Rating: 
Summary: One of the best Gangster Movies ever...
Review: This movie should be required viewing for the genre, right alongside The Godfather -- and frankly, I like Miller's Crossing better.The camera work is beautifully done, the music perfect, and the acting is all good -- and some of it is truly outstanding, particularly Gabriel Byrne's and Albert Finney's performances. One of my favorite scenes in the movie involves Leo (Albert Finney), a few assassins sent to kill him, and some very enthusiastic gunplay. I won't spoil it, but watch Leo's cigar, and his facial expressions. Albert Finney is GOOD. And Gabriel Byrne was so good as Tom that I've never been able to watch him in any other movie without thinking, "Where's his fedora?" The setting of the Prohibition Era is perfectly rendered, yet the characters are perfectly archetypical and the story is timeless. Anyone who likes Gangster Movies must watch Miller's Crossing. (And I cannot resist this response to one previous review: Anyone who thinks it's "boring" should TRY WATCHING IT, instead of fast-forwarding through it looking for the explosions and car chases.)
Rating:
Summary: Hats Off All the Way Around
Review: A rich, complex masterpiece of a movie. Like a fine old tapestry, the overall effect is wonderful to behold; then you begin to examine it closely, and the artistry involved in each thread and every weave becomes dazzlingly apparent. This is a movie that commands your complete attention as it unfolds; immediately begins to haunt you when it ends; and then continues to beckon to you for another viewing. The script is labyrinthine, centering around Tom Regan (Gabriel Byrne) as he maneuvers among competing factions of the mob (Albert Finney, Jon Polito, and others) during the Prohibition era. Mystery builds as one double cross piles on top of another while unexpected twists and turns complicate the puzzle. The viewer is kept entertainingly off-balance throughout. Nothing is predictable; surprises abound; and yet, by the time the closing credits roll, everything is resolved in a way that makes perfect sense, with each character having remained true to himself (or herself) all along. Characters this complex demand the most of the actors playing them, and happily, the entire cast of "Miller's Crossing" is uniformly superb. Gabriel Byrne underplays beautifully, imbuing Tom with a supernatural calm that always seems just-this-close to erupting into something frightening and violent. Albert Finney gives one of his finest performances as the gangster kingpin who is slowly beginning to lose control of both the rackets and the local politicians; the scene in which he senses invaders in his home and slowly but surely plans his escape strategy is brilliantly played. John Turturro scores heavily as a conniving second-rate hood who wants to move into the big-time; and Marcia Gay Harden (always an underrated actress despite her eventual supporting actress Oscar win for "Pollock") is nothing short of perfection as his toughly protective - and confidently sexy - sister who can more than hold her own among the male denizens of this seedy underworld. Add to this marvelous mix of script and cast some razor-sharp editing, a lush musical score, exquisite cinematography, and intelligent direction, and what you end up with is a film that begs to designated a genuine classic of the American cinema. For once 20th Century-Fox Home Video has done justice to one of their DVD releases. This edition offers a sharp video transfer and clear audio. The DVD also includes the Theatrical Trailer for this film and two other Coen Brothers offerings, "Barton Fink" and "Raising Arizona"; very insightful interview clips with Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harden, and John Turturro on the making of the film; an unfortunately limited (and mediocre) stills gallery; and an audio commentary. This is one you'll want to own and watched repeatedly; each viewing promises to expose additional layers of nuance and intrigue.
Rating:
Summary: A Movie for Movie Lovers
Review: In an age when most commercial films are really just big TV shows with bloated budgets, cheesy acting and clumsy handling, "Miller's Crossing" reminds us of why we go to movies in the first place. Lovingly cinematic and with subtleties of character that bely their simplicity, this Coen brothers production takes us on a wonderful ride into the pulp fictional world of gangsters. Gabriel Byrne is near perfect as Tom, the tight-lipped lieutenant of an aging mob boss named Leo, played warmly--but with teeth--by the delightful Albert Finney. Dirty dealings and doublecrosses aside, the story is really about love--love of man and woman, love of brother and sister, love of friends, love of surrogate father to surrogate son. Entangled in a brewing gang war and his own conflicted affair with Leo's girlfriend (luscious and sharp-tongued Marsha Gay Harden), Tom must play his cards close to the vest in order to survive and protect those he cares about. Like all of the Coens' films, "Miller's Crossing" will remind you of other things--the ending seems straight out of "The Third Man" and a character name even pops up from "Rear Window"--but part of the joy is seeing their love of film reflected in the events onscreen. Along the way, the Coens manage to reinvent sounds and images we've seen a thousand times before, so that the staccato burst of a Tommy Gun or a dueling fist fight seem suddenly fresh and brilliant. Add a terrific soundtrack, and the result is a cinematic experience, not just a movie. Look for Coen regulars Steve Buscemi, John Turturro and Jon Polito in smaller but effective supporting roles.
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Summary: I'm talking about friendship......character.......ethics....
Review: Certainly my favorite Cohen brothers film (and I consider myself an aficionado of their work) and one of my favorite films of all-time, Miller's Crossing is a brushstroke of genius, in every way imaginable, a complete masterwork if I've ever seen one. The plot has been summed up in previous reviews: a power-struggle between the Irish mob and the Italians in an unnamed city on the east coast (I'm assuming). It involves complex loyalties and trusts, forged and broken, keeping you guessing character motives and alliances until the very end. Gabriel Byrne plays the wonderfully dark Tom Regan, right hand man to the always-brilliant Albert Finney's Liam 'Leo' O'Bannon. Everyone in the film shines. I was particularly taken with Jon Polito's Giovanni 'Johnny Caspar' Casparo. On the surface, a hot-headed simpleton, but underneath, one of the more torn and complex mobsters since Pacino's Michael Corleone. The theme of the film can be summed up by Johnny Caspar's frustrated expectations of his employees: "Friendship.....character....ethics....." The movie exists as a complicated character study of these traits and how they affect the lives of the many characters involved. Some of the villains in the film seem to live by the 'honor among the thieves' credo more so than the films 'heroes' if indeed there are any. The film looks stunning, as can be expected from the Cohen's, and the aforementioned score is one of the most used in film trailers to this day. The scenes at Miller's Crossing with Tom chasing his hat and then being put to the test later in the film are simply stunning. All the praise in the world from an amateur reviewer such as myself won't make you see the film, but trust me, if there was such a thing as a perfect movie, for me, this is it. Now stop givin' me the High Hat and check out the film!
Rating:
Summary: It's About Time!
Review: Aside from The Godfather and the Star Wars and Indiana Jones films, this, for me, was one of very few films I _had_ to own on DVD (I was thrilled when I received The Hustler and am still awaiting a single-sided, dual-layer version of Goodfellas). For me, this is a top-25 film of all time. An excellent movie on a variety of levels; the dialogue is sharp and powerful, at other times playful and humorous; the photography is at times grand and at others memorable; the plot will require you to think -- a mark of a good movie; the story is told so well, so carefully, and the characters are so vivid and well-crafted, that this will be a film you'll want to revisit, like a fine novel or a fine wine, over the years. It's a shame it's taken this long to arrive on DVD, but if you have already seen it you know it's worth the wait, and if you haven't yet seen it, then order it, experience it and you'll understand.
Rating: 
Summary: Another Coen Bros. Knockoff
Review: This time the Coens decide to knockoff Dashiell Hammett's The Glass Key. They do bring a lot of style to the project, but forget anything about substance. The film is a tiresome bore, overproduced and over-acted. Flashy and convinced of it's own significance, the film suffers from a severe case of obviousness. Once you see (and you'll see it pretty quick) that each character is going to double cross every other character, the film has nowhere to go, and it goes there in a hurry.
Rating:
Summary: Under appreciated in 1990. This movie is GREAT!!
Review: The Coen Brothers throw all the style they can muster at the gangster genre, and the result is splendiforous!
Miller's Crossing wasn't apperciated at the time of its release. In some ways, it out Tarantinos Taratino, before there was a Tarantino. But beyond all the stylish direction and amazing visuals, the story doesn't disappoint. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR. If you think you love movies, and you haven't seen this one, BUY IT.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant!
Review: This is one of my favourite movies. Like other reviewers, I have been keenly awaiting this DVD release. This powerful gangster movie is brilliantly filmed and acted with Gabriel Byrne and John Turturro putting in the performances of their respective careers. The movie builds suspense and contains snappy dialogue and great one-liners. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: A long wait is well worth it.
Review: This film has been on many "needs to be on DVD" lists. Now we can enjoy this truly ingenious film in widescreen with digital clarity. All I will say is this film delivers. From the sublime acting on all parts to the outstanding script to the seamless production quality, this film has it to spare. Buy this buy this buy this buy this buy this. Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Thank You...
Review: Since I've owned a DVD player I have prayed that this movie be released. It's late release is kind of good in a way. Now that most soundtracks are digitally reproduced in, at least, DTS or 5.1 format. This is good because the Carter Burwell soundtrack is one of my favorites, it haunts me. The images and sounds of this movie are truly outstanding. Enjoy.
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