Overview
In a world of crime and betrayal, a man's loyalties are put to the ultimate test.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Brutal
- brooding
- sardonic
- fatalistic
- late night viewing
- crime film marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly praise the Coen brothers' distinctive neo-noir style, sharp dialogue, impressive cinematography, and memorable performances, while noting that its story can feel less airtight than its aesthetic design.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film openly draws on classic gangster cinema while filtering its rival mobs, betrayals, and underworld codes through the Coen brothers' distinctive sensibility.
Barry Sonnenfeld's cinematography and Dennis Gassner's production design give prohibition-era streets, offices, and forests a highly composed, floating quality.
Tom Reagan repeatedly tries to mediate between Leo, Johnny Caspar, Bernie Bernbaum, and Verna, leaving him exposed to every side.
Tom's competing commitments to Leo, Verna, and his own survival drive the central conflict between personal betrayal and criminal allegiance.
Films like Miller's Crossing, and why
Blood Simple
shared neo-noir atmosphere, organized crime, betrayal, and morally compromised intermediaries
The Long Good Friday
shared stylized gangster drama, period crime setting, sharp dialogue, and shifting loyalties
The Grifters
shared classic noir influence, criminal intrigue, fatalism, and distinctive visual design
Road to Perdition
shared prohibition-era gangster conflict, operatic violence, and loyalty-driven moral dilemmas
Movie Details
- Director
- Joel Coen
- Release Date
- 1990-09-21
- Runtime
- 115 min
- Rating
- 7.4 / 10 (1917)
Cast
- Gabriel Byrne
- Marcia Gay Harden
- John Turturro
- Jon Polito
- J.E. Freeman
- Albert Finney
- Mike Starr
- Al Mancini
- Steve Buscemi
- Richard Woods
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Miller's Crossing about?
- A coolly stylized prohibition-era noir follows a mob adviser navigating rival gangsters, forbidden desire, and treacherous loyalties.
- What is Miller's Crossing like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Miller's Crossing as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Miller's Crossing violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Miller's Crossing as brutal.
- What did critics think of Miller's Crossing?
- Critics broadly praise the Coen brothers' distinctive neo-noir style, sharp dialogue, impressive cinematography, and memorable performances, while noting that its story can feel less airtight than its aesthetic design.
- Which films are like Miller's Crossing?
- Films with a similar feel include Blood Simple, The Long Good Friday, The Grifters, and Road to Perdition.
- How long is Miller's Crossing?
- Miller's Crossing runs 115 minutes.
- Where can I watch Miller's Crossing?
- In United States, Miller's Crossing is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
