We Own the Night (2007) Review in 2025
We Own the Night is a gripping crime drama that follows the story of a nightclub owner who gets caught up in a world of crime and corruption. The movie features intense action sequences, a gripping storyline, and outstanding performances from the cast.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, due to its intense violence and mature themes, this movie is not suitable for family viewing.
CineReview Recommendation
We Own the Night is a gripping crime drama that is worth watching for fans of the genre. It's a tense and engaging movie with outstanding performances from the cast. However, it's not suitable for family viewing due to its intense violence and mature themes.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie revolves around the story of Joe Gruszczyk, a nightclub owner who gets caught up in a world of crime and corruption when his younger brother, a police officer, gets involved with a notorious crime lord. As Joe tries to protect his brother, he finds himself in a series of intense confrontations with the crime lord's henchmen, leading to a thrilling climax.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a gripping narrative that keeps the viewer hooked. However, the plot twists are somewhat predictable, and the ending feels a bit rushed.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Joaquin Phoenix delivering a raw and emotional performance. Mark Wahlberg and Robert Duvall also deliver strong performances, bringing depth and nuance to their characters.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Joaquin Phoenix delivering a standout performance as the troubled nightclub owner. Mark Wahlberg and Robert Duvall also deliver strong performances as his brother and father, respectively.
direction8.00/10
James Gray's direction is solid, with a keen eye for detail and a sense of pacing that keeps the movie moving. However, some scenes feel a bit overlong, and the cinematography could have been more impressive.
cinematography6.50/10
The cinematography is decent, but it fails to impress. The camera work is often static, and the lighting is sometimes uneven. However, the nighttime scenes are well-shot, and the use of shadows adds to the tension.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Engaging storyline, outstanding performances from the cast, tense and thrilling action sequences.
Cons
Predictable plot twists, uneven cinematography, some scenes feel overlong.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a cop, I'm a nightclub owner."
"You're a cop, Joe. You're supposed to be on the other side of the law."
