Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Graphic
- grim
- violent
- brooding
- crime movie night
- historical drama night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film grim, bloody, beautifully filmed, and strongly acted, while judging its familiar story and uneven execution short of epic status.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The Bondurant brothers operate a clandestine distillery and liquor route in 1931 Virginia while resisting law enforcement extortion.
Forrest, Howard, and Jack Bondurant protect their shared business and each other against Rakes and corrupt officials.
Forrest is treated as nearly immortal by the community, and locals ultimately unite against corrupt authorities after Cricket Pete is killed.
The film combines shootouts, brutal assaults, and violent retaliation with an atmospheric depiction of Depression-era Appalachia.
Films like Lawless, and why
The Untouchables
shares prohibition-era bootlegging, rural crime, family loyalty, and bloody outlaw violence
Public Enemies
shares Depression-era gangster mythology, stylized brutality, and a charismatic criminal ensemble
The Road to Perdition
shares rural American crime, masculine family bonds, and confrontations with corrupt authorities
The Devil All the Time
shares Appalachian lawlessness, historical crime, and violent brotherly loyalty
Movie Details
- Director
- John Hillcoat
- Release Date
- 2012-08-29
- Runtime
- 115 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (3429)
Cast
- Shia LaBeouf
- Tom Hardy
- Gary Oldman
- Guy Pearce
- Jason Clarke
- Jessica Chastain
- Mia Wasikowska
- Dane DeHaan
- Lew Temple
- Chris McGarry
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Lawless about?
- Three bootlegging brothers defend their Appalachian empire against a corrupt lawman whose brutality turns family loyalty into open rebellion.
- What is Lawless like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Lawless as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Lawless violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Lawless as graphic.
- What did critics think of Lawless?
- Critics broadly found the film grim, bloody, beautifully filmed, and strongly acted, while judging its familiar story and uneven execution short of epic status.
- Which films are like Lawless?
- Films with a similar feel include The Untouchables, Public Enemies, The Road to Perdition, and The Devil All the Time.
- How long is Lawless?
- Lawless runs 115 minutes.
- Where can I watch Lawless?
- In United States, Lawless streams on Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel.
