruesomely violent and one heck of a gangster feature. It's set in the fascinating Prohibition era in Franklin County, Virginia, and it's essentially a story of standing up for oneself. Especially for the youngest Bondurant, Jack (LaBeouf), whose innocence is heavily contrasted by the incredibly tough Howard (Clarke) and the brain and brawn, Forrest (Hardy). They're not the type to give away a cent of their profits, and it's usually entertaining to watch the violent brawls and how they defend what's right. If you like Prohibition era gangster movies, Guy Pearce playing a major nance, shoot-outs, great ensemble casts but a fairly forgettable story, and well-developed characters; check this out. Prepare to use subtitles whenever Tom Hardy speaks.
1930s gangsters 2012 Christian Bale Crime Dane DeHaan Drama Gary Oldman Guy Pearce Jason Clarke Jessica Chastain John Hillcoat Lawless Mia Wasikowska Shia LaBeouf Tom Hardy
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4 thoughts on "Lawless (2012)"
jonnyhavey says:
I really liked this movie. I gave a very similar rating as you when it came out. Really nice site btw I am definitely following you. Let me know what you think of my review if you are interested: http://vlizz.com/2012/08/30/lawless-review-hardy-the-immortal/
Thanks a lot! 😀 I liked it as well, I'm not sure if I feel the need to watch it again. Maybe in the future, sometime.
Shah Shahid says:
I didn't like this at all. The only real conflict of the movie, was more LeBeouf's character being a dumbass, and Hardy's character having to save his ass, with disastrous consequences. Hardy's role was like a extended guest appearance in comparison to LeBeouf, so basically ruined the movie for me.
I was expecting a lot, so maybe I was disappointed too.
Lol, yeah LaBeouf's actions weren't the smartest, but I guess with true stories, the movie can only be as good as the source material itself… Too bad you didn't like it, Shah 😦