Live by Night

Synopsis

In Live by Night, directed by Ben Affleck, we delve into the tumultuous world of organized crime during the Prohibition era. The film follows Joe Coughlin (Affleck), a war veteran turned gangster, as he rises through the ranks of the criminal underworld in 1920s Boston. Betrayed by those he trusted, Joe flees to Tampa, where he partners with the local mob. Amidst the treacherous landscape of smuggling and power struggles, he must navigate his complex relationships with fellow criminals and law enforcement, as well as the personal demons that threaten to consume him. The film paints a vivid portrait of a man attempting to forge his own destiny in a world that offers no redemption, showcasing themes of loyalty, ambition, and the dark consequences of a life of crime. With stunning cinematography and a period-accurate setting, 'Live by Night' presents a gritty narrative that explores the choices that define a man's life and the price one pays for the pursuit of power.

Cast

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  Ben Affleck

  Joe Coughlin

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  Elle Fanning

  Loretta Figgis

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  Brendan Gleeson

  Thomas Coughlin

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  Chris Messina

  Dion Bartolo

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  Sienna Miller

  Emma Gould

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  Zoe Saldaña

  Graciella Suarez

Reviews

Critics have had mixed feelings about Live by Night, with some praising its ambition and visual style, while others point to shortcomings in the storytelling. Rotten Tomatoes shows a 35% approval rating, indicating a significant divide among viewers and critics. The New York Times highlighted the film's 'sleek visuals and period detail,' noting that Affleck's directorial choices create an engaging aesthetic. However, it concluded that the film ultimately 'suffers from muddled plotting.' On IMDb, the film holds a score of 6.4/10, which reflects a subdued reception from the audience. Metacritic gives it a score of 49/100, suggesting 'mixed or average reviews'. Variety pointed out that while the film is visually compelling, it 'fails to find a cohesive narrative thread,' which detracts from its potential as a gripping gangster saga. Overall, while some artful elements are present, the criticism centers on the pacing and depth of character development, evidencing the challenges of adapting a novel into a cinematic experience.