Better Late Then Never

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Beautiful, stupendous movie.Warning: It seems that most folks find it obtuse, such that it needs a number of viewings to digest. If you find it so, relax: You're in good company.Here's my take on MC: The Coens are nice Jewish boys, who went to Hebrew school and probably have fair knowledge of the Torah. To me, this explains much of their work. It doesn't always make perfect sense, but the point is to immerse you in a dense story. In time you come to feel about MC the same thing you feel about the Pentateuch/Histories/etc.: It's the idea that story expresses the Mind of G*d.And, if G*d is Love, then will this story tell you something about love?I daresay it will; and a heck of lot of other things, as well... including, of course, crime, the criminal mind, and in-group cohesion finding expression in armed conflict as part of the divine will.If you haven't yet seen it, hie thee down to view it, forthwith.

The reason why this movie isn't recognized as one of the greatest gangster pictures is probably due to it being too hard to follow, and too funny. In the end I think it is a dead-pan comedy with good, dramatic bits, like most Coen films in my opinion. But it is a very nice watch: beautifully shot, great acting, lots of jokes and with flawless pacing. I wouldn't mind re-watching it to get an idea exactly what's it about.

This is a rich, tightly-woven gangster story about two warring mobs struggling for control of an American city during the prohibition era. It took me more than one viewing to approach understanding the mob lingo, character relationships, and story line of this movie, but it was well worth the work!! The movie is populated by men who are constantly trying to double cross each other in order to win (or gain) favor with one of the two warring mob bosses: the Italian, Johnny Caspar (Jon Polito), and the Irishman, Leo (Albert Finney). Only Bernie Bernbaum (John Turturro) and his sister, Verna (Marcia Gay Harden), seem to lie clearly outside the lines of either mob--and present a thorn in the sides of both. The principal anti-hero of the movie is Leo's lieutenant, Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne). Tom hates the way Leo is used by Verna (a hooker) to 'buy protection' for her brother. Tom keeps telling Leo that both Verna and Bernie are just grifters out for themselves. Tom is the real renegade of the movie who knows how to play both sides against the middle in hit after hit. He doesn't like being used or seeing his friends—if he has any--being used either. Tom has his own problems with gambling debts but is independent enough to refuse help from either boss in order to win him over to their side. Of all the Coen brothers movies, this one seems to have the most plot twists, which surprise and shock the viewer at every turn.

This is a very well written Coen brothers's gangster film. It has sharp dialogues and has depth and soul to it without going into the mindless Tommy Gun shootouts. The main lead is a character named Tom Reagan who starts out as the right hand man for his boss Leo. Now Leo O'Bannon is one of the coolest mob boss in film history. Sure he gets his hands dirty but he treats the people that work for him right and he does have a heart. Well at least a heart when it comes to gangster bosses anyways. Anyways Tom is a smart, cunning skimmer that is a bit over his head. But also has this charisma and pretentious loyalty which leads him to be liked highly by whoever hires him. He is also has this bad boy persona that women find irresistible and keeps his cool for the most part. He is also very good at manipulation. He is a gambler that takes huge risks with his life and act cool continuously like he doesn't give a crap (which is another reason why some women find him irresistible). In another words he is a good bluffer, which is few of the reasons why you would want him to be on your team while also not wanting him on your team. The reason why I go about Tom's personality is because his personality plays a pivotal role in the plot. And when he sleeps with his boss's twist which leads things to intertwine and sets off in a very different path than what could of been. That acting for the most part is done quite well in this, but that also has to do with the well written dialogue and direction. The ending is pretty gritty, bleak and stays far away from the warm heartfelt wrap up. "Nobody knows anybody, not that well".9/10