Lawless (2012)
John Hillcoat's brutal, atmospheric Prohibition-era crime drama pits three bootlegging brothers against a sadistic lawman in the hills of Virginia.
Lawless - Movie Information
- Original Title: Lawless
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: John Hillcoat
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Western
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 29, 2012 (Canada - 14A), August 29, 2012 (United States - R), September 6, 2012 (United Kingdom - 18), February 28, 2013 (Germany - 16), September 12, 2012 (France - 12), February 7, 2013 (New Zealand - R18), September 3, 2012 (Australia - MA15+), September 21, 2012 (Brazil - 16), August 29, 2012 (Mexico), November 29, 2012 (Italy - 14+), September 7, 2012 (Spain - 16), October 18, 2012 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: 로우리스 (KR), Sin ley (ES), Поза законом (UA), Qanunsuzlar (AZ), 欲望のバージニア：2012 (JP), Os Infratores (BR), Gangster (PL), 野蠻正義 (TW)
- Production Companies: Benaroya Pictures, Yucaipa Films, Annapurna Pictures, Pie Films Inc., Red Wagon Entertainment, Revolt Films, BlumHansonAllen Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Lawless - Plot
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.
Lawless - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Bondurant brothers' violent world come to life:
When the law became corrupt, outlaws became heroes.
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Lawless - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Hillcoat
Main Cast
- Shia LaBeouf
- Tom Hardy
- Gary Oldman
- Guy Pearce
- Jason Clarke
- Jessica Chastain
- Mia Wasikowska
- Dane DeHaan
- Lew Temple
- Chris McGarry
Writers
- Nick Cave
Producers
- Lucy Fisher
- Megan Ellison
- Douglas Wick
- Michael Benaroya
Lawless - FAQs
Where can you stream Lawless (2012)?
Lawless is available to stream on fuboTV, Curiosity Stream, and Kanopy at no additional cost with a subscription. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Availability may vary by region.
Is Lawless based on a true story?
Yes, Lawless is based on the novel The Wettest County in the World by Matt Bondurant, a fictionalized account of his own grandfather and great-uncles — the real Bondurant brothers — who were notorious bootleggers in Franklin County, Virginia, during Prohibition in the 1930s.
Who are the main actors in Lawless?
Lawless stars Shia LaBeouf as Jack Bondurant, Tom Hardy as Forrest Bondurant, and Jason Clarke as Howard Bondurant. The ensemble cast also includes Guy Pearce as the villainous Charlie Rakes, Gary Oldman as gangster Floyd Banner, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska, and Dane DeHaan.
What is Lawless about?
Set in 1931 Franklin County, Virginia, Lawless follows the Bondurant brothers — three bootleggers running a moonshine operation during Prohibition. Their uneasy peace with local authorities shatters when a ruthless, corrupt lawman from Chicago arrives determined to destroy their business and impose his own brutal brand of order.
Who directed Lawless and who wrote the screenplay?
Lawless was directed by Australian filmmaker John Hillcoat, known for his raw, atmospheric style. The screenplay was written by Nick Cave, the acclaimed musician and writer, who also composed the film's score alongside Warren Ellis. The collaboration reunited Hillcoat and Cave after their earlier film The Proposition.
What is the age rating for Lawless?
Lawless is rated R in the United States, reflecting its strong violence, language, and some sexuality. In the United Kingdom it received an 18 certificate, while other international ratings include 14A in Canada, MA15+ in Australia, and 18 in South Korea. It is not suitable for younger audiences.
How long is the movie Lawless?
Lawless has a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes (115 minutes). The film was released theatrically in the United States on August 29, 2012, and was directed by John Hillcoat from a screenplay by Nick Cave.
Did Lawless receive positive reviews from critics?
Lawless received generally positive reviews, earning praise for Tom Hardy's commanding performance, Guy Pearce's chilling portrayal of the villain, and John Hillcoat's atmospheric direction. Critics appreciated the film's gritty period authenticity and Nick Cave's screenplay, though some felt the narrative unevenly balanced its large ensemble cast.
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