Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Aroview: Intense tragi-thriller centred around a pair of hapless brothers (Hoffman and Hawke) who face devastating family consequences after a botched jewellery store robbery.

Not so much convoluted as overly fragmented, the time-shifting plot structure tends to lessen the intensity of what is at stake, particularly in the concluding half. However, crime fans will find plenty to get their teeth into, with old pro dir. Sidney Lumet sustaining a palpaple sense of dread throughout, while drawing out the respective and considerable strengths of his excellent cast.

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