I think I'll resign myself to being one of those that is prepared to have missed a few things rather than flagellating myself several times to squeeze out that essence others seem so keen to leach on. It's an enjoyable film, with some great performances and dialogue, albeit with some daft stuff thrown in for good measure.

This early Coen Brothers outing is a notable stab at the gangster genre, although as with many nominal gangster movies the gangster material turns out to merely be the background for what is a tale of human character and motivation, of loyalty and redemption, of following and leadership, and of plenty more besides. I found this a little similar to the warring gang plotline of YOJIMBO with the visual flourishes and look of BOARDWALK EMPIRE, and of course Steve Buscemi has a cameo here too. The cast are very good, both from the big names - Finney, Byrne - and the less well known actors, Jon Polito in particular standing out. There's plenty of violence and action for those who like that stuff, but it's the double-crossing and introspection that makes this work.

It's the Prohibition era. Leo O'Bannon (Albert Finney) is an Irish mob boss who controls the city. Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne) is his right hand man. Verna (Marcia Gay Harden) has the boss wrapped around her little finger. Only Leo doesn't know that Verna is also sleeping with Tom. Italian rival Johnny Caspar (Jon Polito) wants to kill bookie Bernie Bernbaum (John Turturro) who's been taking advantage of him. Tom tries to get Leo to give up Bernie but he's Verna's brother and Leo refuses. Leo and Johnny go to war. Leo kicks Tom out when he reveals his affair with Verna. Tom goes to work for Caspar and he's commanded to execute Bernie in the woods at Miller's Crossing.

It's the third big great movie from the Coen brothers and they show a real mastery of the cinematic arts. It is beautifully shot, ultra violent, and the actors are some of the best around. It is hard-boiled gangster noir and one of the best for fans of the genre. The mannerisms and dense dialog can put off some people and may lose some who don't pay enough attention. There are no good guys in this story. It is strictly anti-hero stuff. That may also put off some people. The audience is asked to pull for Gabriel Byrne even though he's still a gangster, just a more reasonable one.