🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Lana Wachowski & Lilly Wachowski
- Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama, Neo-noir, LGBT
- Release year: 1996
- Runtime (length): 1h 48min
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10 (68K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two women decide that robbing the mob is a better relationship goal than couples therapy, so they go for it.
🍿 Bound: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction and Initial Attraction
Corky, a tough ex-con, is hired as a painter and plumber in an apartment building. She quickly encounters Violet, the girlfriend of Caesar, a money launderer for the Mafia. The two women share an immediate attraction, which intensifies when Violet purposefully seeks Corky’s help with a minor plumbing issue. Their chemistry is undeniable, setting the stage for a dangerous liaison.

Planning the Heist
Violet, disturbed by Caesar’s brutal methods after witnessing him torture a man, confides in Corky about her desire to escape her current life. Knowing that Caesar has $2 million in his possession, the women devise a plan to steal the money and frame Caesar. Corky is initially hesitant to trust Violet, but the allure of a fresh start and a growing affection for Violet convince her to proceed.

The Plan Goes Awry
The carefully crafted plan begins to unravel as unforeseen events occur. Caesar unexpectedly kills Mafia boss Gino and his son Johnnie after falsely accusing them of stealing the money. This throws the women’s plan into chaos, forcing them to improvise and navigate an increasingly perilous situation. The stakes are raised as they struggle to maintain control amidst the escalating violence and betrayal.

Confrontation and Betrayal
After discovering that Corky and Violet were behind the theft, Caesar captures and tortures them, demanding the money’s location. Violet manages to manipulate Caesar, offering to help him stall the arrival of Mickey, a Mafia associate. However, Violet secretly calls Mickey and betrays Caesar, leading to a final, deadly confrontation where Violet kills Caesar to protect herself and Corky.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Corky (Gina Gershon): A tough ex-con and skilled plumber who becomes entangled in a dangerous scheme with her lover.
- Violet (Jennifer Tilly): A gangster’s moll who seduces Corky and plots to steal money from her boyfriend.
- Caesar (Joe Pantoliano): A volatile and suspicious mobster who gets caught in a web of betrayal and deceit.
- Mickey Malnato (John P. Ryan): A high-ranking Mafia member who arrives to investigate Gino’s disappearance.
- Johnnie Marzzone (Christopher Meloni): The arrogant and impulsive son of a Mafia boss, known for his rivalry with Caesar.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Violet: “I have a plan.” – Violet frequently says this when concocting the plan, emphasizing her assertiveness.
- Corky: “You know what the difference is between you and me, Violet?” – Final line of the film, leaving the audience pondering the nuances of their relationship.
- Violet: “Caesar, you don’t know shit.” – Violet delivers this line before killing Caesar, marking a turning point in her character.
- Caesar: “I like to watch.” – Creepy line said by Caesar highlighting his disturbing tendencies and power dynamics.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $4.5M
- Domestic Gross: $3.8M
- Worldwide Gross: $3.8M
💥 Bound Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved Bound! The chemistry between Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon was off the charts. I was hooked from the first scene. The plot twists kept me guessing, and Joe Pantoliano’s performance was unforgettable. That scene with the money drying? Iconic! It’s a sexy, smart, and suspenseful movie I’ll watch again and again. I felt so thrilled and on the edge of my seat the whole time.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of neo-noir films”
- “Viewers interested in crime thrillers”
- “Those who appreciate strong female leads”
- “Audiences seeking LGBT-themed cinema”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence”
- “Explicit sexual content”
- “Strong language”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- The New York Times: “Bound is a masterclass in tension. The Wachowskis’ debut is a stylish thriller, and the lesbian romance adds depth, making this far more than just a crime caper. Gershon and Tilly sizzle on screen. A truly excellent movie experience.
- Rolling Stone: “A twisty, turny, and very sexy thriller that keeps you guessing. The Wachowskis prove they had the vision from the start, delivering a fresh take on the crime genre with a lesbian romance at its heart. It all works.
- Variety: “Sleek, stylish, and a genuinely thrilling ride. Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon deliver memorable performances in this crime thriller. It is a must-see movie for fans.
Audience Reactions
The chemistry between the two lead actresses is absolutely phenomenal.: Viewers consistently praise the intense chemistry and believable relationship between Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tilly.
Joe Pantoliano steals every scene he’s in, delivering an outstanding performance.: Joe Pantoliano’s portrayal of Caesar is widely considered a standout performance, adding depth and tension to the film.
Overall Consensus: Bound is a stylish and suspenseful neo-noir thriller praised for its strong performances, compelling plot, and the captivating chemistry between its leads. It is a thrilling watch.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Jennifer Tilly mentioned in an interview that filming the sex scenes with Gina Gershon was less stressful than with male actors, allowing for open communication about body image and comfort.”
- “To prevent potential unwanted cuts by producer Dino De Laurentiis, the Wachowskis filmed the love scene in one long, continuous shot.”
- “Susie Bright, an adult film actress, was brought in as a consultant for the sex scenes to ensure authenticity.”
🖥️ How to Watch Bound?
Bound is available for streaming rental or purchase on various platforms. Check services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu to find viewing options. Availability may vary depending on your region. You may also find DVD and Blu-ray versions available for purchase online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Bound, you might like these similar films:
- The Last Seduction (1994): Features a femme fatale leading a man into a dangerous plot with twists and betrayals.
- Blood Simple (1984): A neo-noir with a twisted plot involving murder, deceit, and a bag of cash.
- Shallow Grave (1994): Darkly comedic crime thriller where a group of friends find a bag of money and descend into paranoia and violence.
- Set It Off (1996): Four women resort to robbing banks to escape their difficult circumstances.
- Killing Eve (2018-2022): Modern TV series featuring complex female characters in a cat-and-mouse thriller, with strong chemistry and unpredictable plots.
🛒 Bound Related Products
- Bound (Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]: Own Bound in stunning 4K Ultra HD with this Criterion Collection release! Features enhanced picture and sound, plus exclusive bonus content.
- Bound Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Perfect for decorating your home theater or office.
- Women’s Bound Movie T-Shirt: Show off your favorite movie with this officially licensed t-shirt. The design is comfortable and stylish for everyday wear.
🎧 Soundtrack
Bound features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Bound was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California, with key locations including the Talmadge Apartments on Wilshire Boulevard.
Yes, Bound features a central lesbian relationship between the characters Corky and Violet. However, it is also considered a neo-noir crime thriller.
Bound was directed by The Wachowskis (then known as the Wachowski Brothers), marking their directorial debut before they gained fame with The Matrix.
🔥 Bonus Content
The Love and Planning of a Mafia Boss’s Woman and a Plumber | Lesbian Movie: Bound
Ever wondered about the intricate love story at the heart of ‘Bound’? This video dives deep into the relationship between Corky and Violet, and I was surprised by how much the commentary added to my appreciation of the film’s complexities.
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