Iffy for 16+
Well-acted but very bloody crime drama.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that while young kids probably won't be interested, older teens who like crime dramas may be drawn to this Joaquin Phoenix-Mark Wahlberg film. Like most mob dramas, there's lots of strong language and a great deal of bloody violence and illicit behavior (drugs and alcohol are everywhere, especially nightclub scenes). In addition to the execution-style killings and police ambushes, there are a few scenes of a couple intensely making out and a shot of two topless, drunk women dancing at a club.
- Families can talk about the appeal of mob movies. Why are these violent movies so popular? What's so compelling about characters with one foot in the criminal world and one in law enforcement? Kids: Was the violence too graphic, or was it appropriate for the subject matter? How realistic do you think the film is?
What to watch for
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Violence: Lots of violence, including many bloody, gory scenes: Many characters are shot -- a couple of them at close range, execution style; one man has the back of his head shot off; a character slits his own throat rather than talk to the police; someone is beaten up by the police; a character jumps out the window and onto a fence; etc.
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Sex: No sex scenes, but several scenes of Bobby and Amada making out/groping while clothed; two women dance topless on the club's bar; Joseph and his wife embrace.
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Language: Near-constant cursing: many, many uses of "f--k," "motherf----r," "s--t," "a--hole," etc.
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Consumerism: NYPD, Sheraton hotel, Blondie's disco songs.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Clubgoers and major characters do an assortment of drugs, including snorting cocaine, taking uppers/downers, etc. Many scenes include characters taking/dealing drugs or drinking.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
When the going gets tough... by Daydream
Even with the routine "cops and robbers" theme, the performances were what made the movie. Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg and Robert Duvall play their roles with tremedous heart making the movie come to life and keeping you on the edge of your seat wanting more. Based on local reviews, I was waiting for the movie to drop at a certain point, but it never did. Not disappointing at all. Good from start to finish. Worth a shot..
4
Good weekend time killer by jdjgill1
I watched this in a sneak preview last night. All actors involved put on a great performance. The storyline is actually interesting to follow along with. I got a sense of hesitant nervous energy throughout the movie like something phenomenal was going to happen at any moment, but it was subdued to a certain extent, leaving you waiting and wanting more. Expect the unexpected. And personally, the gratuitous scene at the beginning of the film was unneccessary. (yes, you get a shot of Eva's breast).
All in all a good movie to watch, but don't climb all over anyone to get there. And be patient when watching. It'll make the ride go smoother.
5
We Own The Night by carrera178411
Don't Walk.....RUN to the nearest movie theater and see this movie. It is one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time. The storyline may be a familiar one, i.e. the good guys versus the bad guys; but I can assure you that you will be glued to your seat.
Joaquin Phoenix is his usual brilliant self and turns this good guy/bad guy movie into a dynamic and compelling work of art. Top performances by Robert Duval, Eva Mendes and Mark Wahlberg.
This movie was 2 hours long (which is usually as much as I can tolerate at one sitting), but I didn't look at my watch one time, I wasn't wriggling around in my seat waiting for the time to pass.......I was glued to the screen for 2 hours.
When the movie ended, my heart was racing so fast that it took awhile for me to calm down enough to get out of my seat and leave the theater. So much action, so much suspense, and so many twists and turns.
3
Great Acting and Scenes, Bad Storyline by reblgurl21
The acting, the storyline, the scenes were all done beautifully and kept me and my gf on the edge of our seats... About 2/3 of the way through the movie, it took an unexpected and I would guess what was suppose to be the Big Twist in the movie... Bad Choice, the movie plot/storyline went from great to bad in a matter of minutes.. it wasn't even suttle or slow... Completely out of the blue, and for me and my gf, ruined the entire movie, almost like we started watching one great movie, and then saw the second half of a complete other movie.. it didn't mesh or go well... It was a waste of talent and directing and a waste of a movie in my opinion, the previews give a different feel of what kind of movie it is... I was very disappointed. Half Way...
4
we own the night by jscott20
Another in a long line of New York city movies. This one is time period correct in every detail. Robert Duval , Mark Walberg and Joachim Phoenix act very well together . The action isnt over the edge but believable .The story is well
written and directed... Eva Mendez plays a great and attractive role in this movie. Well worth the money to view......
5
Absolute Triumph by cillababy509
Despite the 5 minute dirty intro, the movie had a excellent thrill ride effect. You don't know who is for you or aganist you throughout the whole film. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
2
Meh by cjtolmie
Definetly not, ?The Departed?. Decent performances from the actors, but the script just isn?t that good.
4
Great Movie! by amberlotto
Of course I knew that this movie would be great especially with Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, and Eva Mendez all starring in the flim! Overall, this movie by far exceeded my expectations. It was very dramatic, as I was literally balling during one part of the movie. But, yet, at the same time, there was some wisecrack humor that made me laugh. Overall, the plot was great, and the mysetery and spin of the movie definetly kept my interest throughout the entire film. I'd definetly recommend seeing this movie!
5
Great Movie! by lalper
I absolutely loved this movie. It had a great story. The only thing I did not like was the opening scene with Joaquin and Eva, it really was not necessary.
5
We Own The Night by lovetogotothemovie
I LOVED THIS MOVIE!!!!! WASN'T READY FOR IT TO END WHEN IT DID. LOTS OF ACTION, AND EVERYTHING ELSE YOU LOOK FOR IN A MOVIE. JOAQUIN PHOENIX'S ONE OF THE BEST ACTORS MAKES THIS MOVIE..WOULD GO SEE IT AGAIN AND AGAIN!!