Movies

We Own the Night (2007) is a powerful film based on a dark atmosphere, literally and figuratively. First of all, many, if not most, scenes are shot at night with an obvious aesthetic sense. Then, the topic deals with the violent conflict between the Russian underworld and the NYPD, within the Brooklyn of the 80s. It's an ultimate film noir: crime, treason, jealousy and fatalism are themes adroitly developed by James Gray and marvelously interpreted by an awesome cast. Robert Duvall is a honest and accomplished policeman, a wise and protector father, Eva Mendes is a deliberately inflammatory woman, Mark Wahlberg is the ideal son and then Joaquin Phoenix is the 'second' son with a slightly tortured mind and who seeks his own place in the shadow of his family. In my humble opinion, this movie is clearly underrated. As a synthesis: 8/9 of 10.

The best roles that Joaquin Phoenix and Robert Duvall have had in years. They along with Mark Wahlberg show their mettle in this memorable film.While the theme may be cliché, a wayward brother from a police family, goes on the right side when his commissioner father is killed and officer brother is shot by drug dealers he has been with, the film is so well done that you just don't mind this.Phoenix captures the part of the renegade brother to a tee and Wahlberg is in fine form as the officer-brother. Duvall is just terrific as the no nonsense father who meets such an untimely end.The visual shots of a crime ridden Brooklyn are well stated. Even, then Mayor Koch appears in this film.A totally memorable experience.

I caught a recent screening of this film and as a fan of thrillers I was more than impressed. The film creates a handful of true white-knuckle scenes but also accomplishes telling a story that has weight and depth. I love when a film takes its time to develop real characters and not repeats of what we've already seen. The crime genre is so full of clichés already. This film pays homage to classics such as French Connection while breaking new ground in its family/police drama. Phoenix, Wahlberg, Duvall and Mendes are all superb. Eva Mendes deserves a particular mention, as she has not yet been seen this way before.