David Michod directed prohibition era movie Lawless tracks the attempts of the Bondurant brothers at supplying liquor in Franklin County. Jack Bondurant (Shia LaBeouf) is the least violent of the three siblings. Forrest Bondurant (Tom Hardy) and Howard Bondurant (Jason Clarke) are unafraid of using weapons to preserve their business. Proceedings are further fired up when underhand Deputy Charlie Rakes (Guy Pearce) comes to town. Jack is also trying to romance preacher’s daughter Bertha Minnix (Mia Wasikowska) and barmaid Maggie Beauford (Jessica Chastain) has her aim set on Forrest. The screenplay written by Nick Cave is based on a true story.
The film steers you easily into the brothers’ lives but without you feeling that you’re championing their cause. Hardy seems a little expressionless at times though he generally captures the elder brother seniority well. Jessica Chastain’s Maggie is promises more excitement and mystery than she’s given. Howard is a little short-changed as a character. If you extreme violence in movies disturbs you, best to try another film. Out on the 7th September in the UK. Rating: 7 out of 10
Cherrydial 