James Gray is a relative unknown in cinema. As a director, he has 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 avoid the Christmas rush! Mark Wahlberg is also a fan, having starred in The Yards in 2000 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.

When Joe and Bert warn Bobby that something is going down on his turf, the film goes into overdrive and we are treated to a harrowing portrayal of the criminal justice system with the police shown as the weaker species as a Russian drugs trafficker uses the club to peddle his merchandise, both under Bobby's nose and with the apparent lack of knowledge of the club's owner, the above board Marat Buzhayev (Moni Moshonov). When Joe is attacked and left for dead, Bobby must rethink his life and strategy and work out exactly where his loyalties lie: with his family, or with those he has chosen as his family.

I was impressed by the gravitas involved in the film. The scenery and soundtrack were ominous throughout, and you would be forgiven for describing this film as 'dark', for some of the content and indeed filming is rather toneless, giving the impression of colourlessness at points. The serious nature of the plot sends out a message to our modern society that relates a little to pride. The actions of Joe and Bert throughout the film, and also to others as the film progresses, including Bobby, shows that no matter the consequences, some people will do what it takes to bring criminals to justice. I was impressed also with Gray's handling of some sensitive issues, and also with Eva Mendes' acting as the girlfriend of what can only be described as a suffering man in Joaquin Phoenix's character Bobby.

In conclusion, We Own The Night is a very well written cop film, reminiscent of a classic novel involving families and the law, and what is right. Many people must stand up here to be applauded. The film does drag at times, but this is necessary, as I have already mentioned, and this is by no means enough to pull it down from its mantle of a 5 star rating from me. James Gray continues to impress me as a writer and as a director, and Phoenix and Wahlberg continue to do the same as actors, and now producers.