[source: collider.com]
Release date: 7/9/2012 | Directed by: John Hillcoat | Momentum Pictures
Based on a true story and the novel The Wettest Country in the World by Matt Bondurant (grandson of one of the Bondurant brothers), the film focuses on three bootlegger brothers making a living in illegally selling moonshine in the prohibition era.
I found this interesting because of breifly studying this era, and I am so keen to read the novel.
We are introducted to the brothers at the beggining of the film at a young age about to kill a pig, one of them is nervous which sets him apart from the others.
This is Jack Bondurant [Shia LaBeouf], a character who differs from his brothers, showing fear at killing. The film follows his change in attitude after certain events happen.
[source: justjared.com]
We are shown the sucess of the brothers, selling truck loads of moonshine to many people. Eventually the police want a cut, which is where the action comes in.
This film is an 18 and described as having 'strong bloody violence and strong language' [Odeon], both of which it did have.
I'm not a fan of films with too much gore, but this had the right amount, just enough to really understand how ruthless some of the characters are because of the situations they are in.
The rumors that the Bondurant brothers are immortal gives the audience hope. There are many times fearing for their lives.
Their attitude towards violence and their immortal rumors is described well through this quote from Forrest Bondurant [Tom Hardy]
"It's not the violence that sets men apart. It is the distance that he is prepared to go"
[source: mia-wasikowska.net]
Lawless has elements of romance too which makes it more realistic, not wholey focusing on the violence.
The love interest for Jack Bondurant [Shia LaBeouf] also shows how naieve love can make somebody, getting the brothers into trouble.
LaBeoufs character falls for Bertha Minnix, played by the beautiful Mia Wasikowska. She presents the importance of religion at this time and how the brothers are so far away from these ideals. It's interesting to see love fight through these religious and social barriers.
I am giving this five weird-ass hair do's out of five, purely because it is an all around great film.
No boring moments, great memorable lines and exciting fight scenes.
Also, great hair styles (except this guy!)
"We are survivors, we control the fear. But without the fear, we are all as good as dead"
