Movie spotlight
Brad Whitewood Jr. lives in rural Pennsylvania and has few prospects. Against his mother's wishes, he seeks out his estranged father, the head of a gang of thieves in a nearby town. Though his new girlfriend supports his criminal ambitions, Brad Jr. soon learns that his father is a dangerous man. Inspired by the real events that led to the end of the Johnston Gang, who operated in the northeastern United States in the 1970s.
In a small Pennsylvania town, teenager Brad Whitewood Jr. finds himself drawn into the criminal underworld of his estranged, charismatic father, Brad Sr. As he becomes increasingly involved in his father's illicit activities, including burglary and extortion, Brad Jr. struggles with his conscience and the dangerous consequences that threaten to engulf his family and loved ones.
At Close Range received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its gritty realism, strong performances, particularly from Sean Penn and Christopher Walken, and its unflinching depiction of a dysfunctional family and criminal enterprise. However, some found the film's bleakness and violence to be overwhelming.
A powerful and disturbing crime drama with standout performances.
Explores themes of familial dysfunction and the cycle of violence effectively.
Praised for its raw intensity and gritty atmosphere.
Google audience: Viewers appreciated the film's intense drama and the strong performances from the lead actors. Many noted the dark and compelling nature of the story, though some found it to be quite disturbing.
Sean Penn was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Actor.
The film is based on the true story of the Broderick family, a criminal gang operating in rural Pennsylvania in the 1970s.
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The last twenty minutes of this rather enliven it, but otherwise it's rather dull story of "Brad" (Sean Penn) who is rather in awe of his criminal "Dad Brad" (Christopher Walken) and hopes to one day emulate what he sees as his glamorous li...