Rating: 
Summary: What a dissapointment
Review: I bought this DVD based on the recommendations in Amazon and the actors - I typically enjoy Gabriel Byrne films (Defence of the Realm is superb) and Albert Finney is a favourite.I watched the film and fell asleep (admittedly I was tired). The next evening I took another look. What a dissapointment. Quite simply this film didn't do it. Byrne was totally emotionless - took some severe beatings without so much a showing a scratch. Predictable film. Just lacking. Period. One to rent from Blockbuster, not to buy.
Rating: 
Summary: Is it a Game? Is it Fixed?: You decide.
Review: (WARNING: This film is definitely not for everyone, even if you're a gangster or noir film fan.) There is nothing about this film I dislike: plot, dialogue, wonderfully composed deep-focus shots, the subtle tri-color scheme which I missed on first viewing (which of course is the point of the film: we see, but do not observe), the characters, the Celtic-tinged score, editing, sound effects,acting, etc. The Coen brother's films are often offbeat to begin with, but this film reveals a depth rarely seen in this most commercial of eras.
Rating:
Summary: If you think you know the Coen Brothers¿
Review: It is hard to find DVDs treated with such reverence by their makers. The quality of the transfer, color saturation, and the extras are all some of the best seen in release. Add to that, one of the better bits of story-telling in many years. Hard to believe this was only the Coen Brother's second outing in film, just after the auspicious debut, "Blood Simple". For those who didn't pick up on their work until the success of "Raising Arizona", it is very much worth going back & picking up this DVD. It's recreation of the 1920s, and the dissection of gangland rivalries, is exceptional. Gabriel Byrne, Albert Finney, John Tuturro, Marcia Gay Harden are all exceptional. But there are many more actors in smaller but pivital rolls who will also catch your eye. And in the annals of cinema, the sequence where Albert Finney's character has a shoot-out with opposing gang hit-men, will be studied for years. Terrific storytelling, with nary a word spoken. It ranks up there with the opening scene of "Touch of Evil". For those of you who love great moviemaking, this is for you.
Rating:
Summary: One of my all-time favorites
Review: Miller's Crossing is still largely a cult classic, tragically. This movie is among the finest crime films of all time. The film is incredibly realistic, from the grittily real period dialogue, set design, and wardrobe to the engrossing tale of depression-era mob maneuvers and double-crosses that keeps twisting and turning until the final conclusion. Everything works, and the film is so utterly compelling that it deserves a more lofty position among the greatest crime films of all time. The production values are extraordinarily high. The Coens display a nearly obsessive attention to detail to recreate the time and setting of depression-era Chicago. The dialogue is sumptuous and full of colorful language and local aphorisms. Wardrobe, lighting, and sound all come together to form a distinct feel. This is the most period-accurate film I have ever seen. But all of that would mean nothing without effective storytelling and acting. The story revolves around Tom (Gabriel Byrne), right-hand man of a local, benevolent mob boss, Leo (Albert Finney). When he disagrees with his boss on whether or not to surrender a bookie (John Turturro), whose sister (Marcia Gay Harden) is romantically involved with both Leo and Tom, to an opposing mob boss (Jon Polito). What erupts is gang warfare, leading to shifting allegiances, deception, and a fascinating examination of duty and ethics. This is a character-driven tale, and it succeeds largely because of its very talented cast. Byrne is perfect as Tom, who comes off as apathetic, even psychopathic at times, but he is actually highly principled if you consider the context of his actions. Albert Finney is also marvelous as Leo, the well-meaning but somewhat incompetent gangster leader. John Turturro is genuinely hateful as a slimy bookie who tries to manipulate Tom's misfortunes to his own advantage, even after Tom saves his life. Jon Polito is great, as always, playing a very contradictory character very averse to getting the "high hat." Marcia Gay Harden, though, steals the show in an Oscar-nominated turn as a two-timing grifter. All of these actors are immaculately cast and give excellent performances. All things considered, this movie is one of the most complete, moving, and spellbinding historical epic and crime film ever made. This is definitely one to see, and hopefully someday this film will be able to take its rightful place among the best films ever made.
Rating:
Summary: The Coen Brothers' best
Review: Fargo, schmargo. This is the Coen brothers' movie that should've won an Oscar. It has everything that makes a movie a classic: a script so twisted and tight that it makes a pretzel look like a donut; pinpoint acting and editing; dark humor; and the classic Coen brothers look. Byrne and Finney, as Tommy and Leo, have an acting chemistry that I haven't seen in years. But even the other characters have ties and/or hatreds that are so believeable that they're almost unbelieveable: Caspar and the Dane, the Dane vs. Tommy, Bernie vs. Tommy, etc. In fact, at times, it's the entire world vs. Tommy. (How many times does he get beaten anyway? I lost count.) And, of course, there's Verna who has just about everyone wrapped around her cigarette stained fingers. What a character. My favorite scene? The amazing shoot-out to the tune of "Danny Boy". It's a waltz with bullets. To me, this is where the Coen brothers hit their peak.
Rating: 
Summary: Should be cheaper, but good gangster flick
Review: Miller's Crossing is one of those films that is like a fine wine, gets better as time passes. The performances are great, yet this isn't your typical Cohen brother film. I'd say this is their most serious effort to date. Worth a look for fans of ganster films, but you may want to think before purchasing cause there isn't much here in terms of extras. However, the film is something to savor.
Rating: 
Summary: "Nobody knows anybody. Not that well."
Review: Joel and Ethan Coen's "Miller's Crossing" teaches us that in many ways a career in crime is like a career is any other type of profession. There are codes of conduct to adhere to, customs to be observed, and ethical behavior is highly valued. However, there is one important difference - errors in judgment typically result in the loss of your life instead of the loss of your job. Johnny Caspar (Jon Polito) meets with rival gangster Leo (Albert Finney) to ask for permission to kill Bernie Bernbaum (John Turturro). Casper suspects Bernbaum of double-crossing him and is personally offended by the betrayal but Leo denies the request. Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne) knows that turning down Caspar will only lead to more trouble because of the influence Bernbaum's sister Verna (Marcia Gay Harden) has over Leo and him. Eventually, the problem with Bernbaum only worsens and by the time the situation is rectified, a series of double-crosses and murders have ensued. "Miller's Crossing" may be the Coens' least idiosyncratic work. The quirkiness of "Fargo," "The Big Lebowski," and "O Brother, Where Art Thou" is not as prevalent here. This film is a somber and atmospheric gangster film full of detail and nuance. Byrne delivers a smooth and dark performance and Finney creates for himself one of the greatest mob boss scenes ever when he takes matters into his own hands after gunmen break into his home. Polito, Turturro and Harden are also solid in their roles. Like "The Godfather" films, "Miller's Crossing" deals solely with the hermetically-sealed world of organized crime. The normal world does not intrude upon or interfere with this existence. For this reason, the insights we are afforded on gangster ethics prove fascinating and enlightening. Who knew that a lifestyle based on circumventing law and order placed such a high value on principles?
Rating:
Summary: Coen Brothers' best film
Review: Miller's Crossing" is set during the Prohibition-era of the 1930's. Leo ( Albert Finney)in an Irish gangster that has control over of an Eastern city, with the help of his trusted advisor and lieutenant Tom ( Gabriel Byrne). The rival gang is lead by Caspar ( Jon Polito). He wants a bookie named Bernie Bernbaum (John Turturo) dead, because he feels that Bernie has been cheating him. However, Bernie is the brother of Leo's mistress Verna (Marcia Gay Harden), and Leo refuses to kill him. So Caspar and his ruthless henchman Eddie Dane ( J.E. Freeman)fight for control of the town. Just as the threat erupts, Tom reveals that he wants Verna as well, and him and Leo have a falling out. Tom is suddenly stuck in between the two mobs when Caspar tries to recruit him. Out of loyalty to Leo, Tom tries his best to keep the peace. Unfortunately, he finds himself in the middle of war of constant ambushes and double crosses, where allegiances are constantly shifting, and nothing is ever what it seems. "Miller's Crossing" is without a doubt the Coen Brothers' best film, and one of the best gangster films that I have ever seen overall. The Coen Brothers manage to not only create a stunning, and graphic vision of gangsterism, but also a plot with tons of twists and turns as well. Just when you think you have it narrowed down to where Tom's loyalties lie, the story takes you someplace completely different. This makes the film original, because most mob films ONLY focus on power struggle and violence. While this film does have plenty of both, it also has elements of a great con artist film as well. This manages to keep you on the edge of your seat, and caught up in the story. The ending is absolutely outstanding. It is extremely satisfying and provides for an overall enjoyable experience. However, I am not taking away from the gangster aspect of the film. The costume and set designs, along with the mafia nicknames, dialogue, and overall power struggle, perfectly re-creates the look and feel of the Prohibition-era and the underworld warfare that occured. Next were the performances from the actors. Albert Finney, Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harden, Jon Polito, and J.E. Freeman were all phenomenal in their roles. Each bring something important to the film, and are all unique in their personalities as well. One of the best all around performances from a cast I have ever seen. The musical score is absolutely beautiful. One of the most powerful and moving scores that I have ever heard. Lastly, Barry Sonnefield once again provides for stunning cinematography! The Coen Brothers combined gangsterism with a twisting plot, and used a wonderful cast to bring the story to life. The cinematography, musical score, and stunning authenticity are all breathtaking. "Miller's Crossing" is a masterpiece that you will want to watch again and again. The good news is now the film is finally out on DVD. Not only do you get to see the film, but also the extras as well. There are interviews shown with all the main actors in the film, as well as a conversation with Barry Sonnefield. Pick this one up!!
Rating:
Summary: Pretentious drivel.
Review: This film is cleaver, the slow burn hammett style dialogue must have elicited a few sleepless nights stooped over the type writer (with the obligatory smouldering cigar poking its rear over the rim of an ashtray etc etc.) and the neo noir photography is 'gorgeous', with the 'honour amongst thieves' (and bookies and murderers and double crossers and confidence tricksters...) fallacy dispelled quite nicely. Typing that dubious (and requisite) kudo required as much grating of my teeth. The film is, as far as I'm concerned, willfully off-putting, self satisfied, pretentious..... The actors do their best, although they seem to have a real sense of reverence ('this is a smart movie') writ large upon their faces in every scene that requires them to spout forth the mucho stilted dialogue of which this movie is mostly composed. They shuffle through the film, strike poses (stunningly and ambiguously lit, of course) and spout forth the most ridiculous dialogue I've heard in years, as though they're somnambulist automatons plugged into the 'seedy-but-glistening-detective yarn' mainframe (there are a few silly visual tricks courtesy of the director of the "Men in Black" I and II, as is evident when Johnny Caspar confronts and executes "the Dane" figure). I realise that this is part of the films project, a revisionist potboiler, a left of centre treatise on human nature and the darkness within everyone including our (despondent, scheming but laconically smart) protagonist and what not. I don't care. How very pompous. The tranquil (read: composer on ritalin alert) title theme sets up the stolid, staid tone for the film within the first two or three minutes. The Coens again feel it fit to test out patience with their detached (and mypoic) view of human beings and their intrinsic pitfalls, it is almost as if in their quest not to pander to the audience and create some thoughtful Hollywood product, they forgot to add the most important ingredient (think of it in terms of baking powder in a cake mix); 'an iota of humanity'(understand that in whatever sense you will). I understand that the figures in this film are not meant to represent real people, they are ideal types to be found in pulp novels and films (I am sure there is a a veritable reference book of homages in this). That is not what I mean when I type 'iota of humanity'. I am against the pantomime nature of the references to be found in this and so many other nineties films. My point is that the Coens are cold technicians, manipulators of quasi-intellectualisms, precocious NYU graduates with a severe carrot up their collective asses. I have not enjoyed a single component of their misbegotten ouvre. I thought (based on the consistent praise this film elicits even from those who don't generally like the Coens' work) that this one would be different. It wasn't. When all's said, neo-noir is a big fat cliche these days anyway. I don't buy any of it (although I enjoyed 'The Grifters a lot more than this tripe).
Rating:
Summary: The Coens' Greatest
Review: Back in 1990, I was vaguely aware of the Coen Brothers, having seen Raising Arizona several dozen times. I was eager to see their new release, which from the ads seemed like it would be an entertaining, quirky gangster film. While I never got to see it theatrically, several months later I saw it on video and was amazed. Miller's Crossing is easily the best gangster film of all time. The dialogue is second-to-none, and the acting is simply perfect. Albert Finney delivers one of the greatest scenes in cinematic history when he shows why he's known as "an artist with the Thompson". This is as close to perfect as a movie can get. The wait for the release of this DVD was maddening. My trusty, old VHS copy had nearly worn out. When I finally picked this up, I was thrilled beyond belief. It was the first time I'd seen it widescreen, and the picture looked amazing compared to my old tape. While I would have liked to have seen a deluxe special edition, I'm more than pleased with this DVD. If you enjoy movies of any kind, you owe it to yourself to own Miller's Crossing.
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