In 1931, the Bondurant brothers of Franklin County, Virginia, run a multipurpose backwoods establishment that hides their true business — bootlegging. Middle brother Forrest is the brain of the operation; older Howard is the brawn, and younger Jack, the lookout. Though the local police have taken bribes and left the brothers alone, a violent war erupts when a sadistic lawman from Chicago arrives and tries to shut down the Bondurants operation.
In 1930s Franklin County, Virginia, during the Prohibition era, the Bondurant brothers, Jack, Forrest, and Howard, are notorious bootleggers. When a corrupt special deputy, Charles Rakes, arrives and demands a cut of their profits, the brothers refuse to back down. This sparks a violent conflict that escalates, threatening not only their illicit business but their very lives as they fight to protect their family and their independence.
Lawless received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Many praised its atmospheric direction, strong performances, particularly from Tom Hardy and Guy Pearce, and its gritty portrayal of rural Prohibition-era violence. However, some critics found the narrative somewhat uneven and the depiction of violence gratuitous. Audiences generally responded favorably to its intense crime drama elements.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's gripping narrative, strong acting, and effective portrayal of a lawless time. Some viewers felt the violence was excessive, but many appreciated the historical setting and the dramatic tension.
Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.
The film is based on the true story of the Bondurant brothers, as told in the 2008 book 'The Wettest County in the World' by Matt Bondurant, the youngest brother Jack's grandson.
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