Imagine if the coen brothers were from the silent epoch; I'm glad we don't have to.

Gabriel Byrne is aces as Tom Reagan, a top adviser to Prohibition-era Irish gangster Leo (Albert Finney). Tom is absolutely cold-blooded, yet does have his own personal code. Tom and Leo end up having a falling-out over a woman named Verna (Marcia Gay Harden, in her first substantial film role). And so Tom ends up associating with Italian mob boss Johnny Caspar (Jon Polito), incurring the suspicion of Caspars' number one henchman Eddie Dane (J.E. Freeman). As the elaborate story unfolds, Tom plays every angle he can think of to come out on top.Still, he takes a TON of physical punishment as this plays out. Although it may be a little difficult investing time in a character who's so antiheroic, he is a compelling character, and it would be hard not to feel SOME sympathy for him every time he gets a fresh beating.Overall, "Miller's Crossing" is well worth a look, especially for any fan of filmmaking brothers Joel and Ethan Coen. It's quite an absorbing story, and the impressive cast has such a field day with the Coens' memorable dialogue that it makes a one hour and 55 minute run time almost fly by. The Coens do a respectable job at recreating the period (what city or town in which this takes place is never really specified) while indulging in various amusing bursts of in-your-face violence certain to delight some people and repulse others. It's all enhanced by a haunting and lovely score by frequent Coen brothers collaborator Carter Burwell, still a somewhat under valued composer.Finney is quite likeable, while a young and fiery Harden leaves quite the impression in the only major female role. Polito is a scene stealing live wire, in contrast to the more icy cold Freeman as the brutish Dane. John Turturro is highly effective playing Vernas' brother Bernie, a truly wretched weasel if ever there was one. Familiar faces in smaller roles include Mike Starr, Steve Buscemi, Olek Krupa, Michael Jeter, and Michael Badalucco.A good, well-told, potent story of friendship, loyalty, and survival instinct, with characters doing whatever they have to do to get by.Look for Sam Raimi, a longtime friend of Joel and Ethan, and Joels' wife Frances McDormand, in quick cameos.Eight out of 10.

This film was not brought to my attention until I was already well into the Cohen Brothers. It's not one of their better known titles such as Fargo or Raising Arizona, but it should be highest on their list, as it is truly a masterful work of cinema.The film, visually, is beautiful. The cinematography has a very classic, noir look to it. The dialogue is sharp, the acting is solid. The story is pretty standard but done in such a professional way.Basically, two big mob bosses are feuding and the characters are either part of the feud or get caught up in it, much to their dismay. There are a lot of artistic touches the Cohen Brothers add that enhance the style of the film, such as a hat motif that extends throughout the work.Anyone who is a fan of the Cohen Brothers or film noir should definitely see this film. It astounded me and I consider it an underrated work by the brothers.

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