Lawless Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three moonshining brothers decide that government corruption and pesky law enforcement are just a minor inconvenience to their business that can be solved with violence, resulting in copious amounts of hillbilly mayhem.

🍿 Lawless: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Bondurant Brothers’ Bootlegging Operation

In Franklin County, Virginia, during the Prohibition era, the Bondurant brothers – Forrest, Howard, and Jack – run a successful bootlegging business. They operate out of a rural establishment, using it as a front for their illegal activities and enjoying a degree of local respect and fear. Forrest is seen as the leader, Howard is the muscle, and Jack yearns to prove himself.

Arrival of Special Agent Rakes

The tranquility of their operation is shattered by the arrival of Special Agent Charlie Rakes, a corrupt lawman seeking to shut down the illegal liquor trade or extort a cut of the profits. Rakes, representing the District Attorney, aims to enforce the law ruthlessly, creating immediate conflict with the Bondurants, who refuse to be intimidated. Their defiance sets the stage for a violent and escalating feud.

Escalating Conflict and Violence

As the Bondurants resist Rakes’s demands, the situation deteriorates. Violence escalates, with attacks and retaliations between the bootleggers and the corrupt law enforcement. Jack, the youngest brother, attempts to prove himself, while Forrest becomes increasingly protective of his business and those around him. A turning point arrives when Forrest suffers a brutal attack, further fueling the conflict and driving the brothers towards a final showdown.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Forrest Bondurant (Tom Hardy): The stoic and seemingly invincible leader of the Bondurant brothers who runs their bootlegging operation.
• Jack Bondurant (Shia LaBeouf): The youngest Bondurant brother who seeks to prove himself and become a notorious gangster.
• Charley Rakes (Guy Pearce): The corrupt and sadistic special deputy who attempts to shut down the Bondurants’ bootlegging business.
• Howard Bondurant (Jason Clarke): The eldest and brutish Bondurant brother who acts as the muscle for the family’s operation.
• Maggie Beaufort (Jessica Chastain): A mysterious woman with a hidden past who becomes involved with Forrest and the Bondurant’s business.
• Bertha Minnix (Mia Wasikowska): The preacher’s daughter who becomes romantically involved with Jack, despite her father’s disapproval.
• Cricket Pate (Dane DeHaan): A crippled friend of the Bondurant brothers and an expert moonshine maker, who aides their operation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Forrest Bondurant: “It is not the violence that sets men apart, alright, it is the distance that he is prepared to go.” – Forrest explains his philosophy on what makes a man truly formidable.
• Forrest Bondurant: “We decide who we are. And not a damn one of you can tell me otherwise.” – Forrest asserts his independence and control over his own identity and destiny.
• Jack Bondurant: “I thought I was gonna die.” – Jack reflects on a near-death experience and the realization of his mortality.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $26,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $37,400,127
• Worldwide Gross: $55,404,207

💥 Lawless Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed Lawless. It felt like a classic gangster movie with a modern twist. Tom Hardy was awesome as Forrest, the strong and silent type, and Guy Pearce was terrifying as the villain. The violence was intense, but it fit the story. I loved the atmosphere and the soundtrack added a lot. Definitely a movie I’ll watch again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of gangster and crime dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in Prohibition-era stories”
  • “Those who appreciate visually striking films with strong performances”
  • “Admirers of Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, and Guy Pearce”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Alcohol and substance abuse”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Lawless is a visually striking film that captures the grit and violence of the Prohibition era, but struggles with underdeveloped characters and a meandering plot. The performances are strong, particularly from Tom Hardy and Guy Pearce, but the film ultimately lacks emotional depth.
• RogerEbert.com: “John Hillcoat’s Lawless delivers a brutal and compelling look at the Bondurant brothers’ struggle against corruption. The film is beautifully shot, and the performances are uniformly excellent, particularly Tom Hardy’s quiet intensity and Guy Pearce’s chilling portrayal of evil.
• Empire: “Lawless is a stylish and violent crime drama that captures the spirit of the Prohibition era. The film boasts a stellar cast, a compelling story, and plenty of action. While the film may not be for the faint of heart, it is a rewarding and entertaining experience.

Audience Reactions

The acting was superb, especially Tom Hardy and Guy Pearce.: Viewers consistently praised the performances of the cast, with Tom Hardy and Guy Pearce receiving the most accolades.

The gritty and violent depiction of the Prohibition era was captivating.: Many audience members appreciated the film’s unflinching portrayal of the era’s brutality and corruption.

Overall Consensus: Lawless is generally well-received for its strong performances, compelling atmosphere, and violent depiction of the Prohibition era, though some find the plot to be lacking depth.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie is based on the novel “The Wettest County in the World” by Matt Bondurant, the grandson of the character Jack Bondurant.”
• “Nick Cave, known for his music career, wrote the screenplay for “Lawless.””
• “To prepare for his role, Tom Hardy reportedly spent time with a dialect coach to perfect his Appalachian accent.”
• “The film includes 9 seconds of gory violence that were removed for an R rating in the US. The film was released uncut internationally (including Canada).”

🖥️ How to Watch Lawless?

Lawless is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable VOD. Physical copies (DVD and Blu-ray) are also widely available for purchase online and in stores. The movie is not typically available on subscription-based streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Lawless, you might like these similar films:

• The Untouchables (1987): A classic Prohibition-era crime drama featuring a battle against corruption and bootlegging.
• Road to Perdition (2002): Explores themes of family, loyalty, and violence within the context of the gangster world during the Great Depression.
• Miller’s Crossing (1990): A stylish and complex gangster film with memorable characters and a strong sense of atmosphere.
• Hell or High Water (2016): Features brothers turning to crime in order to protect their family land.

🛒 Lawless Related Products

• The Wettest County in the World: A Novel: The original novel by Matt Bondurant that inspired the movie. Get the full story behind the Bondurant brothers’ bootlegging empire.
• Lawless (Blu-ray): Experience the gritty crime drama in stunning high definition. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• 1920s Gangster Costume Set: Authentic gangster costume, including fedora, suspenders, and pinstripe suit. Perfect for costume parties or cosplay events.
• Moonshine Still Kit: Disclaimer this product is a novelty item. Metal Moonshine Still Alcohol Distiller Boiler Brew Kit. Perfect for educational purposes.

🎧 Soundtrack

Lawless features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Fire and Brimstone” – performed by The Bootleggers Featuring Mark Lanegan
• “Cosmopolitan” – performed by The Little White Lies
• “White Light / White Heat” – performed by The Bootleggers

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Shia LaBeouf about Tom Hardy being a GORILLA!

Ever wondered what it’s like to work with Tom Hardy? Shia LaBeouf spills the beans on Hardy’s hilarious antics on the set of Lawless, giving us a glimpse into the actors’ camaraderie and Hardy’s larger-than-life persona.

✨ Rate