Lawless
When the law became corrupt, outlaws became heroes.
Overview
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.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Lawless is based on Matt Bondurant's novel 'The Wettest County in the World', which was inspired by his family's experiences during Prohibition. The movie serves as a depiction of a turbulent time in American history, specifically focusing on the lucrative moonshine industry and the lawlessness that pervaded certain regions.
- The movie features exceptional performances by actors such as Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, and Jason Clarke.
- Lawless offers a gripping and intense plot centered around the moonshine business in Prohibition-era America.
- The film explores thought-provoking themes like power, corruption, and brotherhood.
- The cinematography showcases the rugged beauty of Appalachia in the 1930s.
Fun Facts
- The character Forrest Bondurant is loosely based on Matt Bondurant's grandfather, Jack, who was a real-life moonshiner in Virginia during Prohibition.
- Nick Cave, known primarily as a musician, co-wrote the screenplay for Lawless alongside Joel Edgerton.
- The town of Franklin, where the movie is set, was renamed Manafaytown during production to avoid attracting unwanted attention and potential lawsuits.