Today’s quick review: Live by Night. Joe Coughlin (Ben Affleck), a criminal in 1920s Boston, makes a costly mistake when he crosses Albert White (Robert Glenister), the head of the Irish mob. Beaten and left for the police, Coughlin gets his revenge by going to work for Maso Pescatore (Remo Girone), White’s Italian rival. Pescatore sends Coughlin to manage his bootlegging operation in Tampa, a daunting task that will push Coughlin to his limits.
Live by Night is a Prohibition-era crime drama written and directed by Ben Affleck. The movie follows Joe Coughlin, a self-proclaimed outlaw, as he is forced to work for the rulers of the Boston underworld rather than live the life of freedom he craves. Live by Night has an unusually mature story for a crime drama, with multifaceted characters and an interesting plot. Even so, it’s missing the flashy moments and emotional resonance of other crime films.
Live by Night covers a lot of ground with its story. Coughlin’s journey takes him from small-time robber to rum baron, with plenty of shrewd moves and setbacks along the way. The story touches on deeper topics such as Coughlin’s pangs of conscience, American cultural battles over drinking and gambling, and the racial tensions of the 1920s and 1930s. Live by Night is in many ways a typical gangster movie, but its story gives it an identity of its own.
Still, Live by Night lacks the raw power seen in the best movies in the genre. Coughlin makes for a likable protagonist due to both his strength and his softer side, but he’s missing the pathos of other movie criminals. He’s neither a tragic figure nor a triumphant one, just a man with a level head, his own priorities, and a dubious line of work. Likewise, the movie as a whole has solid craftsmanship, but it never goes above and beyond.
Give Live by Night a shot when you’re in the mood for a well-constructed crime drama with a good mixture of plot and moral depth. Live by Night misses an opportunity by not aiming higher with its story, characters, and presentation style, but a host of smaller touches—including a unique setting and a nuanced main character—make it a worthwhile watch nonetheless. Skip it if you’re looking for raw action or a more emotionally laden drama.
For a Prohibition-era crime drama with similar depth, try Miller’s Crossing or Road to Perdition. For a crime drama with a broader scope, try Gangs of New York or Once Upon a Time in America. For a similar style of crime drama set in 1920s Barcelona, try Gun City.
6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for a thoughtful story and good craftsmanship.