We Own The Night (DVD)

** We Own The Night **- May contain spoilers!! Director- James Gray Produced by- Joaquin Phoenix Edited- John Axelrad Distributed by- Universal and Colombia Pictures Runtime Time- 117min Certificate- 15 Released- Dec 14 07 Genre- Crime/ Thriller/ Gangster < Narrative > Set in 1988-1989, We Own the Night stars award winner Joaquin Phoenix as Bobby Green a manager of a successful nightclub in Brooklyn, New York owned by a Russian family. Bobby ...
...Background> The story of We Own the Night was influenced by many situations. The writers wanted something different, a film that was dramatic and had immediate action. The narrative was also influenced by a New York Times police story. There was a police story in the paper of a Policemans funeral and they liked the idea of using this in the film which you will see is a brilliant scene. There was also a lot of research done for the film, this included ...

blackmagicstar4 22.09.2008 · Read full review
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Review of We Own The Night (DVD)

...four films under his belt. We Own The Night is the third. As a writer, he has the same four films. It is quite a feat for someone to be the writer and director of the same film, but to do it four times over is nothing short of impressive. Joaquin Phoenix obviously thinks so. The actor has starred in three of Gray's four films: The Yards in 2000, We Own The Night in 2007, and 2008's Two Lovers, which was actually set for release in January 2009 to ...
...and again in this film, We Own The Night. The acting pair mentioned take up the role of two brothers on opposite sides of the law as James Gray writes and directs a wonderful tale of the combattting of drugs smuggling in 1980s Brooklyn. The film opens with some black and white stills of police in action in what I can only imagine is the 1980s - it is not made clear. This is accompanied by some loud but crisp and clean jazz music which sets the scene ...

pmcds 20.02.2009 · Read full review
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Review of We Own The Night (DVD)

...keep going to see them. We Own The Night however is a little different to the recent trend of movies. The main theme running through it is family conflict rather than an attempt at an all action film. This time round it relies on the development of the relationship between the characters and the way each character is portrayed to you the viewer. It isn't all action but if you allow the characters to immerse you in there story it is just as addictive. ...
...to do is create a movie that leaves the audience thinking throughout. It is at times a little tough going but I think that aids in keeping your attention focussed on the story. He uses some fantastic camera angles and apart from one scene during a car chase where the camera seems a little out of control his shooting methods work incredibly well. Using the right angles and lighting to create a very atmospheric film works in his favour and it's clear ...

Andy.mack 19.12.2007 · Read full review
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Review of We Own The Night (DVD)

...feelings of isolation well, but we never really get to know her. The original music by Wojciech Kilar suits the understated nature of the rest of the movie. He uses subtle string soundscapes with woodwinds to add depth. Minor key chimes are intended to set the nerves on edge, while piano and rising strings are meant to give resonance to important moments and harp and chime motifs for tragedy. After a key sequence, muted orchestral arrangements underline ...
...the emotional value of the scene. He keeps the viewers on tenterhooks with womb-like sounds for a pursuit through smoky reed beds, but allows himself reliable rising strings when the hero emerges triumphant. Other soundtrack choices feel less considered. For instance the music at the nightclub feels horribly dated. Were people in 1988 still dancing to Blondie at every available opportunity? And why is Bobby's home life accompanied by early 80s' ska? ...

afy9mab 01.04.2008 · Read full review
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Review of We Own The Night (DVD)

I saw this film at the cinema a few weeks ago. I'm not going to go into huge depth about who is in this and all that stuff - you can find that on IMDB if you want it. The film is about 2 brothers who as the movie starts are somewhat on opposite sides. Phoenix is the successful nightclub manager and his brother (Wahlberg) is making the senior rankings of the New York police in the anti-gang squad. (Their cap badge logo gives the film its name). ...
...you a very brief plot summary :- The bad guys are operating out of Phoenix's club. The police want the bad guys. After a family crisis, Phoenix changes sides. That is a VERY brief summary. The film is really quite complex with a large number of characters who weave in and out of the action at key moments. The action is fast paced and the narative rarely lets up on the tension. The violence is of the modern "realistic" variety, very sudden and ...

NomisG 27.11.2007 · Read full review
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Review of We Own The Night (DVD)