The storyline of “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” has some good twists and interesting character studies. Certainly Sidney Lumet is a great filmmaker. Still I wish there had been less jumps between time periods of the characters lives. In this particular situation, at least to me, it did not seem to benefit the movie’s story. The intriguing plot draws you into the sibling relationships of adult children who are living out the repercussions of their disfunctional childhood.

The style of the movie is gritty and dark, portraying the feeling of despair and fear by the brothers very clearly. The screenplay is well written, with solid acting and direction providing the realistic atmosphere of the film.

Great acting work by Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney and Marisa Tomei make this a good film to catch on dvd.

2007. Directed by Sidney Lumet. Starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney, Marisa Tomei and Amy Ryan.

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