Miller's Crossing

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Summary: It's about time for DVD!
Review: Thank God this wonderful movie is finally on DVD. I haven't seen it in ages because the second I bought it, my brother claimed it as his. With twists and turns that keep you hooked to the screen, I can't wait to see it again. The acting is 100% believable, and the imagry sweeps you away to the era in which it takes place. I garauntee once you see this film you will be hooked! Even the music is haunting! Great movie, worth every penny!

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Summary: Sister, when I raise Hell, you'll know it.
Review: It's incredibly rare to find a film where every single element works. In Miller's Crossing, the Coen brothers demonstrate such mastery of their craft, you'd swear they'd been at it for half a century.

The film is not merely a period piece, but an expert homage to a bygone style of filmmaking. Barry Sonenfeld's quicksilver camerawork magics a nameless city in the 30's, all polished oak panels, marble lobbies and ballustraded staircases.

Here, Irish and Italian mobsters in hats and great coats navigate a labyrinthine plot exploring duplicity, greed, betrayal and, in true Coens style, disastrous misunderstandings.

Gabriel Byrne is simultaneously cocksure and world weary as Tom, right-hand man to Albert Finney's irrascible kingpin and playing a dangerous game by bedding his girl ( Marcia Gaye Harden was rightly nominated for an Oscar. God only knows who picked up the award instead of her, but it was a travesty ). As despicable shyster Bernie Bernbaum, John Turturro narrowly manages to steal the movie. His scene in the woods is simply one of THE great screen moments of all time.

Fans of the Coens' later work will find this a supremely satisfying film. It hangs together better than anything else they've done. It has style, pace and, above all, the sharpest, fastest dialogue this side of an old Philip Marlowe movie. Anyone who enjoyed the overrated "Road to Perdition" needs to see how it should've been done.

Thank God it's out on DVD. My VHS was worn to breaking point.

Now take your flunky and dangle.

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Summary: The closest thing to Shakespeare in our time...
Review: The Coen brothers are about as close as we have come in recent generations to a level of artistry and achievement equal to that of Shakespeare. The richness of language, plotting, and character and the breadth and detail of their work is nothing short of phenomenal!

And for me at least, Miller's Crossing is their masterpiece. I have watched it many times, and each time I catch some new bit of information or see a story angle or acting nuance that enriches the movie for me. I admire many cinema works, but this one (along with Raising Arizona and to a lesser degree other works by the Coens) is among the few that remain fresh and entertaining even after multiple viewings.

One suggestion; because the actors employ a diverse set of accents and because the language is steeped in a vernacular that takes some getting used to, at some point you may want to watch it with subtitles to be sure you catch the subtleties and nuances of the story.

I'm glad it's coming out on DVD. My video might not have lasted through many more viewings.

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Summary: Early Coen brothers film is one of their best
Review: "Miller's Crossing" is a wonderfully unique look by Ethan and Joel Coen at one America's most violent decades, the 1930s. Although many ambitious gangster pictures like "The Godfather" and "Goodfellas" recieve accolades, "Miller's Crossing," in its own understated way is just as good. There are many stand out performances in this film including Gabriel Byrne as 'Tom Reagan,' John Turturro as 'Bernie,' and Albert Finney as the mob king pin 'Leo.' "Miller's Crossing" is exemplified by its quirky characters and unique setting seen in more critically acclaimed Coen Brothers works like "Fargo" and "O Brother, Where Art Though?" Perhaps the best the reason to this film is to see the attempted hit on 'Leo' set to the wonderful Irish ballad, "Danny Boy," and hear Carter Burwell's eerily beautiful score featuring a standout oboe, waning the moodiness that permeates through this film. "Miller's Crossing" is a must see for any Coen Brothers fan or fan of film. Take note of a younger Steve Buscemi whon like in other Coen Brothers films, does not have a happy end by the credits.

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Summary: One of the most underrated films you'll ever see
Review: Finally! I've been waiting for Miller's Crossing to come out on DVD since the day I got my first DVD player. I can't say enough good things about this movie. Gabriel Byrne is a stoic button-man for the Irish mob in this Coen brothers classic. He is placed in a series of comprimising circumstances that test his loyalties to his boss, his woman, and his honor. John Turturro, ALbert Finney, and Jon Polito all play great supporting roles that really flesh out this unsung gem of a movie.

It is rare to find a "gangter" (not gangsta) film that has more to do with the characters than with planning out hits. The closest comparison to Miller's Crossing that I can think of from recent years is Road to Perdition, but this movie does not have the at times over the top, "sons are put on Earth to trouble their fathers- I love you son" melodrama I tasted in that movie. Miller's Crossing is more about Gabriel Byrne's quiet portrayal of a man who will do what he feels he must--at any cost to others or himself.

Long story short, if you liked The Godfather movies, Road to Perdition, or Carlito's Way...full speed ahead, buy this movie. If you are a fan of Coen brothers movies, and you're wondering if their early movies are as good as their later movies--yes, they are; give this one a try.

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Summary: Finally MC makes it to DVD!
Review: For those unfamiliar with Miller's Crossing, it is a true masterpiece that has dwelt largely in obscurity since its release in the early nineties. When asked for the Coen brother's greatest achievement, the kneejerk reaction is for the masses to yell "Fargo" while a small group whispers "Miller's Crossing". This is for two reasons: one, no one wants to knock Fargo, a great film that brought the Coens to the forefront. Second, it is almost like having knowledge of a terrific secret. No one would believe you anyway, and you feel pretty smart about it.

Three things stand out to me about MC: 1. Gabriel Byrne. This holds par with his performance in "The Usual Suspects" -- which is good, he is in about 90% of the movie. 2. John Turturro. Hell, what isn't this guy great in? A Coen regular, his Bernie is outstanding. 3. Imagery. I won't give a single thing away, except this: just think about hats during the movie. Hats.

The cat is truly out of the bag when MC is released on DVD, but that's OK. Those who know what I mean will only smile and nod. Those who don't, well, I only wish I could see this again for the first time. As Johnny said in the movie, "You never say 'I told you so.'"

Please enjoy this great mob flick.

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Summary: Best Mafia Movie Since "Godfather"
Review: There's no use saying Miller's Crossing is better than Godfather. It is more nuanced, with more irony and quirkiness, but simply doesn't have the scope of that classic. Frankly, even though they are both mafia movies, it's rather like comparing apples to oranges... where the Godfather is an epic view from the top, Miller's Crossing is a morality play seen from an outsider's perspective. Where the Godfather is straightforward storytelling, Miller's Crossing has symbolic humor, multiple layers, and an intricate plot.

You can watch Miller's Crossing over and again, and take something away from it every time. I would even go so far as to say it is the best thing the Coen brothers (Raising Arizona, Fargo, O Brother...) have ever done. In the simplest terms, it is brilliant. Enjoy.

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Summary: At Last! This Genius Film Arrives on DVD!
Review: This is easily one of the Coen brothers finest films and it's long awaited debut on DVD will hopefully punctuate it's greatness. Although it never received it's due in it's day, many covet the film for it's absorbing script, mesmerizing acting and jaw dropping technical beauty. The story revolves around a hard nosed mobster who is sharp, cunning and loyal despite his flaws. It also showcases rich characters you simply never see from the tepid world of major studios. Even if you don't catch all that is happening behind the motivations for the plot and it's characters on the first viewing. The acting by Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harding, John Turturro, John Polito, J.E. Freeman and great Albert Finny will keep your attention glued. Also the technical presence of it's cinematography and sound will startle you now that DVD can properly showcase it. Add on top another gorgeous soundtrack by the underrated Carter Burwell, and it will just astound you that this film never swept the Academy Awards. IT IS THAT GREAT! The DVD won't be stacked with extras but, trust me, this movie is so good you won't need them. This film and a few others by Kubrick and Foreman are the only dramas, I watch over and over. I can't thank Fox enough for releasing this film on DVD!

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Summary: Why Isn't this film on DVD?
Review: I'm not going to to witter on about how good this film is - everybody else has done a much better job than I. Suffice to say, this film is brilliant, and I have hard-earned cash waiting to be spent on this once it gets released on DVD. ...

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Summary: I'll try not to gush
Review: All the other rave reviews say it better than I can, this is a rare, great film. To which I would add, when you sit down to watch it - make sure you are in a position to give it your full attention. The few people to whom I've recomended this film who didn't like it were trying to do their income taxes or bathing their Saint Bernard while trying to keep up with this film. Digg the dialogue, dig the visuals, dig the bizzare black humor. And wish that just once in your life you will say something half as cool as all the stuff that pops out of Tom's mouth.